Who we are

We're a coalition of more than 140 national, state and local conservation and recreation groups that care about rivers and work hard to protect them from harmful hydropower dams.

Why hydropower reform

When we use a river to generate electricity we harm the river, often badly. The good news is that we can keep our rivers healthy and keep the lights on by bringing hydropower projects up to modern standards.

Get involved

Are the rivers you care about being harmed by hydropower? You can help them to heal by getting involved when a dam owner seeks a new operating license. Our Hydro Licensing Guide will teach you how to get started and be effective.


Federal Power Act

The Federal Power Act (FPA) enacted by the Congress in 1935 regulates non-federal hydropower projects. The Act also created the Federal Power Commission (now known as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC), which among other things is responsible for regulation of non-federal hydropower projects. Learn more about the Act and how it relates to hydropower licensing.

 


Activists' Preparation Guide

The Activist’s Preparation Guide focuses on the six-month-to-two-year preparatory phase before the relicensing begins. While this guide is targeted toward citizen activists, it can help governmental agencies, tribes, organizations, and businesses understand the relicensing process and how to play a productive role in it.

 


Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a regulatory framework that requires states to generate a certain amount of electricity from renewable energy sources.

Many states already have a RPS goal while others are developing such a goal.