FERC Chairman Jon Wellinghoff and Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to streamline the permitting process for small-scale hydropower projects that utilize existing dams or other infrastructures such as canals and conduits.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the relicensing of the Claytor hydroelectric project located on the New River in  Pulaski County in Virginia. Appalachian Power Company is seeking to get a new license for the 75 MW project and had filed its application in June 2009.

Through a letter sent to the Department of Interior and Department of Energy, the Hydropower Reform Coalition supported the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached by the two departments for offshore energy development, including marine and hydrokinetic.

On July 15, 2010 FERC approved a settlement reached in January 2009 by the City of Tacoma, Skokomish Tribe, and state and federal agencies and issued a 50-year license for the Cushman hydroelectric project.

FERC has issued a 40-year license to the Granite County to operate a 2MW project on the Georgetown Lake dam.

The Department of Interior and the Department of Energy have agreed to strengthen the working relationship between the two agencies on the future development of commercial renewable offshore energy projects, including the marine and hydrokinetic energy projects, on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

FERC Staff have prepared and issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed surrender of the Kilarc-Cow Creek project (P-606) by Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

The US Senate, this week, confirmed Cheryl LaFleur as the fifth member of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and reconfirmed Philip Moeller for his second term.

The Hydropower Reform Coalition has partnered with the National Park Service with assistance from the Department of Energy to produce a whitepaper on recreational issues related to the marine and hydrokinetic energy technologies, which is now available for public review.

Through an order issued on June 2, 2010, FERC has certified the increased hydropower generation from Mystic Lake hydropower project (P-2301) in Montana to be eligible for tax credits.