In an announcement made yesterday, President Barack Obama has designated Jon Wellinghoff to be the Chairman of Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and re-appointed Suedeen G. Kelly as a Commissioner.

In a move that has disappointed many, FERC has rejected a request to predict and evaluate the changes in project effects that will occur as a result of climate change that is likely to impact the local patterns of precipitation, runoff, evapo-transpiration and other meteorological patterns in two watershed in California.

Through a letter sent last week, the Department of Interior (DOI) has requested FERC for a rehearing of the decision to issue an amended license that allows for operation of hydrokinetic project on the Mississippi river in Hastings, Minnesota.

FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher will step down at the start of the new administration on January 20.

Through a press release issued last week, FERC has claimed jurisdiction over hydro projects on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), a region within three miles off the ocean shore.

After 14 years of in-operation, FERC has terminated the license for Appleton Trust hydropower Project on the Hamilton Canal in Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

FERC issued a 40-year license today to United Water Conservation District for operation of Santa Felicia hydroelectric project in Ventura County, CA.

There have been increasing concerns in Utah about the adequacy of studies to be done for the proposed Lake Powell pipeline project which will also include hydropower projects.