FERC policy statement to articulate its commitment to promote a government to-government relationship between itself and federally-recognized Indian tribes. The policy statement recognizes the sovereignty of tribal nations and the Commission’s trust responsibility to Indian tribes. The policy statement also establishes a tribal liaison position. Finally, the policy establishes certain actions specific to the hydroelectric program.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was created to prevent the extinction of plants and animals while helping to recover those species that have been listed as being threatened or endangered.
Section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires licensees to obtain a valid certification approved by the State to assure that project construction and operation will be consistent with the State’s coastal zone management program.
Section 401 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) bars FERC from issuing a license for a hydropower project until the state or states where the project is located certify that the project will comply with applicable state water quality standards.
NEPA requires all federal agencies to analyze the environmental impacts of their actions along with alternatives to those actions.