Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA)
The Wild and Scenic Rivers act was enacted by Congress in 1968 to serve as a counter to an era of dambuilding, protecting some of the Nation’s greatest remaining free-flowing rivers.
Federal Power Act
The Federal Power Act, enacted by Congress in 1935, was the result of a long debate over whether the Federal Government should permit private interests to develop the hydroelectric potential of the waters of the United States, or whether it should reserve such development for itself for the public benefit.
Rivers and Harbors Act
This Act enacted in 1899 requires that authorization be obtained from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for the construction of any structure, such as dams, in or over any navigable water of the United States.