National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
NEPA requires all federal agencies to analyze the environmental impacts of their actions along with alternatives to those actions.
Federal Power Act (FPA)
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.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
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.
Coastal Zone Managemnt Act (CZMA)
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.
Clean Water Act (CWA)
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.