FERC Relicensing in Western North Carolina

About this grant

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission grants 30 to 50-year operating licenses to hydropower facilities. Although the majority of license were first granted when environmental impacts were seldom considered, hydropower generators must now consider such impacts when applying for new licenses due to changes to the Federal Power Act and adoption of the Clean Water Act. This process allows conservation organizations the opportunity to work with hydropower generators to ensure that new licenses include environmental considerations.Duke Power is in the process of two major relicensings within the western portion of North Carolina. Multiyear funding will enable the Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA) to participate in both relicensings to ensure that freshwater conservation parameters are included in the final agreements. Activities will include finalizing the Nantahala/Tuckaseegee/Little Tennessee relicensing process and initiating research, education and outreach in the Catawba Watershed.WNCA is a community-based organization created to promote a sense of stewardship and caring for the natural environment. Its primary goal is to protect and preserve the natural land, water and air resources in western North Carolina.