Federal Power Act

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s process of licensing or re-licensing a hydropower project triggers NOAA’s authority under the Federal Power Act. The resulting license conditions govern the operations of the hydropower project for 30 to 50 years. During this relicensing process, NOAA Fisheries protects fish and their habitat by requiring improved fish passage at dams, and by recommending conditions to the license that will protect or improve habitat and fish populations. Learn more at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.