Hydropower and NPS

Photo - Joan Harn

The National Park Service (NPS) participates in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing proceedings to protect and enhance recreation opportunities and improve environmental and cultural resources protection at new and existing hydropower facilities across the nation, even if they don’t affect the National Park System. For more information about our work including a map with projects we are currently supporting, please see this story map.

Applicants for FERC hydropower licenses are required to consult with the NPS about:

• All resources affected within National Park System areas

• Recreational resources (includes land management and aesthetic issues) even if the project doesn’t affect the National Park System

• Historic and archeological values

The NPS primarily makes recommendations about:

• Recreation access and facilities

• Instream flows for recreation

• Riparian corridor and conservation buffer zone protection

• Park System resources

NPS authority:

• NPS has authority to require mandatory conditions, but only for select units of the National Park system, depending on the authorizing legislation.

The NPS provides technical assistance to all participants in FERC proceedings:

• National Park System areas affected by hydropower licenses

• Identifies issues and works to resolve potential problems between industry and recreational user groups

• Works with local interest groups, industry, and state and other federal agencies

FERC hydropower projects affect many national park areas; please check the Regional Hydro Representative Contact List with any changes or questions.