Hydropower Practice
Issue Alerts
Weekly Climate Change Update- May 12, 2008
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Kevin Gallagher, Alex LazurMay 12, 2008
The Lieberman-Warner bill continues to take center stage in Climate Change news, as it appears that Democratic Senators from manufacturing states may not vote for it. Provisions allowing the use of Clean Development Mechanism credits and credits from activities to reduce deforestation in developing countries might possibly be added to the Manager's Amendment. In addition, the Pew Center on Global Climate Change released a report reviewing the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme and how it might be helpful in designing a U.S. program.
Weekly Climate Change Update - May 5, 2008
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Andrea Campbell, Kevin GallagherMay 5, 2008
Over the last week, the biggest emerging question is what will be in the Manager's Amendment, an overhaul of the Lieberman-Warner bill designed to attract more votes. Meanwhile, the Energy Information Administration released its analysis of the Lieberman-Warner bill, showing allowance prices doubling from $30/ton to $60/ton between 2020 and 2030. Also, some Senate Republicans may endorse an alternative approach proposed by Senator Voinovich that focuses on tax incentives and other subsidies for clean energy technologies.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - April 28, 2008
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Andrea Campbell, Kevin GallagherApril 28, 2008
Noteworthy in Climate Change news this week was the "Manager's Amendment" drawn up by the staff for Senators Boxer, Lieberman, and Warner. In addition, Senator Voinovich (R-OH) is working on a bill focusing on technology incentives. Also, some Senators are considering ways to expand the Lieberman-Warner bill to target deforestation.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Update - April 21, 2008
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Andrea Campbell, Kevin GallagherApril 21, 2008
President Bush's Rose Garden speech on climate change policy was the topic of conversation in this week's climate change news, although it brought about less of an impact than anticipated. In addition, the Governors of 18 states signed a declaration requesting a federal-state partnership to address climate change. Also in the news were the two front-page articles in the Wall Street Journal on problems with the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism.
Weekly Climate Change Policy Upate - April 14, 2008
Kyle Danish, Shelley Fidler, Andrea Campbell, Kevin GallagherApril 14, 2008
It is expected that the Lieberman-Warner bill will be brought to the Senate floor on June 2nd, which will likely include a manager's amendment to the bill. Also in the news is the "cost containment" compromise that could be in the works with the help of the National Commission on Energy Policy, the Nicholas Institute, and the US Climate Action Partnership.
Articles
U.S. Climate Change Policy Will Drive Significant Investment Opportunities in Traditional and Alternative Energy
Ben McMakin and Janet AndersonManaged Funds Association Reporter
April 2008
A new President and the likelihood of more Democrats in the House and Senate may tip the balance of power in energy debates from traditional oil and gas interests to proponents of new energy sources and cleantech goods and services. While we watch the election unfold, and as the rhetorical battles over energy policy continue in Washington, D.C., climate change legislation looms largest of all the energy debates.
Creating a New FERC Licensing Process
Mike Swiger, Megan GrantHydro Review
May 1, 2004
Using a stakeholder-based effort to reform the approach to hydropower licensing, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission created a new licensing process known as the ILP. Whether the new ILP process will, in fact, produce more expeditious and balanced relicensing outcomes is a story that will unfold over the next several years as many of the U.S.’s hydropower projects come up for relicensing.
Hydro Licensing Reform: A Comprehensive Look at the Proposals
Mike Swiger, Megan GrantHydro Review
March 1, 2003
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has begun a stakeholder-wide effort to reform the hydropower licensing process, incorporating proposals from government and industry groups, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the public. This article outlines the various proposals FERC is considering, and offers insight about when action might be taken.
Seminars & Events
NHA Annual Conference
Capital Hilton, Washington, DCApril 13, 2008
Van Ness Feldman will be sponsoring the President's Luncheon on April 15. Chuck Sensiba, Matthew Love, and Mike Swiger will serve as panelists.
The Climate of Hydro Annual Conference 2008
Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront, Portland, ORFebruary 19, 2008
Van Ness Feldman's Kyle Danish will be speaking on Climate Change during the first panel at 10 AM on February 20.
American Public Power Association Legal Seminar
Hydroelectric Licensing DevelopmentsSeattle, WA
October 17, 2007
John Clements will outline recent developments in hydroelectric licensing. Matt Love will speak about Endangered Species Act issues associated with hydroelectric licensing.
WaterPower 2007
HCI PublicationsChattanooga, TN
July 24, 2007
Waterpower XV provides a unique learning opportunity for hydro professionals of every level. Individuals new to the industry can receive the training needed to further their professional development. Industry veterans can expand their knowledge on specific areas of interest. Van Ness Feldman will have an exhibit table at the conference.
California Hydroelectric Projects Conference
The Seminar GroupMay 10, 2007
Charles Sensiba presented on Hydropower Judicial & Administrative Update.