Charles R. Sensiba

Member

Charles Sensiba provides legal counsel to and represents the firm’s clients before administrative agencies, Congress, and the courts in matters pertaining to energy and natural resources. His practice places particular emphasis on the regulation of hydroelectric facilities under the Federal Power Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and other federal statutes affecting energy and water development. Mr. Sensiba currently is involved in several major hydroelectric relicensing proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as matters pertaining to license implementation and compliance, annual charges regulation, and federal jurisdiction over hydroelectric facilities.

Mr. Sensiba also is actively involved in several organizations within the hydroelectric industry. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the American Bar Association’s Hydro Committee and previously as Vice Chair of the Energy Bar Association’s Hydroelectric Regulation Committee. In addition, he is a member of the National Hydropower Association (NHA) and actively participates in NHA’s Regulatory Affairs Committee and Legal Affairs Task Force.

In addition to his involvement in these organizations, Mr. Sensiba has written extensively on issues regarding hydroelectric regulation, including: “Hydropower,” The Year in Review 2006 (2007); “Hydroelectric Regulation Under the Federal Power Act,” Waters and Water Rights (2004); “Does Your FERC License Amendment Require State Water Quality Certification?” HydroVision 2004; “Hydroelectric Regulation,” Energy Law and Transaction (2003); “Taxation Without Documentation: Are Licensees Paying Too Much in Annual Charges?” Waterpower XII (2001); “Is Hydropower Facing Extinction?” Legal Times (April 24, 2000) at 35; and “Who’s in Charge Here? The Shrinking Role of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Hydropower Relicensing,” 70 University of Colorado Law Review 603 (1999).

Professional and Civic Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Energy Bar Association
• National Hydropower Association

Publications

“Hydropower,” The Year in Review 2006 (2007)

“Hydroelectric Regulation Under the Federal Power Act,” Waters and Water Rights (2004)

“Does Your FERC License Amendment Require State Water Quality Certification?” HydroVision 2004

“Hydroelectric Regulation,” Energy Law and Transaction (2003)

“Taxation Without Documentation: Are Licensees Paying Too Much in Annual Charges?” Waterpower XII (2001)

“Is Hydropower Facing Extinction?” Legal Times (April 24, 2000) at 35

“Who’s in Charge Here? The Shrinking Role of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Hydropower Relicensing,” 70 University of Colorado Law Review 603 (1999)

Speaking Engagements

• NHA Annual Conference, April 13, 2008
• California Hydroelectric Projects Conference, May 10, 2007, The Seminar Group

News

• Van Ness Feldman Elects Two New Members in Natural Gas, Hydropower Practice Areas