16 USC 823c - Alaska State jurisdiction over small hydroelectric projects

U.S Code last checked for updates: Feb 21, 2025

§ 823c.

Alaska State jurisdiction over small hydroelectric projects

(a)

Discontinuance of regulation by the Commission

Notwithstanding sections 797(e) and 817 of this title, the Commission shall discontinue exercising licensing and regulatory authority under this subchapter over qualifying project works in the State of Alaska, effective on the date on which the Commission certifies that the State of Alaska has in place a regulatory program for water-power development that—

(1)

protects the public interest, the purposes listed in paragraph (2), and the environment to the same extent provided by licensing and regulation by the Commission under this subchapter and other applicable Federal laws, including the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.);

(2)

gives equal consideration to the purposes of—

(A)

energy conservation;

(B)

the protection, mitigation of damage to, and enhancement of, fish and wildlife (including related spawning grounds and habitat);

(C)

the protection of recreational opportunities;

(D)

the preservation of other aspects of environmental quality;

(E)

the interests of Alaska Natives; and

(F)

other beneficial public uses, including irrigation, flood control, water supply, and navigation; and

(3)

requires, as a condition of a license for any project works—

(A)

the construction, maintenance, and operation by a licensee at its own expense of such lights and signals as may be directed by the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, and such fishways as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as appropriate;

(B)

the operation of any navigation facilities which may be constructed as part of any project to be controlled at all times by such reasonable rules and regulations as may be made by the Secretary of the Army; and

(C)

except as provided in subsection (j), conditions for the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife based on recommendations received pursuant to the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) from the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and State fish and wildlife agencies.

(b)

Definition of “qualifying project works”

For purposes of this section, the term “qualifying project works” means project works—

(1)

that are not part of a project licensed under this part or exempted from licensing under this subchapter or section 2705 of this title prior to November 9, 2000;

(2)

for which a preliminary permit, a license application, or an application for an exemption from licensing has not been accepted for filing by the Commission prior to November 9, 2000 (unless such application is withdrawn at the election of the applicant);

(3)

that are part of a project that has a power production capacity of 5,000 kilowatts or less;

(4)

that are located entirely within the boundaries of the State of Alaska; and

(5)

that are not located in whole or in part on any Indian reservation, a conservation system unit (as defined in section 3102(4) of this title), or segment of a river designated for study for addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

(c)

Election of State licensing

(d)

Project works on Federal lands

With respect to projects located in whole or in part on a reservation, a conservation system unit, or the public lands, a State license or exemption from licensing shall be subject to—

(1)

the approval of the Secretary having jurisdiction over such lands; and

(2)

such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe.

(e)

Consultation with affected agencies

(f)

Application of Federal laws

(g)

Oversight by the Commission

(h)

Resumption of Commission authority

(i)

Determination by the Commission

(1)

Upon application by the Governor of the State of Alaska, the Commission shall within 30 days commence a review of the State of Alaska’s regulatory program for water-power development to determine whether it complies with the requirements of subsection (a).

(2)

The Commission’s review required by paragraph (1) shall be completed within 1 year of initiation, and the Commission shall within 30 days thereafter issue a final order determining whether or not the State of Alaska’s regulatory program for water-power development complies with the requirements of subsection (a).

(3)

If the Commission fails to issue a final order in accordance with paragraph (2) the State of Alaska’s regulatory program for water-power development shall be deemed to be in compliance with subsection (a).

(j)

Fish and wildlife

(June 10, 1920, ch. 285, pt. I, § 32, as added Pub. L. 106–469, title V, § 501, Nov. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 2037; amended Pub. L. 109–58, title II, § 244, Aug. 8, 2005, 119 Stat. 678.)

cite as: 16 USC 823c