The US Interior Department has proposed easing the process for granting new licenses to hydro-electric dams.
Officials say the process would save time and money.
But critics say the changes take power away from local authorities and residents.
The Vermont Standard's Kevin Forrest reports.
mbient sound � (David Deen in the middle of the Saxtons River talking about mating lampreys)
(sound fades)
David Deen perches on a rock in the middle of the Saxtons River in Bellows Falls, Vt.
A warm autumn sun lights the colorful backdrop.
For this long-time fly fisherman, the setting is almost ideal.
But Deen has other things on his mind.
A few hundred yards downriver, the rushing Saxtons River meets the much larger Connecticut.
That river, like so many others in New England is dotted with Hydro-electric generating dams..
And newly proposed federal rules would take people like Deen out of the loop when those dams come up for relicensing.
Deen) The hydro dams on the Connecticut River are important economic assets. No one is calling for the removal of those dams. But as they go through relicensing, we want to be able to influence things like minimum flows, draw down levels, you want to be able to protect the land, there are a number of things that are incorporated as a part of relicensing.
In addition to being a fly fishing guide, Deen is a Vermont State Representative and a river steward for the Connecticut River Watershed Council.
And even though he wears a couple of official hats, he still wouldn't be allowed to appeal any hydro-dam's relicensing decision.
The proposed federal rules changes would limit those appeals only to dam owners.
Native American Tribes and even state governments would be barred from appealing under the proposed change.
Critics have said the new rules could be worth millions to the hydro power industry at the expense of local interest groups.
(Deen)The thing that gives you real stature within the process is the ability to appeal, that will put you in front of that impartial judge of whether or not the law and the environment are being respected.
Bill Bettenberg is with the U.S. Interior Department.
He says the proposed relicensing process offers ample opportunity for input by interested parties.
And, he says, Court is always an option.
But he says the new rules would help save time.
(Bettenberg) The fact is, we�re trying to shoehorn an appeals process into a very short period of time. As it is we�re pushing the envelope on the amount of time that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission allows us.
Harry Stewart is Water Division Manager for the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
He says the proposed rule change goes against a tradition of open participation in matters concerning public waterways.
(Stewart) This approach is unique in my experience in limiting appeals just to the applicant and it�s not something we do at the state level in any of our permitting processes.
And says Stewart, the proposed change could end up burdening an already extensive state review process.
(Stewart) It has the potential, I think, to increase appeals at the state level that might normally go to the federal level. So it has the potential to confuse that process further.
And probably cost the state more money.
David Deen says that the timing is critical.
US Gen, which owns hydro dams along the Connecticut, is now selling them due to financial pressures.
Deen says US Gen has been a good neighbor, but he worries about future owners.
(Deen) The current owners have been excellent, they�ve been responsible. But we don�t know whose going to end up owning the dam and we have no idea what their approach to protecting a critical resource to this valley will be.
And when the Federal government relicenses a dam, that new permit typically lasts for 40 years.
Harry Stewart at New Hampshire's DES says the state will lobby against the rule changes.
(Stewart) We will comment in the form of a very simple letter to FERC that it makes sense that if you have appeal rights for an applicant that also other interested parties should have comparable appeal rights.
Deen says he and his group, the Connecticut River Watershed Council will also work to keep the new rules from taking effect.
(Deen) I�d like to see the licensing process stay where it is. It has given good service to protecting the environment and the rivers of this country. And I would like the federal government to turn and look at itself before they block out citizen involvement.
Deen and others hope to give federal officials something to think about as the period for public comment ends this week.
For NHPR News, this is Kevin Forrest in Redding VT.
