Hydroelectric projects must now get water quality approval within one year, or it is waived

Federal regulators have set a one-year deadline for states to approve or deny water quality certifications for hydroelectric projects. If a state does not act within that year, the project can move forward without its approval.

For decades, states could delay hydroelectric projects indefinitely by simply not acting on water quality permits. This rule removes that power, forcing states to make a decision within a fixed timeframe. It means new hydroelectric projects, or existing ones seeking re-licensing, will face a clearer, faster path through environmental review.