For those who have been following the long relicensing journey of Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon Projects, this is the very last chance to submit a public comment! Or for those who are new to this process and haven’t heard about it until now, WELCOME! And great timing! 

Join us virtually on Tuesday August 5, 2025 from 6:00pm-7:00pm to learn about the relicensing of three large hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River and the final step in the relicensing process: the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) Kathy Urffer, Director of Policy and Advocacy / VT River Steward, and Marilla Harris-Vincent, NH River Steward, will lead an overview of the hydropower relicensing process that CRC has been engaged in for over a decade, and focus on the draft EIS, which is the very last step in the relicensing process. This is also the last opportunity for the public to give their input on the new license. They will also help attendees understand how to write and submit their comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). 

Join us 

• Tuesday, August 5th - Virtual Event from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. Register to receive zoom info. 

Extra Credit:  If you’ve been following along this process and feel well versed, consider reading “APPENDIX T—LICENSE CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF” in the Draft EIS, which has specific license conditions in it. If you are new here, NO NEED TO PREPARE or read ahead! 

Background: 

The permits for five hydropower facilities on the Connecticut River that impact over 175 miles of the river are going through a relicensing process that will last for the next 30-50 years. Three of the facilities are in NH/VT (Wilder, Bellows Falls, and Vernon Dams) and are currently in the final stage of the relicensing process, called the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). On May 30, 2025 FERC released their draft EIS. There is now an open comment period until Thursday August 28, 2025, for us to weigh in on how their draft does or does not protect the Connecticut River. FERC is required to read every comment that is submitted and take all comments into consideration as they finalized the conditions for the new license, so this is an opportunity to have your voice heard! 

THIS IS THE LAST OPEN COMMENT PERIOD! Make your voice heard and help us protect the Connecticut River! 

Additional background information can be found on our website here.

Please consider donating to the CRC Advocacy Fund to support our efforts and legal fight to protect the river.