FERC Proposes NEPA Categorical Exclusion for Certain Hydropower Terminations and Revocations

On February 19, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would expand an existing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) categorical exclusion to cover certain terminations and revocations of hydropower licenses and exemptions. The proposal would allow FERC to rely on a categorical exclusion, rather than preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), for license and exemption terminations or... By: Troutman Pepper Locke