Legal obstacles and incentives to the development of small scale hydroelectric power in Connecticut

• Main Author: None
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: 13 HYDRO ENERGY; 29 ENERGY PLANNING; POLICY AND ECONOMY; CONNECTICUT; LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS; LEGAL ASPECTS; LICENSING; REGULATIONS; ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT; FINANCIAL INCENTIVES; INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS; WATER RIGHTS; HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS; NORTH AMERICA; NORTH ATLANTIC REGION; POWER PLANTS; USA; Low Head; North Atlantic
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/5167742; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/5167742; https://doi.org/10.2172/5167742

The legal and institutional obstacles to the development of small-scale hydroelectric power in Connecticut are discussed. The Federal government also exercises extensive regulatory authority in the area and this dual system is examined from the standpoint of the appropriate legal doctrine, the law of pre-emption, application of the law to the case of hydroelectric development, and an inquiry into the practical use of the doctrine by the FERC. Connecticut follows the riparian theory of water law. Under this theory of the water law, private rights in rivers and streams are confined to the use of flowing water. A riparian proprietor does not own the water that flows by his estate. Licensing, permitting, and review procedures are discussed followed by discussion on public utilities regulation and indirect considerations.