FR 2021-03273

Overview of the Document

The document is a notice from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding the transfer of an exemption for the Albion Dam Hydroelectric Project. Originally managed by New England Hydropower Company, LLC, responsibility for this project has been transferred to Albion Hydro, LLC. The project site is situated on the Blackstone River, near the towns of Cumberland and Lincoln in Rhode Island. Notably, FERC approval is not required for this type of exemption transfer.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One important aspect of the document is its assertion that Commission approval is not needed for the transfer of exemptions. This raises questions about the specific regulatory context that permits such an approach. Understanding the criteria under which a project does not require Commission approval might provide insights into regulatory processes and the nature of exemptions for similar projects.

The document is succinct and lacks detail on the financial aspects of the transfer. There is no mention of whether there are financial transactions involved, such as a purchase price or other financial consideration. This omission might concern individuals interested in transparency, as they could think that undisclosed financial arrangements might affect the impartiality or fairness of the transfer.

Moreover, the document does not discuss any potential impacts on stakeholders or local communities. This could leave readers wondering about changes, if any, to the operation or management of the project that might affect local populations or ecosystems. Without explicit acknowledgment of these impacts, one might question the broader implications of the transfer.

Additionally, the document uses specific legal and technical terminology, such as "exemptee," without accompanying definitions. This could make the document less accessible to those not familiar with regulatory language, creating barriers to understanding for a general audience.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this notice might seem obscure due to its highly specialized content. However, such notices are crucial as they relate to local resource management and energy production. It is essential for public records to clearly communicate changes in stewardship of local energy resources, as these could affect environmental conditions and local economies indirectly.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The primary stakeholders include the residents of Cumberland and Lincoln, local authorities, and entities involved in the hydroelectric sector. For residents and local businesses, any unmentioned changes in project operation could impact local environmental conditions or access to resources. They might benefit from additional information on how this transfer might alter project functions or environmental safeguards.

For Albion Hydro, LLC, gaining stewardship of the project without the need for FERC approval could streamline their management processes. However, they must ensure that stakeholders are adequately informed and that all community concerns are addressed effectively.

Overall, while the transfer document marks a significant change in project management, its lack of detailed information regarding impacts and financial arrangements could result in uncertainty among those directly or indirectly affected by the project.