On March 17, 2025, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received a request from the New York Power Authority for water quality certification related to a project. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has notified the New York DEC that it has one year, until March 17, 2026, to act on this certification request. If the DEC fails to make a decision by that date, the requirement for certification is considered waived according to the Clean Water Act.
Simple Explanation
The New York Power Authority has asked the New York State agency in charge of the environment for a special permission called "water quality certification" for their project. This agency has until March 17, 2026, to decide, or else they might lose the chance to say yes or no.