#aae? ,,congress  #a/ ,session  ,h4 ,r4 
#cjdc  ,,an ,,act  ,to mod]nize hydrop[]
 policy1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 ,%ort   
title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z !         
,hydrop[] ,policy ,mod]nization ,act (  
#bjag4  #b4 ,hydrop[] regulatory        
improvem5ts  7a7 ,s5se ( ,congress on ! 
use ( hydrop[] r5ewable res\rces ,x is !
 s5se ( ,congress t--  7#a7 hydrop[] is 
a r5ewable res\rce = purposes ( all     
,f$]al programs & is an ess5tial s\rce (
 en]gy 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 &  7#b7 !     
,unit$ ,/ates %\ld increase sub/antially
 ! capacity & g5]ation ( clean1 r5ewable
 hydrop[] t w\ld improve environm5tal   
quality 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7b7 ,modify+
 ! def9ition ( r5ewable en]gy to include
 hydrop[] ,section #bjc ( ! ,en]gy      
,policy ,act ( #bjje 7#db ,u4,s4,c4     
#aeheb7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection    
7a71 by /rik+ ! foll[+ am\nts & all t   
foll[s ?r\gh p>agraph 7#c7 & ins]t+ n   
less ?an #ae p]c5t 9 fiscal ye> #bjag & 
ea* fiscal ye> !reaft] %all be r5ewable 
en]gy42 &  7#b7 9 subsection 7b71 by    

/rik+ p>agraph 7#b7 & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  
7#b7 ,r5ewable en]gy ,! t]m r5ewable    
en]gy means electric en]gy g5]at$ f     
sol>1 w9d1 biomass1 l&fill gas1 ocean   
7includ+ tidal1 wave1 curr5t1 & !rmal71 
geo!rmal1 or municipal solid wa/e1 or f 
a hydrop[] project4  4  7c7 ,prelim9>y  
p]mits ,section #e ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 
7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gih7 is am5d$-- 7#a7 9  
subsection 7a71 by /rik+ ?ree & ins]t+  
#d2 &  7#b7 by am5d+ subsection 7b7 to  
read z foll[s3  7b7 ,! ,commission may--
  7#a7 ext5d ! p]iod ( a prelim9>y p]mit
 once = n m ?an #d additional ye>s      
beyond ! #d ye>s p]mitt$ by subsection  
7a7 if ! ,commission f9ds t ! p]mittee  
has c>ri$ out activities "u su* p]mit 9 
good fai? & ) reasonable dilig5ce2 &    
7#b7 if ! p]iod ( a prelim9>y p]mit is  
ext5d$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 ext5d ! p]iod (
 su* prelim9>y p]mit once = n m ?an #d  
additional ye>s beyond ! ext5sion p]iod 
grant$ "u p>agraph 7#a71 if !           
,commission det]m9es t !re are          
extraord9>y circum/ances t w>rant su*   

additional ext5sion4  4  7d7 ,"t limit =
 con/ruction ( project works ,section   
#ac ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 
#hjf7 is am5d$ 9 ! second s5t5ce by     
/rik+ once b n long] ?an two additional 
ye>s & ins]t+ = n m ?an #h additional   
ye>s14  7e7 ,lic5se t]m ,section #ae7;e7
 ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4    
#hjh7;e77 is am5d$--  7#a7 by /rik+ 7e7 
,except & ins]t+ ! foll[+3  7e7 ,lic5se 
t]m on relic5s+  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,except  
2 &  7#b7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3    
7#b7 ,consid]ation ,9 det]m9+ ! t]m ( a 
lic5se "u p>agraph 7#a71 ! ,commission  
%all consid]1 among o!r ?+s1            
project-relat$ inve/m5ts to be made by !
 lic5see "u a new lic5se issu$ "u ?is   
section1 z well z project-relat$        
inve/m5ts made by a lic5cee ov] ! t]m ( 
! exi/+ lic5se 7includ+ any t]ms "u     
annual lic5ses74 ,9 consid]+ su*        
inve/m5ts1 ! ,commission %all give !    
same weight to--  7,a7 inve/m5ts to be  
made by ! lic5see to implem5t a new     
lic5se issu$ "u ?is section1 includ+--  

7i7 inve/m5ts 9 r$evelopm5t1 new        
con/ruction1 new capacity1 effici5cy1   
mod]nization1 rehabilitation1 & safety  
improvem5ts2 &  7ii7 inve/m5ts 9        
environm5tal1 recreation1 & o!r         
protection1 mitigation1 or enhancem5t   
measures t w be requir$ or au?oriz$ by !
 lic5se2 &  7,b7 inve/m5ts made by !    
lic5see ov] ! t]m ( ! exi/+ lic5se      
7includ+ any t]ms "u annual lic5ses71   
beyond ^? requir$ by ! exi/+ lic5se :5  
issu$1 t--  7i7 result$ 91 dur+ ! t]m ( 
! exi/+ lic5se-- 7,i7 r$evelopm5t1 new  
con/ruction1 new capacity1 effici5cy1   
mod]nization1 rehabilitation1 or safety 
improvem5ts2 or  7,,ii7 environm5tal1   
recreation1 or o!r protection1          
mitigation1 or enhancem5t measures2 &   
7ii7 did n result 9 ! ext5sion ( ! t]m (
 ! exi/+ lic5se by ! ,commission4  4    
7f7 ,alt]native conditions &            
prescriptions ,section #cc ( ! ,f$]al   
,p[] ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #hbc;d7 is     
am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a7--  7,a7 9 
p>agraph 7#a71 by /rik+ deems & ins]t+  

det]m9es2  7,b7 9 p>agraph 7#b77;,b71 9 
! matt] prec$+ clause 7i71 by ins]t+    
det]m9$ to be necess>y be=e by !        
,secret>y2  7,c7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#d72
 &  7,d7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#e72  7#b7 9
 subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 by /rik+ p>agraph
 7#d72 &  7,b7 by /rik+ p>agraph 7#e72 &
  7#c7 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3  7c7  
,fur!r conditions ,?is section applies  
to any fur!r conditions or prescriptions
 propos$ or impos$ pursuant to section  
#d7;e71 #f1 or #ah4  4  #c4 ,hydrop[]   
lic5s+ & process improvem5ts  7a7       
,hydrop[] lic5s+ & process improvem5ts  
,"p ,i ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af        
,u4,s4,c4 #gib et seq47 is am5d$ by add+
 at ! end ! foll[+3  #cd4 ,hydrop[]     
lic5s+ & process improvem5ts  7a7       
,def9ition ,9 ?is section1 ! t]m ,f$]al 
au?orization-- 7#a7 means any           
au?orization requir$ "u ,f$]al law )    
respect to an application = a lic5se "u 
?is "p2 &  7#b7 includes any p]mits1    
special use au?orizations1              
c]tifications1 op9ions1 or o!r approvals

 z may be requir$ "u ,f$]al law to      
approve or implem5t ! lic5se "u ?is "p4 
7b7 ,designation z lead ag5cy  7#a7 ,9  
g5]al ,! ,commission %all act z ! lead  
ag5cy = ! purposes ( coord9at+ all      
applicable ,f$]al au?orizations & = !   
purposes ( comply+ ) ! ,national        
,environm5tal ,policy ,act ( #aifi 7#db 
,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474  7#b7 ,o!r    
ag5cies & ,indian tribes  7,a7 ,9 g5]al 
,ea* ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & local gov]nm5t    
ag5cy & ,indian tribe consid]+ an aspect
 ( an application = ,f$]al au?orization 
%all coord9ate ) ! ,commission & comply 
) ! deadl9e e/abli%$ 9 ! s*$ule develop$
 = ! lic5se "u ?is "p 9 accordance ) !  
rule issu$ by ! ,commission "u          
subsection 7c74  7,b7 ,id5tification ,! 
,commission %all id5tify1 z e>ly z      
practicable aft] x is notifi$ by !      
applicant = a lic5se "u ?is "p1 any     
,f$]al or ,/ate ag5cy1 local gov]nm5t1  
or ,indian tribe t may consid] an aspect
 ( an application = a ,f$]al            
au?orization4  7,c7 ,notification  7i7  

,9 g5]al ,! ,commission %all notify any 
ag5cy & ,indian tribe id5tifi$ "u       
subp>agraph 7,b7 ( ! opportunity to     
p>ticipate 9 ! process ( review+ an     
aspect ( an application = a ,f$]al      
au?orization4  7ii7 ,deadl9e ,ea* ag5cy 
& ,indian tribe receiv+ a notice "u     
clause 7i7 %all submit a response       
ackn[l$g+ receipt ( ! notice to !       
,commission )9 #cj days ( receipt ( su* 
notice & reque/4  7,d7 ,issue           
id5tification & resolution  7i7         
,id5tification ( issues ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 &
 local gov]nm5t ag5cies & ,indian tribes
 t may consid] an aspect ( an           
application = ,f$]al au?orization %all  
id5tify1 z e>ly z possible1 & %>e ) !   
,commission & ! applicant1 any issues ( 
conc]n id5tifi$ dur+ ! p5d5cy ( !       
,commission's action "u ?is "p relat+ to
 any ,f$]al au?orization t may delay or 
prev5t ! grant+ ( su* au?orization1     
includ+ any issues t may prev5t ! ag5cy 
or ,indian tribe f meet+ ! s*$ule       
e/abli%$ = ! lic5se "u ?is "p 9         

accordance ) ! rule issu$ by !          
,commission "u subsection 7c74  7ii7    
,issue resolution ,! ,commission may    
=w>d any issue ( conc]n id5tifi$ "u     
clause 7i7 to ! heads ( ! relevant ,/ate
 & ,f$]al ag5cies 7includ+1 9 ! case (  
an issue ( conc]n id5tifi$ by a ,/ate or
 local gov]nm5t ag5cy or ,indian tribe1 
! ,f$]al ag5cy ov]see+ ! delegat$       
au?ority1 or ! ,secret>y ( ! ,int]ior ) 
reg>d to an issue ( conc]n id5tifi$ by  
an ,indian tribe1 z applicable7 =       
resolution4 ,if ! ,commission =w>ds an  
issue ( conc]n to ! head ( a relevant   
ag5cy1 ! ,commission & ! relevant ag5cy 
%all ent] into a memor&um ( und]/&+ to  
facilitate int]ag5cy coord9ation &      
resolution ( su* issues ( conc]n1 z     
appropriate4  7c7 ,s*$ule  7#a7         
,commission rulemak+ to e/abli% process 
to set s*$ule ,n lat] ?an #ahj days aft]
 ! date ( enactm5t ( ?is section !      
,commission %all1 9 consultation ) !    
appropriate ,f$]al ag5cies1 issue a     
rule1 aft] provid+ = notice & public    

comm5t1 e/abli%+ a process = sett+ a    
s*$ule foll[+ ! fil+ ( an application "u
 ?is "p = a lic5se = ! review &         
disposition ( ea* ,f$]al au?orization4  
7#b7 ,elem5ts ( s*$ul+ rule ,9 issu+ a  
rule "u ?is subsection1 ! ,commission   
%all ensure t ! s*$ule = ea* ,f$]al     
au?orization--  7,a7 includes deadl9es =
 actions by-- 7i7 any ,f$]al or ,/ate   
ag5cy1 local gov]nm5t1 or ,indian tribe 
t may consid] an aspect ( an application
 = ! ,f$]al au?orization2  7ii7 !       
applicant2  7iii7 ! ,commission2 &  7iv7
 o!r p>ticipants 9 any applicable       
proce$+2  7,b7 is develop$ 9            
consultation ) ! applicant & any ag5cy &
 ,indian tribe t submits a response "u  
subsection 7b77#b77;,c77ii72  7,c7      
provides an opportunity = any ,f$]al or 
,/ate ag5cy1 local gov]nm5t1 or ,indian 
tribe t may consid] an aspect ( an      
application = ! applicable ,f$]al       
au?orization to id5tify & resolve issues
 ( conc]n1 z provid$ 9 subsection       
7b77#b77;,d72  7,d7 complies )          

applicable s*$ules e/abli%$ "u ,f$]al & 
,/ate law2  7,e7 ensures exp$iti\s      
completion ( all proce$+s requir$ "u    
,f$]al & ,/ate law1 to ! ext5t          
practicable2 &  7,f7 facilitates        
completion ( ,f$]al & ,/ate ag5cy       
/udies1 reviews1 & any o!r proc$ures    
requir$ prior to1 or concurr5t )1 !     
prep>ation ( ! ,commission's            
environm5tal docum5t requir$ "u !       
,national ,environm5tal ,policy ,act (  
#aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474    
7d7 ,transmission ( f9al s*$ule  7#a7 ,9
 ,g5]al ,= ea* application = a lic5se "u
 ?is "p1 ! ,commission %all e/abli% a   
s*$ule 9 accordance ) ! rule issu$ by ! 
,commission "u subsection 7c74 ,!       
,commission %all publicly notice &      
transmit ! f9al s*$ule to ! applicant & 
ea* ag5cy & ,indian tribe id5tifi$ "u   
subsection 7b77#b77;,b74  7#b7 ,response
 ,ea* ag5cy & ,indian tribe receiv+ a   
s*$ule "u ?is subsection %all ackn[l$ge 
receipt ( su* s*$ule 9 writ+ to !       
,commission )9 #cj days4  7e7 ,adh]5ce  

to s*$ule ,all applicants1 o!r lic5s+   
p>ticipants1 & ag5cies & ,indian tribes 
consid]+ an aspect ( an application = a 
,f$]al au?orization %all meet ! deadl9es
 set =? 9 ! s*$ule e/abli%$ pursuant to 
subsection 7d77#a74  7f7 ,application   
process+ ,! ,commission1 ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 
& local gov]nm5t ag5cies1 & ,indian     
tribes may all[ an applicant seek+ a    
,f$]al au?orization to fund a ?ird-p>ty 
contractor select$ by su* an ag5cy or   
tribe to assi/ 9 review+ ! application4 
,all co/s ( an ag5cy or tribe incurr$   
pursuant to direct fund+ by ! applicant1
 includ+ all co/s associat$ ) ! ?ird    
p>ty contractor1 %all n be consid]$ co/s
 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates = ! adm9i/ration (   
?is "p "u section #aj7;e74  7g7         
,commission recomm5dation on scope (    
environm5tal review ,= ! purposes (     
coord9at+ ,f$]al au?orizations = ea*    
lic5se "u ?is "p1 ! ,commission %all    
consult ) & make a recomm5dation to     
ag5cies & ,indian tribes receiv+ a      
s*$ule "u subsection 7d7 on ! scope ( ! 

environm5tal review = all ,f$]al        
au?orizations = su* lic5se4 ,ea* ,f$]al 
& ,/ate ag5cy & ,indian tribe %all give 
due consid]ation & may give def]5ce to !
 ,commission's recomm5dations1 to !     
ext5t appropriate "u ,f$]al law4  7h7   
,ext5sion ( deadl9e  7#a7 ,application  
,a ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 or local gov]nm5t     
ag5cy or ,indian tribe t is unable to   
complete its disposition ( a ,f$]al     
au?orization by ! deadl9e set =? 9 !    
s*$ule e/abli%$ "u subsection 7d77#a7   
%all1 n lat] ?an #cj days prior to su*  
deadl9e1 file = an ext5sion ) !         
,commission4  7#b7 ,ext5sion ,!         
,commission %all only grant an ext5sion 
fil$ = "u p>agraph 7#a7 if ! ag5cy or   
,indian tribe demon/rates1 bas$ on !    
record ma9ta9$ "u subsection 7i71 t     
comply+ ) ! s*$ule e/abli%$ "u          
subsection 7d77#a7 w\ld prev5t ! ag5cy  
or tribe f comply+ ) applicable ,f$]al  
or ,/ate law4 ,if ! ,commission grants !
 ext5sion1 ! ,commission %all set a     
reasonable s*$ule & deadl9e1 t is n lat]

 ?an #ij days aft] ! deadl9e set =? 9 ! 
s*$ule e/abli%$ "u subsection 7d77#a71 =
 ! ag5cy or tribe to complete its       
disposition ( ! ,f$]al au?orization4    
7i7 ,consolidat$ record ,! ,commission  
%all1 ) ! coop]ation ( ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & 
local gov]nm5t ag5cies & ,indian tribes1
 ma9ta9 a complete consolidat$ record ( 
all decisions made or actions tak5 by ! 
,commission or by a ,f$]al adm9i/rative 
ag5cy or (fic] 7or ,/ate or local       
gov]nm5t ag5cy or (fic] or ,indian tribe
 act+ "u delegat$ ,f$]al au?ority7 )    
respect to any ,f$]al au?orization4 ,su*
 record %all con/itute ! record =       
judicial review "u section #cac7;b74    
7j7 ,submission ( lic5se recomm5dations1
 conditions1 & prescriptions  7#a7      
,submission ( recomm5dations ,any ,f$]al
 or ,/ate ag5cy t is provid+            
recomm5dations ) respect to a lic5se    
proce$+ "u ?is "p %all submit to !      
,commission = inclusion 9 ! consolidat$ 
record relat+ to ! lic5se proce$+       
ma9ta9$ "u subsection 7i7-- 7,a7 !      

recomm5dations2  7,b7 ! rationale = !   
recomm5dations2 &  7,c7 any support+    
mat]ials relat+ to ! recomm5dations4    
7#b7 ,writt5 /atem5t ,9 a case 9 :i* a  
,f$]al ag5cy is mak+ a det]m9ation )    
respect to a cov]$ measure 7z def9$ 9   
section #ce7;a771 ! head ( ! ,f$]al     
ag5cy %all submit to ! ,commission =    
inclusion 9 ! consolidat$ record1 9     
addition to ! in=mation requir$ "u      
p>agraph 7#a71 a writt5 /atem5t         
demon/rat+ t ! ,f$]al ag5cy gave equal  
consid]ation to ! effects ( ! cov]$     
measure on-- 7,a7 en]gy supply1         
di/ribution1 co/1 & use2  7,b7 flood    
control2  7,c7 navigation2  7,d7 wat]   
supply2 &  7,e7 air quality & !         
pres]vation ( o!r aspects ( environm5tal
 quality4  7#c7 ,in=mation f o!r ag5cies
 ,9 prep>+ a writt5 /atem5t "u p>agraph 
7#b71 ! head ( a ,f$]al ag5cy may make  
use ( in=mation produc$ or made         
available by o!r ag5cies ) relevant     
exp]tise 9 ! factors describ$ 9         
subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,e7 ( t        

p>agraph4  7k7 ,delegation ,a ,secret>y 
may delegate ! au?ority to det]m9e a    
condition to be necess>y "u section     
#d7;e71 or to prescribe a fi%way "u     
section #ah1 to an (fic] ( ! applicable 
dep>tm5t bas$1 9 "p1 on ! ability ( !   
(fic] to evaluate ! broad effects ( su* 
condition or prescription on--  7#a7 !  
applicable project2 &  7#b7 ! factors   
describ$ 9 subp>agraphs 7,a7 ?r\gh 7,e7 
( subsection 7j77#b74  7l7 ,no effect on
 o!r laws ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all be   
con/ru$ to affect any requirem5t ( !    
,f$]al ,wat] ,pollution ,control ,act1 !
 ,fi% & ,wildlife ,coord9ation ,act1 !  
,endang]$ ,species ,act ( #aigc1 section
 #ad ( ! ,act ( ,m>* #c1 #ahii 7commonly
 kn[n z ! ,riv]s & ,h>bors              
,appropriation ,act ( #ahii71 & ^?      
provisions 9 subtitle ,,iii ( title #ed1
 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code commonly kn[n z !  
,national ,hi/oric ,pres]vation ,act1 ) 
respect to an application = a lic5se "u 
?is "p4  #ce4 ,trial-type he>+s  7a7    
,def9ition ( cov]$ measure ,9 ?is       

section1 ! t]m cov]$ measure means--    
7#a7 a condition det]m9$ to be necess>y 
"u section #d7;e71 includ+ an alt]native
 condition propos$ "u section #cc7;a72  
7#b7 fi%ways prescrib$ "u section #ah1  
includ+ an alt]native prescription      
propos$ "u section #cc7;b72 or  7#c7 any
 action by ! ,secret>y to ex]cise res]v$
 au?ority "u ! lic5se to prescribe1     
submit1 or revise any condition to a    
lic5se "u ! fir/ proviso ( section      
#d7;e7 or fi%way prescrib$ "u section   
#ah4  7b7 ,au?orization ( trial-type    
he>+ ,an applicant = a lic5se "u ?is "p 
7includ+ an applicant = a lic5se "u     
section #ae7 & any p>ty to a lic5se     
proce$+ %all be entitl$ to a det]m9ation
 on ! record1 aft] opportunity = a      
trial-type he>+ ( n m ?an #abj days1 on 
any disput$ issues ( mat]ial fact )     
respect to an applicable cov]$ measure4 
7c7 ,deadl9e = reque/ ,a reque/ = a     
trial-type he>+ "u ?is section %all be  
submitt$ n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date
 on :i*1 z applicable-- 7#a7 ! ,secret>y

 det]m9es ! condition to be necess>y "u 
section #d7;e7 or prescribes ! fi%way "u
 section #ah2 or  7#b7 ! ,secret>y      
ex]cises res]v$ au?ority "u ! lic5se to 
prescribe1 submit1 or revise any        
condition to a lic5se "u ! fir/ proviso 
( section #d7;e7 or fi%way prescrib$ "u 
section #ah1 z appropriate4  7d7 ,no    
requirem5t to exhau/ ,by elect+ n to    
reque/ a trial-type he>+ "u subsection  
7c71 a lic5se applicant & any o!r p>ty  
to a lic5se proce$+ %all n be consid]$  
to h waiv$ ! "r ( ! applicant or o!r    
p>ty to raise any issue ( fact or law 9 
a non-trial-type proce$+1 b no issue may
 be rais$ = ! fir/ "t on rehe>+ or      
judicial review ( ! lic5se decision ( ! 
,commission4  7e7 ,adm9i/rative ,law    
,judge  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,all disput$      
issues ( mat]ial fact rais$ by a p>ty 9 
a reque/ = a trial-type he>+ submitt$ "u
 subsection 7c7 %all be det]m9$ 9 a s+le
 trial-type he>+ to be conduct$ by an   
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge )9 ! ,(fice ( 
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judges & ,dispute   

,resolution ( ! ,commission1 9          
accordance ) ! ,commission rules (      
practice & proc$ure "u "p #che ( title  
#ah1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations 7or    
successor regulations71 & )9 ! timeframe
 e/abli%$ by ! ,commission = ea* lic5se 
proce$+ 7includ+ a proce$+ = a lic5se "u
 section #ae7 "u section #cd7;d74  7#b7 
,requirem5t ,! trial-type he>+ %all     
include ! opportunity--  7,a7 to        
und]take discov]y2 &  7,b7 to           
cross-exam9e witnesses1 z applicable4   
7f7 ,/ay ,! ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge   
may impose a /ay ( a trial-type he>+ "u 
?is section = a p]iod ( n m ?an #abj    
days to facilitate settlem5t            
negotiations relat+ to resolv+ ! disput$
 issues ( mat]ial fact ) respect to !   
cov]$ measure4  7g7 ,decision ( !       
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge  7#a7 ,cont5ts
 ,! decision ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,law     
,judge %all conta9--  7,a7 f9d+s ( fact 
on all disput$ issues ( mat]ial fact2   
7,b7 conclusions ( law necess>y to make 
! f9d+s ( fact1 includ+ rul+s on        

mat]iality & ! admissibility ( evid5ce2 
&  7,c7 reasons = ! f9d+s & conclusions4
  7#b7 ,limitation ,! decision ( !      
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge %all n conta9 
conclusions z to :e!r--  7,a7 any       
condition or prescription %\ld be       
adopt$1 modifi$1 or reject$2 or  7,b7   
any alt]native condition or prescription
 %\ld be adopt$1 modifi$1 or reject$4   
7#c7 ,f9ality ,a decision ( an          
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge "u ?is section
 ) respect to a disput$ issue ( mat]ial 
fact %all n be subject to fur!r         
adm9i/rative review4  7#d7 ,s]vice ,!   
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge %all s]ve !   
decision on ea* p>ty to ! he>+ & =w>d ! 
complete record ( ! he>+ to !           
,commission & ! ,secret>y t propos$ !   
orig9al condition or prescription4  7h7 
,secret>ial det]m9ation  7#a7 ,9 g5]al  
,n lat] ?an #fj days aft] ! date on :i* 
! ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge issues !    
decision "u subsection 7g7 & 9          
accordance ) any applicable s*$ule      
e/abli%$ by ! ,commission "u section    

#cd7;d71 ! ,secret>y propos+ a cov]$    
measure %all file ) ! ,commission a f9al
 det]m9ation to adopt1 modify1 or )draw 
any condition or prescription t 0 !     
subject ( a he>+ "u ?is section1 bas$ on
 ! decision ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,law      
,judge4  7#b7 ,record ( det]m9ation ,!  
f9al det]m9ation ( ! ,secret>y fil$ ) ! 
,commission %all id5tify ! reasons = !  
decision & any consid]ations tak5 into  
acc\nt t 7 n "p (1 or 7 inconsi/5t )1 ! 
f9d+s ( ! ,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge &   
%all be includ$ 9 ! consolidat$ record  
ma9ta9$ "u section #cd7;i74  7i7        
,resolution ( matt]s ,not)/&+ sections  
#d7;e7 & #ah1 if ! ,commission f9ds t a 
f9al det]m9ation "u 7h77#a7 ( !         
,secret>y is inconsi/5t ) ! purposes (  
?is "p or o!r applicable law1 !         
,commission may ent] into a memor&um (  
und]/&+ ) ! ,secret>y to facilitate     
int]ag5cy coord9ation & resolve ! matt]4
  7j7 ,judicial review ,! decision ( !  
,adm9i/rative ,law ,judge & ! record (  
det]m9ation ( ! ,secret>y %all be       

includ$ 9 ! record ( ! applicable lic5s+
 proce$+ & subject to judicial review ( 
! f9al lic5s+ decision ( ! ,commission  
"u section #cac7;b74  #cf4 ,lic5s+ /udy 
improvem5ts  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,to facilitate
 ! timely & effici5t completion ( !     
lic5se proce$+s "u ?is "p1 ! ,commission
 %all1 9 consultation ) applicable      
,f$]al & ,/ate ag5cies & int]e/$ memb]s 
( ! public-- 7#a7 compile curr5t &      
accept$ be/ practices 9 p]=m+ /udies    
requir$ 9 su* lic5se proce$+s1 includ+  
me?odologies & ! design ( /udies to     
assess ! full range ( environm5tal      
impacts ( a project t reflect ! mo/     
rec5t pe]-review$ sci5ce2  7#b7 compile 
a compreh5sive collection ( /udies &    
data accessible to ! public t c\ld be   
us$ to in=m lic5se proce$+s "u ?is "p2 &
  7#c7 enc\rage lic5se applicants1      
ag5cies1 & ,indian tribes to develop &  
use1 = ! purpose ( fo/]+ timely &       
effici5t consid]ation ( lic5se          
applications1 a limit$ numb] ( op5-s\rce
 me?odologies & tools applicable across 

a wide array ( projects1 includ+ wat]   
balance models & /reamfl[ analyses4  7b7
 ,use ( /udies ,to ! ext5t practicable1 
! ,commission & o!r ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 &    
local gov]nm5t ag5cies & ,indian tribes 
consid]+ an aspect ( an application =   
,f$]al au?orization 7z def9$ 9 section  
#cd7 %all use /udies & data bas$ on     
curr5t1 accept$ sci5ce 9 support ( _!   
actions4 ,any p>ticipant 9 a proce$+ )  
respect to su* a ,f$]al au?orization    
%all demon/rate t a /udy reque/$ by !   
p>ticipant is n duplicative ( curr5t1   
exi/+ /udies t are applicable to !      
project4  7c7 ,intra-,wat]%$ review ,!  
,commission %all e/abli% a program to   
develop compreh5sive plans1 at ! reque/ 
( project applicants1 on a wat]%$-wide  
scale1 9 consultation ) ! applicants1   
appropriate ,f$]al ag5cies1 & affect$   
,/ates1 local gov]nm5ts1 & ,indian      
tribes1 9 wat]%$s ) respect to :i* !re  
are m ?an "o application = a project4   
,^u su* a reque/1 ! ,commission1 9      
consultation ) ! applicants1 su* ,f$]al 

ag5cies1 & affect$ ,/ates1 local        
gov]nm5ts1 & ,indian tribes1 may conduct
 or commission wat]%$-wide environm5tal 
/udies1 ) ! p>ticipation ( at lea/ #b   
applicants4 ,any /udy conduct$ "u ?is   
subsection %all apply only to a project 
) respect to :i* ! applicants           
p>ticipate4  #cg4 ,lic5se am5dm5t       
improvem5ts  7a7 ,qualify+ project      
upgrades  7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,z provid$ 9 ?is
 section1 ! ,commission may approve an  
application "u ?is section = an am5dm5t 
to a lic5se issu$ "u ?is "p = a qualify+
 project upgrade4  7#b7 ,application ,a 
lic5see fil+ an application = an am5dm5t
 to a project lic5se1 = :i* ! lic5see is
 seek+ approval z a qualifi$ project    
upgrade "u ?is section1 %all include 9  
su* application in=mation suffici5t to  
demon/rate t ! propos$ *ange to !       
project describ$ 9 ! application is a   
qualify+ project upgrade4  7#c7 ,notice 
& initial det]m9ation on qualification  
,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] receipt ( an  
application "u p>agraph 7#b71 !         

,commission1 9 consultation ) o!r ,f$]al
 ag5cies1 ,/ates1 & ,indian tribes !    
,commission det]m9es appropriate1 %all  
publi% 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] a notice      
conta9+-- 7,a7 notice ( ! application   
fil$ "u p>agraph 7#b72  7,b7 an initial 
det]m9ation z to :e!r ! propos$ *ange to
 ! project describ$ 9 ! application = a 
lic5se am5dm5t is a qualify+ project    
upgrade2 &  7,c7 a reque/ = public      
comm5t on ! application & ! initial     
det]m9ation4  7#d7 ,public comm5t &     
consultation ,! ,commission %all1 = a   
p]iod ( #de days beg9n+ on ! date (     
publication ( a notice "u p>agraph      
7#c7-- 7,a7 accept public comm5t reg>d+ 
! application & :e!r ! propos$ lic5se   
am5dm5t is = a qualify+ project upgrade2
 &  7,b7 consult ) ea* ,f$]al1 ,/ate1 & 
local gov]nm5t ag5cy & ,indian tribe    
consid]+ an aspect ( an application =   
any au?orization requir$ "u ,f$]al law )
 respect to ! propos$ lic5se am5dm5t1 z 
well z o!r int]e/$ ag5cies & ,indian    
tribes4  7#e7 ,f9al det]m9ation on      

qualification ,n lat] ?an #ae days aft] 
! end ( ! public comm5t & consultation  
p]iod "u p>agraph 7#d71 ! ,commission   
%all publi% 9 ! ,f$]al ,regi/] a f9al   
det]m9ation z to :e!r ! propos$ lic5se  
am5dm5t is = a qualify+ project upgrade4
  7#f7 ,f$]al au?orizations ,9 e/abli%+ 
! s*$ule = a propos$ lic5se am5dm5t = a 
qualify+ project upgrade1 ! ,commission 
%all require f9al disposition ( all     
au?orizations requir$ "u ,f$]al law )   
respect to an application = su* lic5se  
am5dm5t1 o!r ?an f9al action by !       
,commission1 by n lat] ?an #abj days    
aft] ! date on :i* ! ,commission        
publi%es a f9al det]m9ation "u p>agraph 
7#e7 t ! propos$ lic5se am5dm5t is = a  
qualify+ project upgrade4  7#g7         
,commission action ,n lat] ?an #aej days
 aft] ! date on :i* ! ,commission       
publi%es a f9al det]m9ation "u p>agraph 
7#e7 t a propos$ lic5se am5dm5t is = a  
qualify+ project upgrade1 ! ,commission 
%all take f9al action on ! lic5se       
am5dm5t application4  7#h7 ,lic5se      

am5dm5t conditions ,any condition or    
prescription includ$ 9 or applicable to 
a lic5se am5dm5t = a qualify+ project   
upgrade approv$ "u ?is subsection1      
includ+ any condition1 prescription1 or 
o!r requirem5t ( a ,f$]al au?orization1 
%all be limit$ to ^? t are-- 7,a7       
necess>y to protect public safety2 or   
7,b7 reasonable1 economically feasible1 
& ess5tial to prev5t loss ( or damage   
to1 or to mitigate adv]se effects on1   
fi% & wildlife res\rces1 wat] supply1 & 
wat] quality t are directly caus$ by !  
con/ruction & op]ation ( ! qualify+     
project upgrade1 z comp>$ to !          
environm5tal basel9e exi/+ at ! "t !    
,commission approves ! application = !  
lic5se am5dm5t4  7#i7 ,rulemak+ ,n lat] 
?an #ahj days aft] ! date ( enactm5t (  
?is section1 ! ,commission %all1 aft]   
notice & opportunity = public comm5t1   
issue a rule to implem5t ?is subsection4
  7#aj7 ,def9itions ,= purposes ( ?is   
subsection3 7,a7 ,qualify+ project      
upgrade ,! t]m qualify+ project upgrade 

means a *ange to a project lic5s$ "u ?is
 "p t meets ! qualify+ crit]ia1 z       
det]m9$ by ! ,commission4  7,b7         
,qualify+ crit]ia ,! t]m qualify+       
crit]ia means1 ) respect to a project   
lic5s$ "u ?is "p1 a *ange to ! project  
t-- 7i7 if c>ri$ out1 w\ld be unlikely  
to adv]sely affect any species li/$ z   
?reat5$ or endang]$ "u ! ,endang]$      
,species ,act ( #aigc or result 9 !     
de/ruction or adv]se modification (     
critical habitat1 z det]m9$ 9           
consultation ) ! ,secret>y ( ! ,int]ior 
or ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce1 z appropriate1 
9 accordance ) section #g ( ! ,endang]$ 
,species ,act ( #aigc2  7ii7 is consi/5t
 ) any applicable compreh5sive plan "u  
section #aj7;a77#b72  7iii7 includes    
only *anges to project l&s1 wat]s1 or   
op]ations t1 9 ! judgm5t ( !            
,commission1 w\ld result 9 only         
insignificant or m9imal cumulative      
adv]se environm5tal effects2  7iv7 w\ld 
be unlikely to adv]sely affect wat]     
quality or wat] supply2 &  7v7 proposes 

to implem5t--  7,i7 capacity increases1 
effici5cy improvem5ts1 or o!r           
enhancem5ts to hydrop[] g5]ation at !   
lic5s$ project2  7,,ii7 environm5tal    
protection1 mitigation1 or enhancem5t   
measures to b5efit fi% & wildlife       
res\rces or o!r natural & cultural      
res\rces2 or  7,,iii7 improvem5ts to    
public recreation at ! lic5s$ project4  
7b7 ,am5dm5t approval processes  7#a7   
,rule ,n lat] ?an #a ye> aft] ! date (  
enactm5t ( ?is section1 ! ,commission   
%all1 aft] notice & opportunity = public
 comm5t1 issue a rule e/abli%+ new /&>ds
 & proc$ures = lic5se am5dm5t           
applications "u ?is "p4 ,9 issu+ su*    
rule1 ! ,commission %all seek to develop
 ! mo/ effici5t & exp$i5t process1      
consultation1 & review requirem5ts1     
comm5surate ) ! scope ( diff]5t         
categories ( propos$ lic5se am5dm5ts4   
,su* rule %all acc\nt = diff]5ces 9     
environm5tal effects across a wide range
 ( categories ( lic5se am5dm5t          
applications4  7#b7 ,capacity ,9 issu+ a

 rule "u ?is subsection1 ! ,commission  
%all take into consid]ation t a *ange 9 
g5]at+ or hydraulic capacity may        
indicate ! pot5tial environm5tal effects
 ( a propos$ lic5se am5dm5t b is n      
det]m9ative ( su* effects4  7#c7        
,process options ,9 issu+ a rule "u ?is 
subsection1 ! ,commission %all take into
 consid]ation ! range ( process options 
available "u ! ,commission's regulations
 = lic5se applications & adapt su*      
options to am5dm5t applications1 :]e    
appropriate4  4  #d4 ,te*nical & con=m+ 
am5dm5ts  7a7 ,lic5ses ,section #d7;e7 (
 ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4      
#gig7;e77 is am5d$-- 7#a7 by /rik+      
adequate protection & utilization ( su* 
res]vation & all t foll[s ?r\gh ,t no   
lic5se affect+ ! navigable capacity &   
ins]t+ adequate protection & utilization
 ( su* res]vation3 ,provid$ fur!r1 ,t no
 lic5se affect+ ! navigable capacity2 & 
7#b7 by /rik+ deem & ins]t+ det]m9e4    
7b7 ,op]ation ( navigation facilities   
,section #ah ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af  

,u4,s4,c4 #haa7 is am5d$ by /rik+ !     
second1 ?ird1 & f\r? s5t5ces4  #e4      
,consid]ation ( invasive species        
,section #ah ( ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7#af  
,u4,s4,c4 #haa7 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] 
! ,secret>y ( ,comm]ce4 ! foll[+3 ,9    
prescrib+ a fi%way1 ! ,secret>y (       
,comm]ce or ! ,secret>y ( ! ,int]ior1 z 
appropriate1 %all consid] ! ?reat (     
invasive species44  #f4 ,exam9ation (   
lic5ses = projects locat$ 9 disa/] areas
 ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date (       
enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,f$]al ,en]gy    
,regulatory ,commission may exam9e !    
lic5se issu$ by ! ,commission "u "p ,i (
 ! ,f$]al ,p[] ,act = any project t is  
locat$ 9 an area t 0 decl>$ by !        
,presid5t to be a disa/] area 9 #bjag4  
#g4 ,/udies = non-f$]al hydrop[]        
,not)/&+ any o!r provision ( law1 if !  
,f$]al ,en]gy ,regulatory ,commission   
has 9 place a memor&um ( und]/&+ ) ano!r
 ,f$]al ag5cy = non-f$]al hydrop[] )    
respect to a project lic5s$ "u "p ,i ( !
 ,f$]al ,p[] ,act 7reg>dless ( explicit 

,congressional au?orization = su*       
non-f$]al hydrop[]71 ! o!r ,f$]al ag5cy 
may fully /udy & review ! pot5tial      
expansion ( su* non-f$]al hydrop[] at ! 
project1 includ+ a review ( seasonal    
pool levels & sl[+ flood releases4      
,pass$ ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives        
,novemb] #h1 #bjag4;,cl]k4