Gov. Perdue asks FERC to abandon its rules, further delay relicensing process

Gov. Perdue has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to abandon its established rules by granting a four month delay in the relicensing of the Yadkin Project.  Her request comes more than six years after Alcoa began the relicensing process with the active involvement of agencies representing the State of North Carolina.

When the Commission granted Gov. Perdue’s motion to intervene on April 17, the decision was subject to FERC regulations stating that a late intervention must not cause a delay in the procedural schedule.  Gov. Perdue's attempt to delay the relicensing process is for only one reason – so the state can pursue a government takeover that could ultimately cost North Carolina taxpayers more than $500 million. 

Once the N.C. Division of Water Quality issues a required water quality certificate for the Yadkin Project, FERC has the authority to act quickly.  And it should.  

Almost a year ago, FERC staff issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement recommending that Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) be issued a new license for the Yadkin Project and stating that federal takeover not be considered further. Besides, according to the explicit timelines outlined in FERC's regulations, the deadline to pursue a government takeover of the Yadkin Project expired nearly three years ago, in June 2006.

There is another reason FERC should act quickly to issue a new long-term license: As soon as the new license is issued, we can begin implementing the relicensing settlement agreement that enjoys widespread supported from local governments, homeowners and recreational users, environmental interest groups, business organizations and others.

The relicensing settlement agreement includes a host of benefits: Better water quality in the Yadkin River.  Land for new public parks and public swim areas.  More stable water levels.  Better protection of the water during drought conditions.  New fishing piers, camp sites and other recreational opportunities that will allow people to enjoy the Yadkin lakes even more.  And much more.    

The sooner FERC acts, the sooner North Carolina residents can start enjoying those benefits.