Applicant Files Pre-application Document (PAD) with Notice of Intent to File License Application

  • PAD brings together all existing, relevant, and reasonably available information about the project and its effects on resources.
  • PAD also includes a well-defined process plan that sets the schedule for developing the license application and a list of preliminary studies and issues.

FERC Conducts Scoping

  • The purposes of scoping are to identify and refine issues, discuss existing information, explore information gaps, and finalize the process plan.
  • Stakeholders discuss the issues and provide study requests.

Applicant Files Proposed Study Plan

  • Applicant holds a meeting(s) to discuss the proposed study plan and informally resolve study disagreements.
  • Applicant files a revised study plan.
  • Director of the Office of Energy Projects approves the revised study plan with any modifications after considering all information in the record.
  • Agencies with mandatory conditioning authority may request the use of a formal dispute resolution process.
  • Applicant conducts the studies as approved.
  • Applicant files a preliminary licensing proposal with the Commission, agencies, and public for comment.
  • Applicant files final license application with the Commission and provides copies to agencies, tribes, and the public.
  • After the application is filed, the Commission has defined time frames to prepare and issue its environmental analysis pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.

This page was last updated on July 15, 2020