Monday, February 27, 2006
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Eastern Time / 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Central Time
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Mountain Time / 9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Pacific Time

Program Overview:
The Energy Policy Act directed the Departments of the Interior, Commerce, and Agriculture to develop new rules associated with the conditions these agencies submit to FERC for hydropower project licensing. The rules, implemented by regulations promulgated on November 17th of this year, create two new processes within the already multiyear hydropower project licensing process. The first allows any party to request a trial-type hearing to challenge disputed issues of "material fact" that have formed the basis for conditions prescribed by the agencies. The second process provides for the submittal of alternative conditions that would either (i) provide for the adequate protection and utilization of a federal reservation, such as a National Forest, or (ii) be no less protective than an agency prescribed fishway, and would cost significantly less to implement or result in improved project operation over the agency condition.

Educational Objective:

• Inform energy, resource, and environmental attorneys, consultants, and their clients about the effect of the Energy Policy Act on hydropower licensing.
• Continue a series of quick teleconferences arranged by SEER’s energy committees on different sections of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This series follows an initial August 16, 2005 Quick Teleconference providing a summary of the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Faculty:
Moderator:
James H. Hancock, Jr., Balch & Bingham LLP, Birmingham, AL

Panelists:
Mona M. Janopaul, Program Manager, Lands Litigation & Legislation, USDA Forest Service, Washington, DC
Jeffrey A. Leahey, Manager of Regulatory Affairs, National Hydropower Association, Washington, DC
Robbin Marks, Director, Hydropower Reform Campaign, American Rivers / Chair, Hydropower Reform Coalition, Washington, DC

This program will not offer CLE credit.

ConferTel Teleconference (Individual dial-in)
If you wish to participate by telephone please register online at https://my.confertel.net/confertel/crsRegister.jsp?program=206531

Online registration is encouraged for immediate confirmation and billing receipt. You may also complete this form and fax it to (760) 931-0079. Once your registration and payment have been processed, you will receive a confirmation with the toll-free telephone number and security PIN number.

The registration fee covers the cost of the phone connection; you are encouraged to have others listen to the program with you. Registration cannot be confirmed until ConferTel receives check or Purchase Order.

*The Section has secured ConferTel to provide conferencing services, including registration, conferencing and payment. Please make checks payable to ConferTel. Questions regarding the teleconference can be directed to ConferTel at (866) 930-4500.

Questions? Do you have a question that you would like the panel to address? Please email your question to Jim Hancock by February 24, 2006 at noon Eastern Time and the panel will make every effort to address your inquiry.