FERC holds In-Person Comment Sessions on draft Environmental Impact Statement 

On May 30th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) released two Draft Environmental Impact Statements (DEIS) which examine the environmental impact of the Great River Hydro projects in VT and NH and the FirstLight projects in MA. In these DEIS’s, FERC staff identify the primary issues to be:

• Shoreline erosion along the Connecticut River
• Water quantity, including how the volume of peaking flows and magnitude of water surface fluctuations in the Connecticut River affect aquatic habitat and recreation access
• Fish passage
• Protection of threatened and endangered species
• Protection of cultural resources

In addition to or in lieu of sending written comments, you can attend an in-person public comment session that will be held to receive oral comments on the DEIS. The primary goal of these comment sessions is to have you identify the specific environmental issues and concerns with the DEIS. Although there will not be a formal presentation, FERC staff will be available throughout the comment session to answer your questions about the environmental review process.

FirstLight In-Person Public Comment Sessions

July 16, 2025

Session A: 9am – 11am

Session B: 6pm – 8pm

Greenfield Community College

One College Drive

Greenfield, MA 01301

(From Connecticut River Conservancy)