Permitting and Environmental Review Requirements

Abstract

A critical first step in the development of a power generation facility is obtaining the requisite permits and approvals and satisfying the environmental review requirements applicable to the construction and operation of the proposed project. This chapter provides generic descriptions of the permits and approvals typically required in the United States for the construction and operation of power generation facilities.’ Included in each description is an identification of the legislation requiring the approval, an overview of the permit application requirements, and a typical time frame for obtaining the permit. The permits identified are those typically required for coal-, gas-, and oil-fueled facilities. The specialized permit requirements applicable to hydroelectric and nuclear facilities are not addressed in this chapter.