Ensuring a Sustainable Future for the Connecticut River

The Connecticut River has been a critical source of hydropower and recreational opportunity for over a century. However, the increasing demand for energy and water recreation has raised concerns about the river's ecological health and the impact of hydropower projects. In a recent submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator, has urged FERC to ensure that the relicensing of three hydropower projects on the Connecticut River balances multiple important needs, including power generation, recreation, fish passage, and species protection. Blumenthal has proposed several key recommendations to address these concerns, including operating the dams on an inflow equals outflow basis, shortening the timelines for fish passage improvements, and prioritizing the protection of endangered species.

Key Takeaways:

• The Connecticut River has a long history as a source of navigation, energy, natural resources, and recreational opportunity.
• The current draft EIS requires the implementation of fish passage improvements within 12 and 16 years, which should be shortened.
• Ensuring safe, timely, and effective passage of fish throughout the river must be a key consideration when issuing the licenses.
• The final EIS must include adequate protections for the shortnose sturgeon, a federally endangered species found in the project areas.
• A robust Recreation Management Plan (RMP), created in collaboration with local stakeholders, should be a requirement of the licenses.
• Efforts should be made to facilitate equitable access to recreational opportunities for all who want to enjoy the Connecticut River.

Statistics:

• The Connecticut River has provided clean water, critical habitat, and recreational opportunities for residents throughout its watershed for over a century.
• The three hydropower projects on the Connecticut River generate a significant amount of energy, but their operations must be balanced with the needs of the river's ecosystem.
• Fish passage improvements should be implemented in a reduced timeframe to ensure the safe and effective passage of fish throughout the river (Source: FERC).
• The shortnose sturgeon, a federally endangered species, is found in the project areas and requires adequate protection in the final EIS (Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
• The Recreation Management Plan should prioritize the development of new facilities and adequate maintenance of existing ones (Source: FERC).

Sources:

• U.S. Senate (no author), "Project No. 1892-030, Project No. 1855-050, and Project No. 1904-078" (no date), https://elibrary.ferc.gov.
• Abagael Giles, "Erosion, federally endangered sturgeon spark debate over Connecticut River dams," Vermont Public, August 27, 2025, https://www.vermontpublic.org/local-news/2025-08-27/erosion-federally-endangered-sturgeon-spark-debate-connecticut-river-dams.