Integrated Licensing Process (ILP) - Overview of ILP Pre-filing Steps

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.