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Home My WebLink About20050223Motion to Intervene Out of Time.pdfSTATE OF "IDAHO OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL' LAWRENCE G. WASDEN February 23 , 2005 VIA ELECTRONIC FILING The Honorable Magalie R. Salas Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE Washington, DC 20426 Re:Motion of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to. Intervene Out-of-Time, Idaho Power s New License Application for the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project Docket No. P-1971-079 Dear Secretary Salas: The Idaho Public Utilities Commission hereby submits electronically its Motion for Leave to Intervene Out-of-Time in the above-captioned proceeding, Docket No. P-1971-079 (Hells Canyon Project). Copies of this transmittal letter and Motion are being sent to each person designated on the official service list in this docket, Thank you for your assistance in this matter. Sincerely, ~/~ Donald L. Howell, II Deputy Attorney General Attorney for the Idaho Public Utilities Commission Enclosures (Motion and Certificate of Service) cc: Service List Vld/LSalas P-1971 dh . ; Contracts & Administrative Law Division, Idaho Public Utilities Commission P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83720-0074, Telephone: (208) 334-0300, FAX: (208) 334-3762, E-mail: Ipuc~puc.state.id. Located at 472 West Washington St., Boise, Idaho 83702 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BEFO RE THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION In the Matter of: Idaho Power Company New License Application for the HELLS CANYON HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT ) DOCKET NO. P-1971-079 MOTION OF THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO INTERVENE OUT -0 F -TIME Pursuant to Rules 212 and 214 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission s ("Commission ) Rules of Procedure, 18 C.R. ~~ 385.212 and 385.214 the Idaho Public Utilities Commission ("Idaho PUC") respectfully moves to intervene out-of-time in the above-captioned proceeding for the relicensing of Idaho Power Company s Hells Canyon Complex. I. COMMUNICATIONS AND SERVICE The Idaho PUC requests that all communications and papers relating to this proceeding be directed to: Randy Lobb Administrator, Utilities Division Idaho Public Utilities Commission PO Box 83720 472 W. Washington Street (83702-5983) Boise, ID 83720-0074 Telephone: (208) 334-0350Fax: (208) 334-3762 E-mail: randy.1obb(q)J'uc.idaho.gov The Idaho PUC requests that Mr. Lobb's name be added to the official service list for the above-captioned docket. IDAHO PUC' MOTION TO INTERVENE OUT-OF-TIME II. INTEREST OF PETITIONER The Idaho PU C is the state regulatory commission empowered pursuant to Idaho Code Title 61 to regulate all public utilities operating within the State of Idaho. this capacity, the Idaho PUC is responsible for regulating Idaho Power Company. Idaho Code ~ 61-501. Idaho Power Company owns and operates 17 hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River and its tributaries within the State of Idaho and provides electric service to more than 400 000 customers within Idaho. The Hells Canyon Complex is Idaho Power largest hydroelectric project contributing approximately 60% of its hydro generation and, thus, the outcome of this proceeding may significantly affect its ratepayers. The rates and charges of Idaho Power are fully subject to the Idaho PUC' regulatory jurisdiction. Idaho Code ~~ 61-502, 61-508, 61-622. The Idaho PUC has a right of intervention pursuant to Commission Rule 214(a)(2) and has a definable interest in the outcome of this proceeding.18 C.R. ~ 385.214(a)(2). The Idaho PUC' participation in this matter promotes the public interest. III. GOOD CAUSE FOR A WAIVER OF TIME LIMITATION Public notice of Idaho Power Company s Application for a new license was issued on December 3, 2003, and the due date for Motions to Intervene was February 2 2004. In September 2004, various parties to the proceeding and other interested persons met to discuss the formation of a settlement working group ("SWG") to consider and resolve issues associated with interim operations and the issuance of a new license for the Hells Canyon Complex. The initial objective of the SWG was to address interim IDAHO PUC' MOTION TO INTERVENE OUT-OF-TIME operations and anadromous species listed under the Endangered Species Act in an effort to provide agreed-upon measures to the Commission by April 2005. On January 7 2005 Idaho Power filed an Interim Agreement with the Commission regarding current operations. The next objective of the SWG is to negotiate a comprehensive settlement agreement to support the relicensing of the Hells Canyon Complex. On February 1 2005, Idaho Power requested that the Commission modify the relicensing schedule by delaying the issuance of the Notice of Ready for Environmental Analysis until September 2005. The request was supported by 21 of the parties. On February 8 , 2005, the Office of Energy Projects extended the due date for filing recommendations and conditions until November 2005 to allow the parties to continue their settlement efforts. The Idaho PUC intends to participate in the negotiations related to a comprehensive settlement agreement, which commenced on January 11 2005. Because any settlement agreement would have to be filed with the Commission for review and approval, the Idaho PUC desires to become a party to the proceedings to ensure that its interests and those of Idaho ratepayers are represented before the Commission with regard to any proposed settlement. The Idaho PUC's participation in this proceeding will also facilitate development of a more complete record and thereby ensuring a more informed decision-making process, which is consistent with the public interest. Waiver of the time limit established by the public notice for intervention will not result in any disruption to this proceeding. The Idaho PUC has been monitoring the relicensing proceedings to date. The Idaho PUC does not seek to introduce new evidence IDAHO PUC' MOTION TO INTERVENE OUT-OF-TIME at this time, and agrees to accept the record of this proceeding as developed prior to its intervention. Therefore, there will be no prejudice or additional burden upon parties from permitting the Idaho PUC's intervention. In addition, there will be no issue of undue delay because, pursuant to 18 C.R. ~ 380.10(a)(1)(i) the Commission will provide additional opportunity for timely interventions in this proceeding following issuance of the draft Environmental Impact Statement ("EIS") for comment. For the foregoing reasons, the Idaho PUC submits that good cause exists to waive the time limitation to Rule 214 and allow intervention out-of-time. IV. CONCLUSION Wherefore, the Idaho PUC respectfully requests that the Commission grant its Motion to Intervene Out-of- Time as a party with full rights to participate in all further proceedings. RESPECTFULLY submitted this 23rd day of February 2005. FOR THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION vn Donald L. Howell, II Deputy Attorney General Idaho Public Utilities Commission PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0074 Idaho State Bar No. 3366 Telephone No. (208) 334-0312FAX (208) 334-3762 E-mail: don.howell~puc.idaho.gov Vld/N:FERC:P-1971-079 db Intervention IDAHO PUC' M OTI ONTO INTERVENE OUT-OF-TIME CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I hereby certify that the foregoing document has been served upon each person designated on the official service list compiled by the Secretary in this proceeding by electronic mailing (where available) and by first-class mail otherwise. Judith Ellis Chairman Adams County Commissioners O. Box 48 Council, 10 83612-0048 Baker, County Of County Court Baker, OR 97814 Jim Clark BLM Lower Snake River Office 3948 Development Ave. Boise, 10 83709 Mayor City Of Boise PO Box 500 Boise, 10 83701-0500 Paul A. DeVito OR DEQ 2146 N.E. Fourth St., Ste 104 Bend, OR 97701 BY E-MAIL ONL Chairman Lincoln, County Of PO Box A Shoshone, 10 83352-1501 Chairman Power Cou nty Brd Of County Commissioners American Falls, 10 83211 Daniel J. Rohlf Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center 10015 SW Terwilliger Blvd Portland, OR 97219-7768 Chairman Blaine, County Of Board Of Commissioners 206 1 st Ave S Ste 300 Hailey, 10 83333-8429 John Martin BLM Idaho State Office 1387 S Vinnell Way, Ste. 931 Boise, 10 83709-1657 BY E-MAIL ONL Daniel Ousley, Attorney Hells Canyon Preservation Councillnc 2124 Grelle Ave Lewiston, 10 83501-6141 . Robert D. Ling Ling, Nielsen & Robinson PO Box 396 Rupert, 10 83350-0396 County Judge Malheur, County Of County Court Vale, OR 97918 County Judge Wallowa, County Of County Court Enterprise, OR 97728 Todd D. True Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund Suite 203 705 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98104-1741 Mel Berg BLM 2800 Cottage Way Ste W1834 Sacramento, CA 95825-1886 Dorothy Mason BLM Relicensing Team Lead 3165 10th St Baker City, OR 97814-1408 BY E-MAIL ONL Colleen Fagan Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife 107 20th Street La Grande, OR 97850 BY E-MAIL ONL Chairman Jerome, County Of Jerome County Courthouse 300 N Lincoln Ave Ste 301 Jerome, 10 83338-2344 Chairman Minidoka , County Of Board Of Commissioners Minidoka County Ru pert, 10 83350 Connie Kelleher American Rivers 4005 20th Avenue W Suite 221 Seattle, WA 98199-1267 BY E-MAIL ONL ~C\2~ SECRETARY Eric Hoffman Oregon State Office 333 SW 1 st Ave., Ste. 932 Portland, OR 97208 Dean Adams Burns Paiute Tribe HC 71 Burns, OR 97720-9803 Carl F. Merkle, Analyst Confederated Tribes Umatilla Indian 73239 Confederated Way O. Box 638 Pendleton, OR 97801-0638 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Kurt Burkholder Assistant Attorney General Oregon Department of Justice 1515 S.W. Fifth Ave., Ste 410 Portland , OR 97201 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Greg Haller Nez Perce Tribe PO Box 365 Lapwai , ID 83504 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Arthur L Seamans Executive Director NW Professional Power Vessel Assoc. 2604 Seaport Drive Lewiston, ID 83501 Scott L. Campbell, Attorney Moffat, Thomas, Barrett, Rock & Fields 101 S. Capitol Blvd., 10th Floor PO Box 829 Boise, ID 83701-0829 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Donald M. Clary, Partner Holland & Knight, LLP 633 West 5th Street 21 st Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 Regional Hydro Policy Specialist Bureau Of Indian Affairs 911 NE 11 th Avenue Portland, OR 97232-4128 Denise Turner Walsh, Staff Atty. Native American Program 812 SW Washington Ave Ste 700 Portland, OR 97205 Jennifer L Frozena Col. River Inter-Tribal Fish Comm. 1849 C Street NW Mailstop 6557 Washington, DC 20240-0001 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Jenna Borovansky Conservation Director Idaho Rivers United PO Box 633 Boise, ID 83701-0633 BY E-MAIL ONL Y David H. Hawk, Director Natural Energy Resources R. Simplot Company One Capital Center 999 Main Street, Suite 1400 Boise, ID 83702 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Bill McNamee OR Public Utilities Commission 550 Capital Street, N. Salem , OR 97310 Daniel Israel Shoshone Bannock Tribe 3455 Table Mesa Dr., Apt. E149 Boulder, CO 80305-5832 Harriet A. Hensley Deputy Attorney General ID Office Of The Atty. General 700 W. Jefferson, Suite 210 Boise, ID 83702 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Bureau Of Reclamation PN 3200 1150 N Curtis Rd., Ste. 100 Boise, ID 83706-1234 Robert C. Lothrop Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Comm. 729 N E Oregon St. Su ite 200 Portland , OR 97232 Walt Dortch Reg. Hydropower Team Leader Darrington Ranger District 1405 Emens St. Darrington, WA 98241 Sara Edd ie, Staff Attorney Advocates for the West O. Box 1612 Boise, ID 83701 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Ed Chaney, Director Northwest Resource Information Center 2811 West State Eagle ID 83616 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Forest Su pervisor Payette National Forest PO Box 026 McCall , ID 83638-1026 Keith Kutchins Shoshone Bannock Tribe PO Box 306 Fort Hall , ID 83203-0306 Jocelyn B. Somers US Department Of Agriculture 1734 Federal Bldg. 1220 SW 3rd Avenue Portland , OR 97204 BY E-MAIL ONL Y Frank S. Wilson US Department Of The Interior Office of The Regional Solicitor 500 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 607 Portland, OR 97232-2036 Diana Thomas, Chairman Washington County Commissioners PO Box 670 Weiser, ID 83672-0670 Mark Eames General Council NW NOM 7600 Sand point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115 BY E-MAIL ONLY Douglas Conde Deputy Attorney General Idaho DEQ 1410 N Hilton St Boise, ID 83706-1255 BY E-MAIL ONL Mary Lucachick Outdoor Rec Analyst, Wa I D Dept of Parks & Rec PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0065 BY E-MAIL ONL David Cummings Nez Perce Tribe PO Box 305 Lapwai, ID 83540-0305 BY E-MAIL ONL Darwin B Pugmire Idaho Power Company PO Box 70 Boise ID 83707-0070 BY E-MAIL ONL Tom Saldin Idaho Power Company PO Box 70 Boise ID 83707-0070 BY E-MAIL ONL Field Supervisor US Fish And Wildlife Service 1387 S Vinnell Way, Suite 368 Boise, ID 83709-1657 Steve Brutscher OR Parks & Recreation Dept. 725 Summer Street, N. Suite C Salem, OR 97301-1271 Ritchie Graves Fishery Biologist NOM Fisheries 525 N E Oregon St, Ste 500 Portland, OR 97232 BY E-MAIL ONL Steven Schuster Idaho Dept. of Lands 954 W Jefferson St Boise, ID 83702-5436 Phillip J Rassier ID Dept of Water Resources 1301 N Orchard St PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-3720 BY E-MAIL ONL Phil WardDirector Oregon Water Resources.Dept 725 Summer St NE Suite A Salem, OR 97301-1271 James C Tucker Idaho Power Company PO Box 70 Boise ID 83707-0070 BY E-MAIL ONL Lee S Sherline Leighton & Sherline 8211 Chivalry Rd Annandale, VA 22003-1337 Forest Supervisor Wallowa-Whitman National Forest O. Box 907 Baker City, OR 97814-0907 R. Craig Kohanek OR Dept of Water Resources 725 Summer Street NW, Ste A Salem, OR 97301-1271 BY E-MAIL ONL Wayne Shuyler Oregon Marine Board 435 Commercial Street, N. Suite 400 Salem, OR 97309-5065 Scott Grunder Idaho Dept of Fish and Game PO Box 25 Boise, ID 83707-0025 BY E-MAIL ONL Keith Kirkendall National Marine Fisheries Serv Hydro Division 525 N E Oregon St Ste 500 Portland, OR 97232-2778 BY E-MAIL ONL Kristen Bonanno USDA - Forest Service 333 SW 1 st Ave Portland , OR 97204-3440 BY E-MAIL ONL Nathan F Gardiner, Attorney Idaho Power Company PO Box 70 Boise ID 83707-0070 BY E-MAIL ONL