Fred Springer is one of the nation's leading experts on hydropower regulation.  For more than three decades, he has been directly involved with the regulation of hundreds of the nations' hydropower projects and has advised governments around the world.

Experience
As Director, OHL, reported directly to the Chairman, FERC; management and technical expertise was used to plan and coordinate a complex program involving numerous interacting factors and direct professional staff members and support activities (320 staff) in order to solve specific and novel problems related to hydropower development including dam and complete water resource project engineering, construction, safety, economics, recreation, land use, fisheries, water quality, and other environmental impacts.  Interacted and resolved issues involving hydro licensing among a large group of stakeholders such as power generators, governmental agencies, environmental resources interest groups and citizens.  Having held positions from Project Manager through Office Director, is particularly familiar with and helped evolve hydropower regulations, precedents, and processes.  Either signed under delegated authority or advised the Commission directly on all licensing actions when Director, OHL.  Worked directly with the Assistant General Counsel for Hydropower Licensing to resolve precedent setting issues.  Since joining Troutman Sanders, has assisted clients by providing advice and preparing and filing pleadings concerning applications for license, relicense, and post-licensing.

Representative Engagements
Supports the firm's many private and public sector clients in all phases of hydroelectric project licensing -- from establishing rapport with stakeholders, participating in pre-filing collaborative processes, advising on competitive proceedings, licensing projects, and complying with post-licensing obligations.

Provides strategic and policy advice to major utilities and municipalities undergoing licensing or relicensing of projects using various FERC licensing processes.  Files pleadings with FERC as appropriate

Provides similar advice to such licensees/applicants on post-licensing compliance matters

Actively participates in industry activities, currently Board Member, National Hydropower Association, and previously Vice Chairman of Regulatory Affairs Committee and Board Advisor.  Actively participated in and helped shape the rulemaking for the new FERC Integrated Licensing Process.  Heads NHA subcommittee on ILP implementation.  Multiple year member of the NHA Annual Conference Steering Committee

Provides strategic advice and prepares pleadings for various stakeholders in FERC licensing and license amendment proceedings

Represents or assists in the representation of a large Southeastern utility in multiple relicensings including the first project to use FERC ‘s new ILP rules. 

Represents or assists municipalities file and obtain licenses and relicenses. 

Represent and assist a significant stakeholder in a relicensing proceeding. 

Represents and assists mid-Western utilities in obtaining original and new licenses. 

Assists clients in post licensing actions such as license amendments, transfers, uses of project lands, headwater benefits, surrenders, and responses to FERC compliance matters.

Speaking Engagements and Papers
For over 20 years has regularly chaired or been a speaker on panels of national hydropower conferences such as NHA’s Annual Conference, Waterpower, and Hydrovision

Co-authored a paper,"Using the Integrated Licensing Process: Lessons Learned", Hydro Review, April 2008. 

Co-authored a paper, “Selecting a Licensing Process: Which Approach is Best for Your Project,” which was ranked #1 article in Volume 25, No. 6 of Hydro Review, October 2006