FERC & NEPA Licensing Process

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process is designed to ensure thorough environmental review, regulatory coordination, and stakeholder engagement. Beginning with early consultation and study planning in 2026, the process includes extensive field studies, ongoing collaboration with state and federal agencies, and multiple opportunities for stakeholder input.

These efforts will support the development and submission of a detailed license application and the required environmental authorizations, with regulatory decisions expected in 2029. This structured, multi-year approach reflects WMES’s commitment to transparency, rigorous analysis, and responsible project development.

For any questions related to the project, please contact [email protected].

Public Calendar of Events
WMES encourages the community, businesses, and all stakeholders to attend and participate in our public meetings. Join us to learn more and speak with WMES about the project. View Calendar of Events
Stakeholder Engagement
WMES has engaged with federal/state agencies, tribal nations, municipalities, environmental organizations, chambers of commerce, and recreation groups. View Engagement List
Letters of Support
Hear from our supporters. Community organizations, business leaders, and regional stakeholders have submitted letters supporting the project and its economic and energy benefits. View Letters of Support

Estimated FERC Timeline

Task Estimated Date of Completion
Complete PAD, NOI and TLP request submittal January 2026 - COMPLETED
Receive FERC approval on TLP February 2026
Hold Joint Agency Meeting February 2026 (will be held as informal meeting if TLP not yet approved via FERC)
Continuing with individual Agency/Stakeholder Meetings for review of known site conditions and finalization of Study Plans February 2026 – April 2026
Continuing Field Studies and Agency/Stakeholder Coordination Spring 2026 – Spring 2027
Final Agency/Stakeholder Meetings – review of field data and gap analysis Fall 2026 – Winter 2027
Follow up field studies as needed Spring 2027 – Fall 2027
Draft License Application Development May 2027 – September 2027
Stakeholder Review of Draft License Application October 2027
Review of comments with FERC and Stakeholders November 2027
Submit Final License to FERC Application December 2027
Submit required State (Maine DEP) and Federal (Army Corp of Engineers) environmental authorizations as required December 2027 or as requirements are finalized through stakeholder engagement process
Receive FERC/Maine DEP/ACOE authorizations Second Quarter of 2029

Note: This schedule is a high-level summary of the process WMES intends to take to facilitate coordination with agencies and completion of a thorough evaluation of the site to support the FERC License Application and requirements of supporting State and Federal agencies. Refinement of the schedule will be included in the PAD to be filed in early 2026.

PROJECT DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION

Date Document Title
2/13/2026 FERC NOI PAD Submittal
4/16/2026 WMES JAM 04162026 Slides

For more information, see the FERC e-library

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