Program Updates

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute consistently strives to update and improve the Low Impact Hydropower Certification Program utilizing input from its stakeholders in the hydropower industry, government agencies, environmental NGOs, and the communities associated with Certified Facilities. Any changes to the Certification Program are reviewed by governance and staff. Changes are then open to public comment and reviewed by any interested parties. Please see below for more information on recent substantive reviews of the Low Impact Hydropower Certification Program including the review process and public comments received.

Open Review Processes

Proposed March 2024

LIHI Certification Handbook Updates

The Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) recommends new language in the LIHI Handbook that clarifies how Tribal rights and interests are incorporated into the LIHI Certification Program, as well as other minor updates and clarifications. LIHI would like to hear from interested parties on these changes, which, if adopted, would go into effect by January 1, 2025.

Completed Review Processes

Proposed October 2021

Second New Recertification Process Proposal

The public comment period and review process has been completed. Please click the link above to review the programmatic changes implemented by the LIHI Governing Board as of January 1, 2022. A summary of LIHI response to comments received can be found here.

Proposed in October 2020

Proposal - New Recertification Process

Proposed in March 2019

Proposal to Expand Eligibility for New Construction

The public comment period is closed. Comments were reviewed by staff and governance and a new process has been proposed - see above.

Review and public comment has been completed.