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
No review processes are currently open.
Completed Review Processes
July 30, 2026: Final Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower (LI-PSH) Definition is now available HERE.
In collaboration with an external Advisory Group representing a broad cross section of the hydropower community, the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) developed a Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower (LI-PSH) Definition after nearly two years of effort and two rounds of public comment. The Definition and resources provides a framework for best practices in developing and operating LI-PSH projects.
The LIHI Governing Board may consider creating a Low Impact certification program for LI-PSH projects.
Revision 2.06 of the LIHI Handbook was published March 1, 2025.
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 in early 2025.
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.
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.