The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act prohibits a federal agency from issuing a permit, license, loan, grant, or other assistance for an activity that would adversely affect the free‐flow, water quality, or outstandingly remarkable river values of a national wild and scenic river.
The river administering agency (BLM, FWS, NPS, or USFS) makes the determination about effects, and coordinates with proponents to achieve compliant projects. FERC is prohibited from licensing construction of any hydroelectric dam or other project works regulated under the Federal Power Act on designated wild and scenic rivers and Congressionally authorized study areas.