Water Code § 1490
ARTICLE 7. Priority of Applications for Hydroelectric Power
Applications or petitions for retrofit hydroelectric plants at existing dams, canals, or conduits where the streamflow regime will not be changed and where there will be no significant adverse environmental impacts shall receive expedited processing by the board. The applicant shall not be required to show a need for the power that will be generated by the plant unless protests are filed that are not resolved.