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Federal regulators are pushing Duke Energy to do more to protect the Catawba River's environment as a years-long process to renew its hydroelectric license nears an end.

Among their recommendations is that Duke buy back undeveloped portions of its 1,700 miles of shoreline and enforce a protective 50-foot-wide buffer along the waterfront.

Duke says new license terms the government has proposed would cost tens of millions of dollars and jeopardize commitments it has made for recreation and conservation across the Catawba basin.

Stakes are high for both Duke and the public. The 225-mile, 11-reservoir Catawba is one of the nation's largest hydro projects, and terms hammered out now will guide its management for decades.

Read more at Charlotte.com.

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