Energy and Commerce subcommittee advances McMorris Rodgers’ hydropower bill

Legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) to modernize the nation’s hydropower licensing process and promote next-generation hydropower projects advanced to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security on Oct. 25 voted 16-12 to approve the congresswoman’s Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, H.R. 4045, during its markup of 17 bills aimed at securing reliable, clean American energy. 

Rep. McMorris Rodgers sponsored H.R. 4045 on June 12 to expand clean, renewable, reliable, and affordable hydropower production, as well as promote American innovation and leadership in the next generation of hydroelectric technology, according to a bill summary provided by her staff.

“Right now, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulates non-federal hydropower projects, which include about 2,500 dams and account for about a half of the hydropower generation in the country,” the congresswoman said during the markup. “The licensing process for these critical energy facilities is burdensome, taking nearly a decade to license and re-license them. That means less energy, fewer options, and higher costs.” 

H.R. 4045, she said, would modernize “this burdensome and outdated licensing process standing in the way of next-generation hydrotechnology” by removing barriers to allow for the rapid expansion of hydropower development, and would strengthen the energy grid, drive down energy costs, and secure a cleaner energy future.

Hydropower is one of America’s most valuable energy sources and accounts for over 6 percent of the nation’s electricity generation and nearly 40 percent of its renewable generation, said the congresswoman. 

“Despite the many benefits of hydropower, only 3 percent of dams in our country actually produce electricity today,” she added. “By leveraging this untapped potential for more hydropower energy, we could double hydropower production in the United States without building a single new dam.”

If enacted, H.R. 4045 also would enhance coordination among dozens of agencies by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to set schedules, clarify responsibilities, and resolve disputes, said the lawmaker.

“H.R. 4045 will play a pivotal role bringing more hydropower facilities online, while preserving and expanding our already powerful hydropower fleet,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers. “It is a real, free-market climate solution that will ensure America continues to lead the way on clean, renewable, affordable, and reliable energy for generations to come.”

In addition to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, the measure is also under consideration in the U.S. House Oversight and Accountability Committee.