Legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA) would support hydropower innovation and fast-track America’s development of clean, renewable energy.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers on June 29 sponsored the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, H.R. 7410, with original cosponsor Rep. Newhouse to modernize the nation’s hydropower licensing process and to promote next-generation hydropower projects, according to the text of the bill.
“Hydropower is one of America’s top renewable energy sources and accounts for roughly 70 percent of our clean energy in Washington state,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “Building a clean energy future doesn’t happen without prioritizing the continued development of hydroelectric energy resources.”
Rep. Newhouse pointed out that central Washington is heavily dependent on hydropower and hydroelectric dams.
“Supporting and promoting hydropower as a clean, renewable and reliable source of energy is exactly what we should be doing as we move toward a clean energy future,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Our local scientists and researchers have demonstrated that – through innovation and responsible use – we can continue to improve upon our technologies and create an even greater future for hydroelectric technology.”
If enacted, H.R. 7410 would update federal renewable purchase requirements to include hydropower and designate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as the lead agency regarding all federal authorizations and compliance for any required state or local environmental reviews, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers’ office.
Additionally, the bill would provide specific licensing terms for small hydropower projects that are unlikely to impact threatened or endangered species or critical habitats, and hasten licensing for next-generation hydropower projects that utilize technologies to protect, mitigate or enhance environmental resources, among other provisions, according to the summary.
“The way we solve the climate crisis is through free-market technological innovation,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “In addition to expanding hydropower resources, this legislation supports the development of next-generation hydro technology that can increase clean energy production and further decrease environmental impact.”
The legislation is supported by ClearPath Action, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, the American Conservation Coalition, and the National Hydropower Association.