U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) on June 12 proposed legislation that would modernize the nation’s hydropower licensing process and promote next-generation hydropower projects.
“Eastern Washington is the perfect example of what’s possible when we unleash the potential of hydropower in America. It’s strengthened our energy grid, lowered energy costs for families and businesses, and transformed our entire region, all while reducing carbon emissions,” Rep. McMorris Rodgers said. “This is a model worth expanding, and it starts with reforming the licensing process and promoting the innovation needed to usher in the next generation of hydro technology.
“This legislation,” she said, “will help preserve our existing hydropower fleet and bring more power online as demand grows into the future.”
The congresswoman on Monday sponsored the Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act, H.R. 4045, to confirm that hydropower is an essential renewable energy resource for all Americans and that electricity produced from hydropower qualifies as a renewable resource for all federal programs and procurement requirements, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. McMorris Rodgers’ office.
If enacted, H.R. 4045 also would reform the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing process to protect existing hydropower resources. The bill also would encourage development of small and next-generation projects by affirming a two-year licensing process for next-gen hydropower resources; exempting small hydropower projects that do not have significant environmental impacts; and exempting closed-loop pumped storage projects that do not utilize federal land or impound navigable waters, the summary says.
Additionally, H.R. 4045 would promote innovation in turbine design and generating technology to improve performance and efficiency while protecting environmental resources and fish and would remove barriers for expanding hydropower development, among other provisions.
The bill has been endorsed by Northwest River Partners, the National Hydropower Association, the Public Power Council, the American Conservation Coalition Action, several Public Utility Districts, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, ClearPath Action, and the Northwest Public Power Association.