Bill Summary

Bill Summary

This bill, known as the "Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017," aims to update and improve hydropower policy in the United States. It emphasizes the importance of hydropower as a renewable resource and encourages the increase of clean and renewable hydropower in the country.

Hydropower Regulatory Improvements

The bill states that hydropower is a renewable resource, and it modifies the definition of renewable energy to include hydropower. It allows for the extension of preliminary permits and increases the time limit for the construction of project works. It also considers the term of a license during relicensing and allows for alternative conditions and prescriptions for projects.

Hydropower Licensing and Process Improvements

This section establishes new standards and procedures for hydropower license amendment applications. It allows for trial-type hearings to resolve disputed issues and sets deadlines for license application processing. It also requires coordination among different agencies and Indian tribes involved in the licensing process.

Licensing Study Improvements

The bill encourages the compilation of best practices in conducting studies required for license proceedings. It suggests the development of open-source methodologies and tools that can be used across various projects. It also promotes the use of current and accepted scientific studies and data to support actions taken by the Commission and other agencies.

License Amendment Improvements

This section allows for the approval of license amendments for qualifying project upgrades. It sets up a process for determining whether a proposed change to a project qualifies as an upgrade and establishes time limits for approval. It also limits the conditions and prescriptions that can be included in or applicable to a license amendment.

Technical and Conforming Amendments

This section makes technical changes to certain sections of the Federal Power Act to align with the provisions of this bill.

Consideration of Invasive Species

This section requires the consideration of the threat of invasive species when prescribing a fishway for a hydropower project.

Examination of Licenses for Projects Located in Disaster Areas

This section allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to examine licenses for projects located in areas declared as disaster areas in 2017.

Studies for Non-Federal Hydropower

This section allows other Federal agencies to fully study and review the potential expansion of non-federal hydropower at projects licensed under the Federal Power Act.

HB 3043 Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017

US Congress 115th Congress

Bill Texts

Introduced 10/31/2017

Engrossed 11/10/2017

Introduced 07/08/2017

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Sponsors (1)

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers

Primary Sponsor