House Moves Modernized Hydropower Licensing Process One Step Closer to Reality
House passes H.R. 3043 to bring greater transparency and accountability to hydro licensing process
Washington, D.C. (November 8, 2017) – With the nation reawaking to the benefits that hydropower provides to the grid, the National Hydropower Association today applauded House passage of the bipartisan Hydropower Policy Modernization Act (H.R 3043). For decades, the growth of hydropower has been obstructed by a licensing process that can take up to 10 years or more to permit a facility. The bill is designed to make the process more timely, coherent and collaborative for both new project approvals and for existing projects in relicensing.
“Passage of H.R. 3043 is a significant step forward, and we applaud Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) for her leadership on the bill and the members of the House for recognizing the importance of the nation’s largest source of renewable electricity,” said Linda Church Ciocci, NHA Executive Director. “Ensuring the stability of the grid and improving infrastructure continue to be at forefront of the national debate, which is why modernizing the hydropower licensing process should be a top priority for Congress and the Administration. As an industry, we urge the Senate to act swiftly to pass a bill that will bring transparency, predictability and greater coordination to the process.”
“As the Senate works to pass a similar measure, we recognize that there will be continued engagement and dialogue on needed improvements to the licensing process. We look forward to working with the Senate and with other stakeholders to get a final bill signed by the President to break the status quo that is obstructing investment in existing hydropower projects and new development.”
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