This bill modernizes federal hydropower licensing and promotes development of new hydropower technologies. It designates hydropower as a renewable energy resource for all federal programs and requires federal agencies to update their renewable energy policies within 180 days to include hydropower equally with wind and solar. The legislation streamlines the licensing process for small hydropower projects (40 megawatts or less) and "next-generation" projects using innovative technologies, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission required to issue licenses within two years. It also creates a coordinated federal licensing schedule with financial penalties of up to $5,000 per week for agencies missing deadlines, establishes a task force to coordinate regulatory processes, and requires a report on market barriers to hydropower development within 270 days. Additionally, the bill facilitates hydropower development at existing dams and closed-loop pumped storage facilities, and extends the time for constructing certain previously licensed projects by four additional years. The legislation affects utility companies, energy developers, federal and state regulatory agencies, and environmental organizations involved in hydropower projects.
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