The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act amends federal law to make it easier for private companies to develop hydropower projects on water infrastructure operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, expanding opportunities beyond the current "small conduit" projects to include larger hydropower installations at dams and water facilities across the nation. The bill affects rural communities and private energy developers by removing restrictions on what types of hydropower projects can be built on federal water projects, potentially creating jobs in rural areas while generating clean energy. The legislation changes how federal permits work by allowing private hydropower authorizations to remain active and renewable, with jurisdiction shifting to the Bureau of Reclamation once a federal permit expires, rather than reverting to federal oversight. No new direct federal funding is provided in the bill, but the changes are designed to incentivize private investment in hydropower development on existing federal water infrastructure. The bill was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
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