Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering American hydropower and increasing domestic energy production. The legislation, supported by Senators Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, and John Fetterman, seeks to allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020.

Daines emphasized the importance of energy security in relation to national security, stating that hydropower provides a reliable energy source for many Montanans. He noted that supply chain shortages have delayed many hydropower projects and expressed his commitment to supporting an all-encompassing energy portfolio.

Senator Cassidy remarked on the need for federal support of all energy projects, highlighting the pro-job and pro-American energy nature of the Red River and Overton Lock projects. Senator Kennedy also voiced his support for the bill, citing its potential to provide jobs and unleash hydropower production.

The proposed legislation allows FERC-licensed hydropower projects from before 2020 to petition for license extensions in two-year increments, aiming to alleviate construction delays. Representative Dan Newhouse has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Newhouse highlighted the significance of Lower Snake River dams for regional energy security and agricultural exports. He stressed that without these dams, severe economic consequences could occur during extreme weather events.

Several industry leaders have expressed their support for the bill. Malcolm Wolff from the National Hydropower Association called it a "much-needed fix" to streamline regulatory processes. Doug Spaulding from Nelson Energy praised the bipartisan leadership behind the legislation, emphasizing its role in advancing licensed projects across Louisiana's Red River.

Paul Jacob from Rye Development mentioned that pandemic-delayed projects would benefit from this initiative by creating jobs and supporting grid resilience. Hydro Green Energy's statement focused on strengthening America's electric system through timely project completions.

Duff Mitchell from Juneau Hydropower described the act as preserving significant private investment in baseload resources under development. David Sinclair from Advanced Hydro Solutions commended the senators' efforts toward reducing regulatory risks associated with construction timelines.

Bradley Janorschke of Homer Electric Association pointed out Alaska's success with low-cost clean hydroelectric power while stressing the necessity of extending construction timelines amid licensing challenges and supply chain disruptions.