Smith's Small-Scale Hydropower Bill Passes Natural Resources Committee

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Adrian Smith’s (R-NE) bipartisan Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act (H.R. 795) today cleared an important hurdle when it passed the House Natural Resources Committee.

“I appreciate the Natural Resources Committee recognizing the importance of smaller scale hydropower opportunities to an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy,” Smith said. “Most think hydropower is a resource requiring a massive dam, but advancements in smaller projects offer tremendous opportunity to expand this resource as a viable option, particularly for rural consumers. In addition to promoting clean, renewable energy, this bill explicitly removes one-size-fits-all federal regulations which stifle entrepreneurship and innovation in the small-scale hydropower field.”

H.R. 795 would exempt hydropower projects generating less than one and a half megawatts from Federal Regulatory Commission (FERC) permitting rules. FERC regulates the licensing and inspection of private, municipal, and state hydroelectric projects.

The bill now awaits consideration by the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.