Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) recently introduced H.R. 9806, the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act.
The FLOWS Act would amend the Federal Power Act to remove the requirement for hydropower projects to seek Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for routine maintenance or non-substantial alterations.
Currently, these must be approved by FERC, a process that results in months-long delays and unnecessary costs. The bill would also allow FERC to issue shorter-term licenses of 10-20 years to micro hydrokinetic projects.
APPA strongly supports H.R. 9806 and its Senate companion bill, S. 3518, which was introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME).
S. 3518 was approved by the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee on June 19 by voice vote.
