Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1020

Introduced
3/13/25  
Refer
3/13/25  

Caption

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Impact

The potential impact of SB1020 on state laws revolves around the facilitation of hydropower project construction and, by extension, renewable energy development. By providing a longer window for project developers to begin construction, the bill could encourage investment in hydropower and assist states in meeting their renewable energy targets. This could also lead to job creation and economic benefits in regions where these projects are situated. However, there are concerns about balancing energy development with environmental protections that states implement.

Summary

SB1020 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending the Federal Power Act to allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend the period in which licensees must commence construction on certain hydropower projects. Specifically, the bill enables extensions of up to six additional years beyond the current eight-year period mandated by federal law for commencing construction after a license has been granted. This bill is significant as it addresses the timelines associated with hydropower development, an essential component of the nation's renewable energy infrastructure.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB1020 appears generally supportive among stakeholders focusing on energy development, particularly in the context of increasing energy needs and transitioning to renewable sources. Advocates argue that the bill is a necessary step for enhancing hydropower resources and ensuring that licenses granted do not lapse due to construction delays. Nevertheless, there could be opposition from environmental groups worried about the ecological impacts and long-term sustainability of hydropower projects, emphasizing the need for comprehensive environmental assessments.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB1020 relate to the implications of extending the construction timelines for hydropower projects. While many support the idea of facilitating renewable energy development, critics argue that extending these deadlines could lead to lax oversight on environmental compliance or increased exploitation of waterways. The balance between stimulating renewable energy initiatives and safeguarding environmental integrity will likely be a focal point during discussions surrounding the bill.

Companion Bills

US HB2072

Same As To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Previously Filed As

US SB3373

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

US HB4045

Hydropower Clean Energy Future Act

US SB4050

A bill to extend the deadline to commence construction of certain hydroelectric projects on the Red River.

US HB261

Article I Regulatory Budget Act This bill requires the establishment of a federal regulatory budget to limit the costs of federal regulations. It also establishes requirements for disclosing the projected costs of federal regulations and procedures for enforcing the regulatory budget.

US SB1521

Community and Hydropower Improvement Act

US HB9893

National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024

US HB1

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

US HR1072

Recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising Day of March 10, 1959, and condemning human rights violations related to the hydropower dam construction project in Derge.

US SB4753

Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.