H.R. 3043: Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017

115th Congress · Sponsored from Washington · In committee

What this bill does

Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill designates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for coordinating all federal authorizations and reviews related to hydropower license applications, including compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. FERC must establish a process to set a schedule for the review and disposition of each federal authorization following the filing of an application for a license. The bill expands the definition of "renewable energy" to include electric energy generated from hydropower projects. The bill authorizes FERC to extend the length of time of preliminary permits and to extend the time limit that a licensee has to commence construction on a hydropower project. (Sec. 3) The bill authorizes the use of trial-type hearings to resolve disputes related to a hydropower license application. Under certain circumstances, the hearing may be demanded by applicants or other parties for any disputed issues of material fact. FERC must consult with federal and state agencies and the public to compile best practices for performing studies and environmental reviews in connection with the timely and efficient completion of hydropower license proceedings. The bill creates a process to approve license amendments for qualifying hydropower projects. (Sec. 5) The Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior must consider the threat of invasive species when prescribing a fishway. (Fishways are structures placed on or around constructed barriers to give fish the opportunity to migrate.) (Sec. 6) FERC may examine the license for any project that is located in an area that was declared to be a disaster area in 2017.

Key facts

• Status In committee
• Introduced 2017-06-23
• Policy area Energy
• Cosponsors 0
• Latest action Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]

Lead sponsor · Washington

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Who funds the sponsor?

Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5] introduced H.R. 3043. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.

See Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]'s donors & voting record →

Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.

Take a position & compare alignment

Agree or disagree with H.R. 3043? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [R-WA-5]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.

Read the official text on Congress.gov →