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.

More time for hydropower construction

This bill would let FERC give some hydropower projects more time to start building. It would apply only to projects with a license issued before March 13, 2020. A license holder would be able to get up to three 2-year extensions, for as much as 6 more years beyond the 8 years already allowed. FERC would require reasonable notice and a showing of good cause. The extra time would start when the last current extension under section 13 ends. If a project’s start window expired after December 31, 2023 and before enactment, FERC would be able to reinstate the license, and the extension would take effect as of that expiration date.