§10365 Hydroelectric power assessment

Summary

The Secretary of Energy must check how global climate change affects water used to make hydroelectric power at each federal water project tied to a Federal Power Marketing Administration. To do this, the Secretary must work with the United States Geological Survey, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the relevant program, and state water agencies to get the best science. For the Bonneville Power Administration and the Western Area Power Administration, the Secretary must also work with the Commissioner to get any needed data the Commissioner has collected. Within 2 years after March 30, 2009, and every 5 years after that, the Secretary must send Congress a report that explains climate risks to hydro water supplies and to power sold by each Federal Power Marketing Administration (under long‑term contracts, contingent capacity contracts, and short‑term sales) and that includes each Administration’s recommendations for changing operations or contracts (including buying power to meet commitments). The Secretary may make contracts or grants to do the work. Costs the Secretary pays are nonreimbursable, and each Administration pays only if the Secretary provides appropriated funds. Money needed for this work is authorized for fiscal years 2009 through 2023 and remains available until spent.