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 licensees

If enacted, this bill would let FERC extend the time to start construction for certain hydropower licenses. It would apply only to licenses issued before March 13, 2020. FERC would be able to add up to six years beyond the usual eight-year start period. The extra time would be granted as up to three consecutive two-year extensions that begin when the final current extension expires. A licensee would need to request the extension, and FERC would have to give reasonable notice and find good cause. If a license's start period expired after December 31, 2023 and before enactment, FERC would be able to reinstate the license effective on that expiration date and apply the extra time from that date.