FLOWS Act
Sponsored By: Senator Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced
Summary
Creates an expedited licensing track for micro hydrokinetic projects and would ease formal FERC approvals for nonsubstantial changes and routine maintenance of existing project works while preserving safety notices and consultation authority.
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- Existing licensees would be able to make nonsubstantial alterations, routine repairs, replacements, and seasonal or temporary operational adjustments without prior Commission approval, subject to preserved safety notice and enforcement powers.
- Developers of micro hydrokinetic projects would get a fast-track process for facilities up to 5 megawatts. Applicants would file a notification, submit an application within 1 year, and expect a final agency decision within 1 year, with licenses lasting 10 to 20 years.
- Regulators and reviewers would need implementing regulations within 180 days, joint schedules for timely permits, and NEPA categorical exclusions for low-disturbance activities. FERC must report to Congress within 5 years or after the first 50 licensed micro projects have run for 1 year on environmental, economic, and reliability effects.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier maintenance for hydro licensees
If enacted, the bill would let licensees do nonsubstantial alterations, routine maintenance, repairs, replacements, and temporary or seasonal operational adjustments without getting formal Commission approval when those changes fit approved plans or respond to events beyond the licensee's control. The Commission would still be able to require safety notices, enforce dam-safety and license terms, and consult promptly about safety or require changes in advance to protect safety.
Faster licenses for small hydro projects
If enacted, the bill would create a new fast licensing path for "micro hydrokinetic" projects (5 megawatts or less and not impounding water). You would start by filing a notification of intent, generally must file a full application within 1 year, and the Commission would have 1 year to make a final decision after the application is filed. The Commission would have 180 days to write rules that allow NEPA categorical exclusions for low-disturbance work. Licenses under this path could run between 10 and 20 years, and applicants could choose the new path or keep using other existing licensing routes.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
AK • R
Cosponsors
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 12/17/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov