Federal law currently gives companies that hold a hydropower construction license only eight years to break ground before the license can lapse. This bill would let the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) grant license holders up to six additional years, in two-year increments, if they ask and show good cause — covering projects licensed before March 13, 2020. It would also let FERC reinstate a license that already expired, as long as the license lapsed sometime after December 31, 2023 and before this bill becomes law. The change affects dam and hydropower project developers who need more time to line up financing, permits, or construction crews before starting work.
Corporate Benefits
- Hydropower construction deadline — Extended up to 6 years beyond the current 8-year limit
Congressional Summary
This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods.The bill also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this bill, effective as of the date they expire.
Legislative Subjects
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Reported to House
- Action Date
- 2026-02-02
- Date Added
- 2026-07-16
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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