S-1020 — 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.

YourVoice.Now Summary

Hydropower projects that were licensed before March 2020 but haven't started construction could get up to six extra years to break ground — on top of the eight years already allowed by law. The extensions would be granted in three two-year chunks, and the project holder would need to show good cause for the delay. Projects whose construction deadlines expired after December 2023 could even have their licenses reinstated. This mainly helps hydropower developers who were stalled by pandemic-era disruptions and supply chain issues.

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

Alternative and renewable resourcesDams and canalsElectric power generation and transmissionInfrastructure developmentLicensing and registrations

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: Senate
Status: summarized
Action: Passed Senate
Action Date: 2025-07-29
Date Added: 2026-04-16