FERC would report annually to Congress on stalled hydropower license renewals
Signed into lawH.R. 3657Latest action
Sponsor: Kim Schrier · Representative · WA
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Official title: Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
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HR 3657 requires FERC to send Congress yearly reports on hydropower dams stuck 3+ years in license renewal, starting within 180 days of enactment.
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What does this do?
HR 3657 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to submit an annual report to Congress tracking every hydropower dam whose license renewal process began at least three years ago but remains unresolved. Each report must include case numbers, application status, expected review completion dates, upcoming hearings, and outstanding steps for dam owners and government agencies. The first report is due within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
Who does it affect?
The bill primarily affects companies and utilities that own hydropower dams with licenses under review, along with the federal and state agencies involved in that process. People who live near dams, use the electricity they produce, or have concerns about river ecosystems also have a stake in the outcome of license renewals.
Why does it matter?
Currently there is no regular, public accounting of where each dam stands in the renewal process, which can take many years. Requiring annual tracking could make the length and status of individual cases visible to Congress, dam owners, regulators, and affected communities.
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This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 29, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-112.