FERC must report yearly to Congress on stalled hydropower licenses
In markupS. 3500Latest action
Sponsor: Catherine Cortez Masto · Senator · NV
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Official title: Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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S 3500 requires FERC to send Congress annual reports on hydropower dam licenses pending at least three years without a decision.
55-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
S 3500 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit a yearly report to Congress on hydropower dam license applications that have been in process for at least three years without a final decision. Each report must include when the process started, current status, expected decision date, upcoming hearings or meetings, and actions already taken by dam operators, government agencies, and other parties. The bill does not change how licenses are approved or how long the process takes.
Who does it affect?
Companies, local governments, tribes, and individuals who own or seek to build hydropower facilities and are awaiting FERC license decisions are most directly affected. Communities near dams and electricity consumers who rely on hydropower are indirectly affected.
Why does it matter?
Obtaining or renewing a hydropower license can take many years, and the reporting requirement is intended to give Congress visibility into where individual cases stand. The requirement would allow Congress and the public to identify cases that may be taking longer than expected, though the bill makes no changes to the underlying approval process.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 16, 2025
- Senate committeeYou are here · Jun 10, 2026
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.