WATERFIGHT: Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017

California's South Feather River a spot for whitewater boating and hydroelectricity generation.   
   Photo by Gavin Rieser

Aimed at speeding up hydroelectric power projects in the U.S. the Republican-controlled House has approved a bill, called the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington state, would define hydropower as a renewable energy source and streamline the way projects are licensed. Lawmakers approved the bill last month, 257-166.

Hydroelectricity production varies each year and is largely dependent on rain and snowfall. The power generated by rivers and streams makes up nearly 70 percent of electricity generated in Washington state and accounts for more than 50 percent of power in Oregon and Idaho. In California, hydroelectric power is a major source electricity. In 2014, hydroelectric power plants produced approximately 14,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity or 6 percent of the total in-state electricity generation. Nationwide, hydropower only accounts for 7 percent of electricity.

McMorris Rodgers, a Republican, says that figure could be doubled without constructing a single dam.

"As the largest source of renewable energy in the United States, we need to modernize the way we license and relicense hydropower," said McMorris Rodgers, "This legislation will do that."

McMorris Rodgers said she also hopes the bill would encourage additional hydro development at non-powered dam infrastructure -- potentially unlocking significant amounts of clean energy as many states continue working toward meeting their renewable portfolio standards.

Opponents say the bill turns over public waterways to industry at the expense of fishermen, boaters and Native American tribes.

The Kootenai Environmental Alliance calls the bill, "A devastating assault on our nation’s rivers and the people and wildlife that depend upon them. Its passage would end 95 years of balance in hydropower licensing, tipping the scales against taxpayers and in favor of huge utilities." 

The conservation group says the current law protects the public’s right to enjoy its rivers and is also compatible with responsible electricity production. It argues that the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017 would tip the balance toward industry and special interests while undermining the current hydropower licensing process, which is a key tool for protecting and restoring rivers impacted by privately and municipally owned and operated dams to the expense of the fish, wildlife, and the people that rely upon healthy water flows.

More than 500 hydro projects are expected to enter the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process through 2030. These projects represent about half of all licensed plants under FERC jurisdiction, and about a third of all licensed hydro capacity.

The bill next goes to the Senate.