Modernizing Hydropower Licensing and Strengthening Tribal Resource Authority
This Act modernizes and accelerates the licensing process for hydropower projects by setting strict deadlines for new facilities at existing nonpowered dams and closed-loop pumped storage projects, aiming to enhance grid stability. A major change grants Indian Tribes exclusive authority to set necessary license conditions for projects on their trust lands, significantly bolstering their sovereignty over natural resources. The law also establishes a fund to reimburse Tribes and state agencies for administrative costs incurred during the licensing process.
Key points
Faster Approvals: Maximum deadlines (2-3 years) are set for approving new hydropower projects, aiming to accelerate clean energy development.
Increased Tribal Authority: Indian Tribes gain exclusive control over license conditions for water projects on their trust lands, directly impacting resource protection.
Streamlined Procedures: Federal, state agencies, and Tribes must establish joint schedules and study plans to reduce bureaucracy and coordinate efforts.
Environmental Review Scope: Agencies must focus only on ongoing and reasonably foreseeable project effects, excluding nonrecurring past environmental damage from consideration.
Expired
Citizen Poll