A Short Law That Lets Congress See Hydropower Licensing

Not every important law makes headlines.

The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, signed into law on September 25, is a short bill with a clear purpose. It requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to report to Congress within 180 days, and every year after, on the status of hydropower licensing and relicensing proceedings.

Congress cannot fix what it cannot see. This law gives lawmakers the data to hold the process accountable and to build the case for broader licensing reform.

It also passed the way good policy should. A Democrat from Washington and a Republican from Idaho led it in the House. A Democrat from Nevada and a Republican from Montana led it in the Senate. Both chambers moved it, and the President signed it.

Congratulations to Rep. Kim Schrier, Rep. Russ Fulcher, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, and Sen. Steve Daines, and to the National Hydropower Association team.

I see every day how licensing timelines shape whether new hydropower gets built. This is a meaningful first step.