Senate signs off on license extension for new hydropower projects
The Senate recently advanced a bill (S.4050) by U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA) that would allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction licenses for new hydropower projects beset by supply chain shortages.
Specifically, the bill targeted those projects afflicted since 2020, when the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic induced supply chain issues whose effects, in some cases, are still felt to this day. Many FERC-licensed hydropower projects were among those hit, pushing them close to their deadlines for start-of-construction. Failure to meet those deadlines necessitates FERC rescinding their license and terminating the project.
“Hydropower is reliable, safe, and responsible,” Cassidy said. “The federal government should be enabling projects, not standing in the way. Today’s actions are bipartisan, pro-jobs, and pro-American energy. I’m glad to see Congress cut the red tape holding up the Red River and Overton Lock projects.”
Overton Lock and Dam and the Red River Lock and Dam #3 are both Louisiana-based hydropower projects facing down expiration dates in less than a month. While FERC gives permit seekers 10 years to get their affairs in order, the projects pointed to supply chain issues and high labor costs inducing unforeseen delays.
The two projects are among 38 FERC-licensed hydropower projects across 16 states that are at risk of missing their deadlines come April.
“Hydropower is an important part of our all-of-the-above energy policy, and these projects would bring construction jobs to our state,” Kennedy said. “It would be foolish to allow supply chain issues from the pandemic to derail Louisiana’s hydropower developments. With this extension, Louisiana would be able to bring these two projects online to provide additional sources of reliable, clean energy for Louisianians.”
Hydropower is, notably, the only clean energy technology that requires a FERC license to proceed. Its future now depends on the House of Representatives.
