House energy subcommittee advances five bills to full committee

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy recently advanced five bills aimed at modernizing and supporting the development of U.S. energy infrastructure and promoting energy security.

The legislative package now heads to the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

“Today’s markup was an important step toward modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and breaking down barriers to job growth and economic development,” Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “I look forward to engaging with members of the committee to further perfect the bills and I look forward to building on this momentum as we work to find other areas of bipartisan agreement.”

The Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017 would designate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as the lead agency for licensing hydropower projects.

The Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act would strengthen the energy emergency planning requirements of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to improve the ability of states to secure energy infrastructure against physical and cybersecurity threats.

H.R. 2786 would amend the Federal Power Act in regards to the criteria and process to qualify a qualifying conduit hydropower facility and is designed to promote the development of small conduit hydropower facilities.

“Promoting this affordable source of clean electricity is important to our nation’s all of the above energy strategy,” Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), the bill’s author, said. “Hydropower remains one of the most efficient and affordable sources of electricity…In North Carolina alone it generates enough electricity to power 350,000 homes each year. Despite its benefits, hydropower’s growth has been stagnant…There are unnecessary regulatory burdens that simply clog up the dam…Congress must remove some of these regulatory roadblocks that inhibit market driven growth.”

Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act, would create a predictable and transparent process for permitting the construction of cross-border pipelines and electric transmission facilities.

The Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act, is designed to facilitate better coordination among FERC and other agencies involved in siting interstate natural gas pipelines. H.R. 2910 also requires more information related to be disclosed to the public.