WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, today joined Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) in introducing bipartisan legislation to increase hydropower production.

The bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020, including two in Louisiana in the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway on the Red River.

“Louisianians and all Americans depend on reliable energy sources to keep the lights on. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to unleash hydropower production and provide jobs,” said Kennedy.

“Energy security is national security, and hydropower delivers a reliable energy source for many Montanans. Many of our hydropower projects have been held up due to supply chain shortages and this bipartisan bill will revive projects that support Montana jobs and keep costs low for our families. I’ll continue to support an all-of-the-above energy portfolio and fight for ways to increase our domestic energy production,” said Daines.

“I’m an all-of-the-above energy guy. The federal government should enable all projects. The Red River and Overton Lock projects are pro-job and pro-American energy,” said Cassidy.

Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Background:

• In the U.S., companies must secure a permit from FERC to begin construction on dams and other hydropower facilities. FERC’s hydropower construction permits expire after just 10 years. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many unforeseen delays due to supply chain issues and high labor costs. In turn, many projects will require more than 10 years to reach completion. 

• Hydropower is an affordable, reliable and clean energy source that can strengthen the power grids in Louisiana and beyond. Without legislation allowing FERC to extend their construction permits, Louisiana project managers would not be able to bring these facilities online to power the surrounding communities.

• As the top Republican on the Senate’s Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Kennedy has expanded America’s hydropower capabilities. The FY 2024 Energy and Water appropriation package included $440 million in investments for the nation’s dam and levee infrastructure, including $36.5 million Kennedy secured to reinforce the Boggs Lock and Dam on the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway.

Full text of the bill is available here.