H.R. 7487 · On the floor · Water Resources Development

Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act

What it does

Expands hydropower development eligibility from small conduit and pumped storage hydropower to all hydropower using Bureau of Reclamation facilities.
Redefines power privilege lease authorities to apply to all applicable transferred and reserved works facilities rather than only small conduit facilities.
Extends the date for existing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorizations from August 9, 2013 to the date of enactment, allowing authorizations to remain active and renewable until they become inactive.
Clarifies that hydropower generation at Bureau of Reclamation facilities is secondary to water use, and shifts project site jurisdiction to the Bureau of Reclamation exclusively once a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorization becomes inactive.

Aug 27, 2026: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 676.

Committee: House Natural Resources