S. 1020 · Signed into law · Energy

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Sponsor: Steve Daines (R-MT)

What it does

• Authorize FERC to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020 by up to six additional years beyond existing eight-year extension authority.
• Limit extensions to three consecutive two-year periods, allowing licensees to request staggered deadline postponements.
• Permit FERC to reinstate expired hydropower licenses for projects whose construction deadlines have been extended under this bill, effective as of their original expiration date.

Official summary

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods. The bill also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this bill, effective as of the date they expire.

Latest action

May 11, 2026: Became Public Law No: 119-90.

Committee: Senate Energy and Natural Resources