Lets hydropower licensees make nonsubstantial alterations and routine repairs without advance approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and creates an expedited licensing track for hydrokinetic projects of 5 megawatts or less.

• Allows hydropower licensees to make nonsubstantial alterations and routine maintenance, repair, or replacement of project works without prior Commission approval.
• Keeps Commission authority to require notice from licensees and to enforce dam safety requirements.
• Creates a license process for micro hydrokinetic projects of 5 megawatts or less that draw energy from waves, tides, or free-flowing water, excluding projects that impound water.
• Requires the Commission to act on a complete license application within 1 year and to issue implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment.
• Directs the Commission to use categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for low-disturbance work on these projects and to report to Congress on environmental, economic, and electricity reliability impacts.

• Energy and Natural Resources Committee (Senate)
• Water and Power Subcommittee

Energy