tool name

close
tool goes here

Bill to aid hydropower projects

Published: Jan. 20, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. PSTUpdated: Jan. 19, 2013 at 10:09 p.m. PST
0 comments

Federal legislation has been reintroduced by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., to promote development of small hydropower and conduit projects.

Conduit projects fit existing man-made structures, such as canals, with electric generating equipment.

Her proposed legislation, introduced with Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., also would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to study the feasibility of a streamlined two-year permitting process.

"Unleashing American ingenuity to increase hydropower production will lower energy costs and help create thousands of jobs," McMorris Rodgers said in a statement.

The House of Representatives passed the legislation last year. But while there was bipartisan support for the bill in the Senate, it did not come to a vote before the end of the session.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here

We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.

CONTESTS

Similar stories

  • House committee OKs bill for conduit projects

    The House Energy and Commerce Committee has unanimously approved a bill to promote development of small hydropower and conduit projects.

    It was written by Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and Diana DeGette,D-Colo.

    Conduit projects fit existing man-made structures, such as canals, with electric generating equipment. The legislation also would direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to study the feasibility of a streamlined two-year permitting process.

  • Small hydro projects bill passes U.S. House

    The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday to boost development of small hydropower projects.

    The bill would authorize hydropower development on man-made Bureau of Reclamation canals and stream-line regulatory processes. It has the potential to generate thousands of megawatts of hydropower at no cost to taxpayers, according to supporters.

    The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hear hydropower bills April 23, according to staff of Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.

  • Rep. Haler wants state to recognize hydropower as renewable energy resource

    Rep. Larry Haler is hoping to lower energy prices in Washington by amending the state constitution.

    Haler, R-Richland, has filed a piece of legislation called House Joint Resolution 4200 that would change the state constitution to recognize hydropower as a renewable energy resource.

    It's a response to voter-approved Initiative 937, passed in 2006 by just under 52 percent of the state's voters.

  • Mid-Columbia legislators put water, energy at top of to-do lists

    While the state budget and education funding are expected to dominate the legislative session that starts today in Olympia, Mid-Columbia lawmakers also have their eyes on some local water and energy issues.

    Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, told the Herald that Eastern Washington faces some critical water issues, including a water deficit in the Yakima River basin and the future of the Columbia River Treaty between the United States and Canada.

    The treaty is an agreement between the two nations for development and operation of dams for power and flood control on the upper Columbia River basin. It expires in 2024, but can be terminated with a 10-year notice by either country in 2014. Both countries are reviewing the treaty in advance of the termination notice deadline.

  • 3 candidates emerge to replace Jerome Delvin in state Senate

    Reps. Larry Haler and Brad Klippert and Kennewick Mayor Pro Tem Sharon Brown topped local Republicans' list of potential replacements for Jerome Delvin in the state Senate on Thursday.

    The Benton County GOP met in Richland to narrow the field from six candidates to three, with the Benton County Commissioners having the final choice on whom to send to Olympia.

    Haler, R-Richland, is the senior 8th District representative to the state House of Representatives, having served in the position since 2004.