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.
- Bill Number
- S. 1020
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-90
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-11: Became Public Law No: 119-90.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to grant extra time for starting construction on certain hydropower projects that were licensed before March 13, 2020, helping licensees avoid license expiration due to delays.
Key Provisions
- Covered Projects: Hydropower projects licensed by FERC before March 13, 2020.
- Extension Authority: FERC may extend the construction start deadline by up to 6 additional years (in up to 3 consecutive 2-year periods) beyond the standard 8-year limit, upon licensee request, reasonable notice, and proof of good cause.
- Timing of Extension: Begins after any prior extensions under existing law expire and lasts up to 6 years from the latest date FERC could previously extend.
- License Reinstatement: For projects where the construction deadline expired after December 31, 2023, but before this law's enactment, FERC can reinstate the expired license retroactively to its expiration date, allowing the new extension to apply.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Overrides section 13 of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 806), which normally limits construction start extensions to 8 years total.
- Introduces a new, limited window for further extensions specifically for pre-2020 licensed projects, with reinstatement for recently expired licenses.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases FERC's workload for reviewing requests but streamlines approvals for eligible projects.
- Citizens and Energy Sector: Enables delayed hydropower developments to proceed, potentially boosting clean energy production and grid reliability without new licensing.
- No Direct International Relations Impact: Focuses on domestic hydropower licensing.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Hydropower Licensees (private companies or developers): Gain flexibility to start construction later.
- FERC: Must process requests and reinstatements.
- Environmental Groups and Local Communities: May face prolonged uncertainty over project timelines.
- Energy Consumers: Could benefit from additional hydropower capacity.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Modifies FERC's discretionary authority without altering core licensing processes; "good cause" standard provides flexibility while maintaining oversight.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; Congress has clear authority over federal power regulation.
- Political: Supports energy infrastructure by aiding stalled projects, potentially aligning with goals for domestic renewable energy expansion.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (7)
Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA], Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-11: Became Public Law No: 119-90.
- 2026-05-11: Became Public Law No: 119-90.
- 2026-05-11: Signed by President.
- 2026-05-11: Signed by President.
- 2026-04-30: Presented to President.
- 2026-04-30: Presented to President.
- 2026-04-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-04-21: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 14 (Roll no. 129). (text: CR H3024) (Roll call 129)
- 2026-04-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 394 - 14 (Roll no. 129). (text: CR H3024) (Roll call 129)
- 2026-04-21: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3026-3027)
- 2026-04-21: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2026-04-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1020.
- 2026-04-21: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3024-3025)
- 2026-04-21: Mrs. Harshbarger moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-08-01: Held at the desk.
Bill Versions
- An Act To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects. — issued 2026-04-23 — PDF (2 pages)
- An Act To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects. — issued 2025-07-29 — PDF (4 pages)
- To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects. — issued 2025-03-13 — PDF (3 pages)