Extend Hydropower Construction Deadline

Summary#

This law lets the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) extend the time a hydropower licensee has to start building a project. A "covered project" is a hydropower project whose FERC license was issued before March 13, 2020. On a licensee's request, and after reasonable notice and for good cause, FERC may extend the period to commence construction for up to 6 additional years beyond the 8 years allowed under section 13 of the Federal Power Act. The additional 6 years must be granted as up to three consecutive 2-year periods. Any extension begins when the last extension previously granted under section 13 expires and ends no more than 6 years after the latest date FERC may extend under that section. If a covered project's license expired after December 31, 2023 and before this law was enacted, FERC may reinstate that license effective as of the expiration date, and the new extension authority takes effect on that expiration date. The act was approved on May 11, 2026.

What it means for you#

• If you hold a FERC hydropower license issued before March 13, 2020, you can ask FERC for extra time to begin construction. FERC may grant up to six more years in up to three 2-year steps.
• If your covered license expired between January 1, 2024 and the law's enactment, FERC may reinstate the license and apply the extension from the original expiration date.
• For others (neighbors, contractors, state agencies), the bill text does not describe specific changes to rights, timelines, or procedures beyond FERC's extension authority. No publicly available information.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on costs or budgetary effects is contained in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text about supporters' arguments or reasons for the change.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' concerns or objections.