Under the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues licenses and regulates hydroelectric facilities, regardless of size. H.R. 795 would exempt certain small hydroelectric facilities with less than 1.5 megawatts of generating capacity from FERC’s licensing requirements. In addition, the bill would require the Department of the Interior (DOI) to report on the potential for generating more electricity from small hydroelectric facilities on federal lands.
Read full - The Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2011 (PDF)
Read full - The Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2011 (PDF)