Under the Federal Power Act, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues licenses and regulates hydroelectric facilities, regardless of size. H.R. 267 would amend current law to allow FERC to extend certain permits related to hydroelectric facilities and exempt small hydroelectric facilities with a generating capacity of 10 megawatts or less from FERC’s licensing requirements. In addition, the bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to study the feasibility of generating hydroelectric power using water flowing through conduits or at facilities that store water. Finally, the bill would authorize FERC to carry out pilot projects to demonstrate the potential of generating hydroelectric power at nonpowered dams and water-storage facilities. Please continue reading at:
http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43874
http://www.cbo.gov/publication/43874