Bill seeks to cut red tape for small hydropower projects

July 30, 2010

Adrian Smith, the Republican Congressman from Nebraska, says developing hydropower projects in existing waterways would mean more opportunities with less environmental damage
Legislation proposing to make small hydropower projects exempt from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permitting rules was introduced to Congress yesterday.

Adrian Smith, the Congressman from Nebraska, introduced a bill at the Natural Resources Water and Power Subcommittee hearing, which proposes the FERC exemption for conduit-type hydropower projects below 1.5 megawatts in scale.

Conduit hydropower projects are those developed in an existing man-made waterway like a canal or irrigation channel.

Certain projects can apply for an exemption to FERC licensing, but the process can be as onerous as seeking a full license.

Congressman Smith said permitting rules had “effectively stifled” advancements and innovation in the small hydropower field.

As well as setting an exemption threshold, the Small-Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act (HR 5922) would also require the Bureau of Reclamation to examine its facilities for more conduit generation opportunities using existing funding.

Opportunities

Hydropower currently accounts for about two thirds of America’s total renewable energy generation. Congressman Smith believes existing irrigation canals, pipes and ditches across the Western US provide opportunities for new hydropower generation capacity.

Developing projects in man-made water delivery systems would mean little by way of impacts on environment or wildlife, he said.

And, the Republican Congressman from Nebraska suggested that small projects could be used to power irrigation systems and the like.

“One-size-fits-all federal regulations make small scale hydropower projects throughout the country financially prohibitive by imposing unnecessary and outdated rules. My bill would help stimulate the economy of rural America, empower local irrigation districts to generate revenue, and decrease reliance on fossil fuels – all at no cost to the taxpayer,” Rep. Smith said.