Press Releases

(Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Larry Bucshon, M.D. (IN-08) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (S. 3021), which included his legislation, the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act (H.R. 2872):

“Our water infrastructure is vital to the economic success and prosperity of our nation. This is especially true for Southwest Indiana which is bordered by two major rivers, the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. The America’s Water Infrastructure Act makes important investments that will set in motion improvements to our ports, inland waterways, locks, dams, flood protection, and other critical water infrastructure.

“The Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act cuts through the red tape and instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less. Hydropower provides benefits in the form of jobs, economic investment, improved public health, and resource conservation. It’s also a great source of American-made energy. In the Eighth Congressional district alone, there are six non-powered dams that could be modernized to produce clean energy.”

Video of Dr. Bucshon peaking on the House floor in support of the legislation.  Full text below.

“Mr. Speaker,

“Unnecessary government red tape is preventing us from taking advantage of clean, renewable hydropower generation at existing non-powered dams.  The current regulatory process simply takes too long – taking up to a decade – to approve a project.

“We can change this by supporting America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, which includes the Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Non-Powered Dams Act—a bill I authored.   

“This legislation instructs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to create an expedited permitting process that will result in a final decision on an application in two years or less. 

“The legislation also requires FERC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of Interior to develop a list of existing non-powered federal dams that have the greatest potential for hydropower development.  

“Streamlining the permitting process will incentivize investments in clean hydropower development and help modernize our existing infrastructure.

“I ask my colleagues to join me today in support of this legislation

Thank you and I yield back.”

Background

Earlier this year, Dr. Bucshon’s clean energy bill, Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act passed the House by unanimous consent.