PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Congressional Research Service
Version 36 · Passed House amended · Dec 12, 2017
Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act
(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish an expedited licensing process for issuing and amending licenses and preliminary permits for any qualifying facility as defined by this bill.
In establishing the expedited process, FERC shall convene an interagency task force with appropriate federal and state agencies and Indian tribes to coordinate the regulatory process associated with the authorizations required to construct and operate a qualifying facility.
FERC must assess the safety of existing non-federal dams and other non-federal structures related to the qualifying facility before issuing any license for a qualifying facility.
FERC must coordinate with the Department of the Army, Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to jointly develop a list of existing nonpowered federal dams that have the greatest potential for non-federal hydropower development.
(Sec. 3) Licensees of a qualifying facility are not required to pay an annual charge for administrative expenses until construction commences.
People & committees
Rep. Bucshon, Larry [R-IN-8] · R–IN
Legislative record
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Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9809)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9809)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2872.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9809-9812)
Mr. Upton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
Committee on Transportation discharged.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 343.
Committee on Natural Resources discharged.
Committee on Transportation discharged.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for a period ending not later than Dec. 12, 2017 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee under clause 1(r) of rule X.
Referred jointly and sequentially to the House Committee on Natural Resources for a period ending not later than Dec. 12, 2017 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee under clause 1(m) of rule X.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-461, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-461, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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