PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Feb 11, 1999
Amends the Federal Power Act to direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to discontinue its licensing and regulatory authority over certain new, small (power production capacity of 5,000 kilowatts or less) qualifying hydroelectric project works in Alaska, effective upon FERC certification that Alaska has a regulatory program in place for water-power development meeting specified criteria. Prescribes such criteria as: (1) protection of certain public and environmental interests to the same extent provided by FERC and specified Federal law; (2) equal consideration given to energy conservation, fish and wildlife protection, recreational opportunities, environmental quality, the interests of Alaska Natives, and beneficial public uses; and (3) licensing requirements for construction, operation and maintenance of lights, signals, and fishways by a licensee at its own expense, operation of navigation facilities subject to Secretary of the Army regulations, and fish and wildlife protection and enhancement based upon Federal and State agency recommendations. Authorizes the licensee of a project works licensed before enactment of this Act to elect to subject such works to licensing and regulation by Alaska in accordance with this Act. Declares that, with respect to project works on an Indian reservation, a conservation system unit, or Federal public lands, a State license or exemption from license shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary having jurisdiction over such lands, and such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe. Requires FERC to consult with the Secretaries of the Interior, of Agriculture, and of Commerce before certifying Alaska's regulatory program. Requires the State of Alaska to notify FERC within 30 days after making any significant modification to its regulatory program. Requires FERC to reassert its regulatory and licensing authority if Alaska has not complied with one or more requirements of this Act. Prescribes FERC compliance review procedures.
People & committees
Sen. Murkowski, Frank H. [R-AK] · R–AK
Legislative record
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Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S3568, S3572)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S3568, S3572)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 65.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 106-28.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported to Senate by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. With written report No. 106-28.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1446-1447)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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