Smith reintroduces Hydropower Act to Address Energy Needs

February 22, 2011 WASHINGTON, DC- Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), along with Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), today reintroduced the Small Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act (H.R. 795) to exempt hydropower projects generating less than one and a half megawatts from the Federal Regulatory Commission's (FERC) permitting rules. FERC regulates the licensing and inspection of private, municipal, and state hydroelectric projects. "One of the most difficult challenges facing our nation's future is providing clean, affordable, and reliable energy. While most think of hydropower as a resource requiring a massive dam, advancements in smaller hydropower plans offer tremendous opportunity. By focusing attention on small scale projects, we would not only expand hydropower as a viable energy option for rural consumers, but also help our irrigators," Smith said after filing the bill. Smith continued, "In addition to expanding the use of clean, renewable energy, there has been increased Congressional focus on the affects of agency regulation on entrepreneurship and economic development across the nation. Catch-all federal regulations - many of which are unnecessary or outdated � stifle innovation in the small scale hydropower field by making projects financially prohibitive. My bill would help stimulate the economy of rural America, empower local irrigation districts to generate revenue and increase domestic energy production - all at no cost to taxpayers."