Representatives Langworthy and Schrier Introduce FLOWS Act to Streamline Hydropower Maintenance
Representatives Nick Langworthy (R-NY) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) have introduced the Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures (FLOWS) Act, designated as H.R. 9806. This legislative proposal aims to amend the Federal Power Act by eliminating the requirement for hydropower projects to obtain Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for routine maintenance or non-substantial alterations. Currently, such approvals can lead to significant delays and increased costs. The bill also proposes allowing FERC to issue shorter-term licenses, ranging from 10 to 20 years, specifically for micro hydrokinetic projects. The American Public Power Association (APPA) has expressed strong support for this bill, as well as its Senate counterpart, S. 3518, which was introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME) and has already been approved by the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee. 
