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Congressman Cliff Bentz Introduces Bill to Simplify Hydropower Licensing

Congressman Cliff Bentz Introduces Bill to Simplify Hydropower Licensing

Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR) has introduced the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act (H.R. 9337) in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to make hydropower projects more affordable by simplifying and reducing the cost of federal licensing conditions. The bill is a companion to a Senate bill introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski, Steve Daines, and Jim Risch. The proposed legislation seeks to reform the Federal Power Act by limiting mandatory conditions for hydropower licenses to those directly related to the adverse effects of the project. The bill addresses concerns that current licensing conditions are overly complex, expensive, and often unrelated to the project's direct impacts, contributing to a decline in domestic hydropower production.
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FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns

FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns

FERC Defends Data Center Connection Costs Amid Democratic Concerns
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Senate Committee to Review Geothermal Energy Advancement Act by Rep. Jeff Hurd

Senate Committee to Review Geothermal Energy Advancement Act by Rep. Jeff Hurd

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee is set to review the Geothermal Energy Advancement Act, H.R. 5631, introduced by Colorado Republican Rep. Jeff Hurd. This legislation, which has already passed the House, aims to facilitate the development of geothermal energy by establishing a geothermal ombudsman and a permitting task force within the Interior Department. The bill also seeks to expedite the review processes under the National Environmental Policy Act and lease applications. The committee's agenda includes this bill among others focused on energy and land management, reflecting a bipartisan effort to enhance geothermal energy infrastructure.
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U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Streamline Hydropower Licensing and Reduce Costs

U.S. Senators Propose Bill to Streamline Hydropower Licensing and Reduce Costs

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski, Steve Daines, and Jim Risch have introduced the Hydropower Licensing Affordability Act to the Senate. This legislation aims to reform the Federal Power Act to reduce the delays and costs associated with hydropower licensing. The bill proposes limiting mandatory conditions for hydropower licenses to those directly related to the adverse effects of the project. Currently, natural resource agencies can impose mandatory conditions that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) cannot reject, regardless of their relevance or cost. The senators argue that 40% of U.S. hydropower is up for relicensing by 2030, and the current process is burdensome and expensive, threatening the viability of hydropower projects.
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Indian Country Housing Bill Faces Delays Amid Legislative Challenges

Indian Country Housing Bill Faces Delays Amid Legislative Challenges

Efforts to reauthorize the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) are facing delays in the U.S. Senate. The bill, S.4276, aims to modernize tribal housing laws that expired in 2013. Despite support from tribal advocates, a scheduled hearing was postponed, leaving the bill's future uncertain. The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) expressed disappointment but remains hopeful for progress. The bill seeks to provide long-term stability for tribal housing programs, streamline processes, and enhance tribal self-determination. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has limited time to address the bill before the August recess.
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Denali National Park Offers Unique Visitor Experience Amid Road Closure

Denali National Park Offers Unique Visitor Experience Amid Road Closure

Denali National Park Offers Unique Visitor Experience Amid Road Closure
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Yurok Tribe Reclaims Ancestral Land, Enhancing Cultural Heritage

Yurok Tribe Reclaims Ancestral Land, Enhancing Cultural Heritage

The Yurok Tribe has regained control of a 125-acre property known as 'O Rew Redwoods Gateway, marking a significant step in their efforts to reclaim ancestral lands. The land, previously used for logging, has been restored to a diverse riparian habitat and will serve as a public gateway to Redwood National and State Parks. This transfer is part of a broader initiative by the Yurok Tribe to reclaim their homelands, having already regained 60,000 acres of their 500,000-acre ancestral territory. The project, supported by Save the Redwoods League and other partners, aims to restore ecological balance and promote cultural heritage.
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Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth

Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth

Senator Hyde-Smith Seeks Solutions to Manage Electricity Costs Amid Data Center Growth
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Representatives Langworthy and Schrier Introduce FLOWS Act to Streamline Hydropower Maintenance

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.
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Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap Amidst Financial Strain from U.S. Funding Cuts

Indigenous Leaders Present UN with Roadmap Amidst Financial Strain from U.S. Funding Cuts

Indigenous leaders have presented a roadmap to the United Nations (UN) aimed at protecting Indigenous communities, focusing on rights in conflict areas, participation at the UN, and the impact of artificial intelligence. This comes during the 19th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP) in Geneva. The session highlighted the need for AI development to align with Indigenous rights and addressed the risks posed by AI infrastructure. The roadmap includes 12 key points for global governments, emphasizing protections for Indigenous Peoples in isolation and preserving languages. However, the UN faces a financial crisis due to the U.S. withholding billions in obligatory payments, exacerbating funding challenges.
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Progressive Faith Groups Leverage Religious Freedom Laws for Social Justice

Progressive Faith Groups Leverage Religious Freedom Laws for Social Justice

Progressive faith communities are increasingly using religious freedom laws to advocate for civil liberties and social justice across the United States. These groups are challenging Trump-era policies that they argue infringe on their religious beliefs, such as abortion access and sanctuary for undocumented immigrants. Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, active in over half of U.S. states, are being utilized to protect minority religious groups from government overreach. Progressive congregations are asserting their rights in various legal battles, including those related to abortion, immigration enforcement, and the protection of Native American sacred sites.
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Trump demands Thune not let Senate leave until SAVE Act is passed

Trump demands Thune not let Senate leave until SAVE Act is passed

President Trump is calling for Senate Majority Leader John Thune to keep the Senate in Washington until Republicans pass the SAVE America Act.