Cantwell introduces bill to boost hydro
By Annette Cary
Tri-City Herald
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Legislation that could boost the development of small hydropower projects was introduced Wednesday in the U.S. Senate, announced Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash.
It would remove licensing barriers for small hydropower development and also would require a study on the feasibility of a streamlined two-year permitting process at existing dams.
It’s companion legislation to a bill by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., which cleared the House in February. This is the second session the legislation is being considered. The Senate did not act on it last year. This year, in addition to Cantwell, it is supported by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and National Resources, and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.