Washington, D.C. – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), authors of HR 5892, the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2012, applauded the House Energy & Power Subcommittee’s approval of their bill today.   Their legislation would facilitate the development of small hydropower and conduit projects, and direct the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to study the feasibility of a streamlined two-year permitting process.  The bill will now be considered by the full Energy & Commerce Committee.

“In my district, hydro plays a crucial role – whether it’s conventional, small, or conduit hydro,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “In fact, hydropower provides 75 percent of electricity to Eastern Washington and to the Pacific Northwest region.  While there are a vast array of renewable energies – including solar, wind, and nuclear power – in my opinion, the facts are clear: the future of American energy independence depends on the development of an ‘all of the above’ energy approach – including hydro.  That’s why Congresswoman DeGette and I have been working to expand hydropower production.  Our bill is timely and targeted and it will create jobs and bolster America’s competitiveness in the energy sector.”

“The Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act makes sense for America,” said Rep. Diana DeGette.  “It charts a new path towards smarter, more efficient hydropower project permitting.  This bipartisan legislation will expand renewable and affordable hydropower across the country, especially in my home state of Colorado, while creating good-paying manufacturing jobs for hardworking Americans.  Today’s markup is an important step in getting the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act signed into law.”

Last week, Rep. McMorris Rodgers sent a letter to President Obama urging him to include hydropower in his “all of the above” energy approach. To read the letter, click here.