WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, has joined Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.) in introducing a bipartisan bill aimed at increasing hydropower production in the U.S.
The legislation would extend Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permits by six years for hydropower projects licensed before 2020. In Louisiana, this includes two projects on the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway along the Red River.
“Louisianians and all Americans depend on reliable energy sources to keep the lights on,” said Kennedy. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan bill to unleash hydropower production and provide jobs.”
Hydropower is considered a clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source that strengthens power grids while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions and rising labor costs have delayed the completion of multiple hydropower projects across the U.S. Without this extension, affected projects would lose their FERC construction permits and be unable to proceed.
Senator Steve Daines emphasized the bill’s role in strengthening U.S. energy security, stating: “Energy security is national security, and hydropower delivers a reliable energy source for many Montanans. Many of our hydropower projects have been held up due to supply chain shortages, and this bipartisan bill will revive projects that support Montana jobs and keep costs low for our families.”
Senator Bill Cassidy added: “I’m an all-of-the-above energy guy. The federal government should enable all projects. The Red River and Overton Lock projects are pro-job and pro-American energy.”
In the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) has introduced a companion bill to further advance the initiative.
Background on Hydropower and FERC Regulations
Hydropower projects require FERC approval before construction can begin. These permits typically expire after 10 years, meaning delayed projects risk losing authorization and being abandoned. The bill seeks to grant much-needed flexibility for affected projects, ensuring they can be completed and brought online to serve communities in Louisiana and beyond.
As the top Republican on the Senate’s Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Kennedy has played a key role in expanding U.S. hydropower capabilities. The FY 2024 Energy and Water appropriation package included $440 million in dam and levee infrastructure investments, including $36.5 million secured by Kennedy to reinforce the Boggs Lock and Dam on the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway.
The full text of the bill is available here.