Bipartisan Bill to Extend Hydropower Construction Licenses - Senate Bill 1020

Hydropower's Role in the US Energy Grid

• 💡 Hydropower is highlighted as a source of affordable, reliable, and clean base load power for Montana and the entire United States.
• 🎯 For years, efforts have been made to expand the hydropower portfolio, aiming to create jobs, reduce energy prices, and strengthen the national grid.

Senate Bill 1020: Extending Construction Licenses

• 🚀 A bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 1020, co-led by Senator Steve Daines and Senator Federman, aims to extend construction licenses for new hydropower projects.
• ⚠️ The extension is necessary for projects affected by supply chain shortages that began around 2020.
• ✅ This bill previously passed the Senate by unanimous consent and is expected to pass again.

Projects and Communities Impacted

• 📌 Licenses for several projects across Montana, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Oregon, and Alaska are set to expire without the bill's passage.
• 🧩 These include pumped storage projects crucial for grid balancing and smaller projects vital for powering rural communities.
• 🤝 The bill is described as bipartisan, non-controversial, and essential for immediate passage.