S. 1521: Community and Hydropower Improvement Act

This bill modifies requirements for hydropower projects, including by

• accelerating and coordinating the environmental review of the licensing of hydropower projects;
• expediting the licensing process for closed-loop or off-stream pumped storage projects;
• expediting the licensing process for certain nonfederal hydropower projects at existing nonpowered dams;
• increasing the involvement of Indian tribes in the licensing process;
• directing federal agencies and Indian tribes to consider certain effects of dams, such as any adverse effects on fish species;
• requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue regulations that establish procedures for license surrender proceedings initiated by licensees; and
• establishing a Licensing Administration Reimbursement Fund.

Written by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.