Congress·Reported·H.R. 2072

To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Hydropower Construction Deadline Extensions

Feb 2·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Part of: Hydropower Project Licensing and Construction Deadlines

Next up: The House

This bill is waiting for a vote by the full House of Representatives after being approved by a committee. Nothing has happened with this bill since February 2026, which is a period of five months. Because floor time is limited, it is unclear when or if the House leadership will schedule a vote to move the bill forward.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Congress is considering a bill that would give hydropower companies more time to start building their projects. Under current rules, these companies usually have a set deadline to begin construction, or they lose their federal license to operate.
The bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to grant up to six extra years for projects that were licensed before March 13, 2020. This extra time would be given in three separate two-year extensions if the company can show a good reason for the delay.
If a project's license already expired recently (anytime after the end of 2023), this law would allow the government to restart that license. This ensures that projects stalled by recent economic or global events don't have to start the expensive permit process all over again.
This change matters because hydropower is a major source of renewable energy. By giving these projects more time to get moving, the government aims to ensure more clean energy plants actually get built instead of being canceled due to strict paperwork deadlines.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

4 milestones6 actions

Feb 2, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 408.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Feb 2, 2026House

Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-477.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Jan 21, 2026House

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Jan 21, 2026House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Mar 11, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

No votes or news coverage recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Bill NumberHR 2072

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 408.