This bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give Congress a yearly report on the progress of hydropower dam licenses. It focuses on projects that have been waiting for approval for at least three years.
The report must include specific details for each dam, such as when the application started, when the government expects to finish the review, and a list of any upcoming meetings or hearings.
It aims to make the licensing process more transparent by showing exactly what steps are left for the dam owners, state governments, Indian Tribes, and wildlife agencies to complete.
Hydropower provides a large portion of the country's carbon-free electricity, but getting a license to keep a dam running can often take a decade or longer. This bill helps lawmakers see where the delays are happening.
Impact Analysis
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Milestones
4 milestones4 actions
Jun 10, 2026Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
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.
Mar 17, 2026Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Dec 16, 2025Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Dec 16, 2025
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
Bill NumberS 3500
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
