Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
Summary
The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act (H.R. 3657) aims to amend the Federal Power Act. It mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit an annual report to Congress. The report will detail the status of ongoing hydropower relicensing applications and original licensing processes.
Expected Effects
This act will increase transparency in the hydropower licensing process. It requires FERC to provide regular updates to Congress on the status of license applications. This increased oversight may lead to more efficient processing and greater accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Increased transparency in the hydropower licensing process.
- Improved congressional oversight of FERC's licensing activities.
- Potential for more efficient processing of license applications.
- Enhanced accountability of stakeholders involved in the licensing process.
- Better-informed decision-making by Congress regarding energy policy.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on FERC.
- Possible delays in the licensing process due to increased reporting requirements.
- Risk of political influence in the licensing process due to increased congressional oversight.
- No direct benefits to the energy production or environmental protection are apparent.
- The act does not address the underlying issues causing delays in licensing.
Constitutional Alignment
The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act appears to align with the US Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, including energy production. The requirement for FERC to report to Congress is consistent with Congress's oversight role. There is nothing in the bill that appears to infringe on individual rights or liberties as defined in the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).