Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act
Summary
The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act mandates the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the status of hydropower relicensing applications. This report will cover both new licenses and subsequent licenses, as well as original licenses, providing transparency on the application process. The report aims to improve oversight and accountability in hydropower licensing.
Expected Effects
This act will increase transparency in the hydropower licensing process by requiring FERC to provide regular updates to Congress. This could lead to more efficient processing of license applications. It may also highlight potential bottlenecks or delays in the system.
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.
- Greater accountability for all parties involved in the licensing process.
- Public access to information regarding the status of hydropower projects.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased administrative burden on FERC to prepare the annual report.
- Potential for delays in licensing due to increased scrutiny.
- Possible politicization of the licensing process through congressional oversight.
- No direct impact on renewable energy production.
- The act does not address underlying issues causing delays.
Constitutional Alignment
The Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act aligns with the principle of congressional oversight and accountability. Article I, Section 1 of the Constitution grants all legislative powers to Congress, implying the power to oversee the execution of laws by federal agencies. The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional provision.
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).