What They Are Saying: Lawmakers, Industry Groups Applaud Newhouse's 'Build More Hydro' Legislation Passing House

Press Release
For Immediate Release: April 22, 2026
Contact: Juan Ayala, (202) 713-7750

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Lawmakers and industry groups who rely on hydropower released statements applauding the House passage of S. 1020, the Senate companion to Rep. Newhouse's HR. 2072.

Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Brett Guthrie said, "As we work to secure our grid and unleash American energy, hydropower can deliver affordable and reliable electricity to American families. Today's passage of the 'Build More Hydro' bill provides the essential permitting reform needed to ensure that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can extend construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects in communities across the country."

Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy Bob Latta said, "Hydropower remains one of the cornerstones of America's energy system, delivering reliable baseload power to roughly 30 million homes and businesses and providing nearly 40 percent of our black start capacity. The House passage of S. 1020 is an important step forward, giving FERC the flexibility to extend construction timelines for key projects that were delayed by pandemic-era supply chain disruptions and shutdowns."

Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) said, "Everyone agrees - we need more energy, not less. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor on the House version of the 'Build More Hydro' bill, so we can focus on moving forward developing viable energy sources - not backward. This legislation is a critical component for hydropower development, and this vote shows that Congress strongly supports the construction and maintenance of our dams."

Congressman Russ Fulcher (ID-01) said,"I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of H.R. 2072, the Build More Hydro Act. Hydropower is foundational to the Northwest's power system, providing nearly 50 percent of our annual electricity generation. I am glad to see this legislation clear the House, ensuring this source of affordable, clean, and reliable energy remains available to communities across our region."

Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association said,"In an era of rising demand and new challenges for the energy sector, we need to get every megawatt of reliable hydropower on the grid possible. NHA has worked hard to get this bill across the finish line, and it should come as no surprise why; the 37 projects this legislation supports are more than just 2,600 MWs of baseload power and $6.5 billion in private sector investment. They also mean good jobs for communities that need them, reliable energy that powers local economies, lower energy bills for consumers, and a lot more. I thank Rep. Newhouse, Sen. Daines, and their colleagues for working alongside us to get this bill passed in the House, and I can't wait to see it become law."

Kurt Miller, CEO & Executive Director of the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) said,"Hydropower is one of our nation's greatest energy assets and is critical to a clean, reliable, and affordable electric grid. But licensed projects should not be lost because of delays, inflation, and supply chain challenges outside developers' control. NWPPA applauds Rep. Newhouse's leadership to keep these projects moving and ensure hydropower remains a vital part of America's energy future."

Paul Jacob, CEO of Rye Development said,"Hydropower delivers reliable, baseload energy that keeps the lights on throughout the county. Thanks to Rep. Newhouse, projects delayed by the COVID pandemic will get a second chance to create thousands of jobs, spur economic development, and support a more resilient grid."

Clark Mather, Executive Director of the Northwest RiverPartners said, "We are grateful for the leadership of Representative Newhouse and Senator Daines on important legislation that creates more certainty for hydropower project developers. Hydropower is the Northwest's largest source of affordable, reliable electricity. This common-sense legislation provides greater stability and confidence as we work to meet our growing energy needs."

David Reeploeg, Vice President of Federal Programs at TRIDEC, Tri-City Development Council said, "At a time when energy demand is rapidly increasing, the "Build More Hydro" bill takes an important step toward expanding reliable, affordable hydropower. This legislation will help drive economic growth and job creation while strengthening our nation's energy security. Throughout his time in Congress, Dan Newhouse has consistently championed hydropower, and we appreciate his leadership in advancing solutions like this."

Desmarie Waterhouse, Senior Vice President, Advocacy & Communications and General Counsel, American Public Power Association said, "The American Public Power Association applauds Congress for passing S. 1020, the "Build More Hydro Act." This bipartisan legislation would allow hydropower owners to petition the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend a hydropower license for an additional six years if that license was issued before March 13, 2020. Without legislative action, nearly 40 unconstructed and FERC-licensed hydropower projects are at risk of termination, representing more than 2.6 gigawatts of baseload power. The Build More Hydro Act will make full use of these key resources to ensure that the nation's grid remains reliable and resilient for the millions of people who rely on hydropower to provide affordable power generation. We encourage President Trump to sign the legislation into law expeditiously."

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