Rep. Schrier Introduces Bill to Enhance Hydropower Infrastructure, Safety, and Fish Migration

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Annie Kuster (D-NH), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023. This legislation would incentivize investments to strengthen hydropower safety, improve fish migration, and enhance river health.   

The Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act would establish a 30 percent federal Investment Tax Credit for projects relating to dam safety, fish passage, environmental upgrades, and water quality. The bill also creates a new federal cost-share to incentivize the removal of obsolete river obstructions that harm river ecosystems and impede outdoor recreation. These investments will help restore river health, enhance public safety, and support the benefits of hydroelectricity.  

Some of the investments eligible for this credit include projects that:   

1. Add or improve fish passage or fish-friendly turbines at a qualified dam,  
2. Improves and maintains water quality,  
3.  Manages river sediment transport and habitat maintenance,  
4. Upgrade, repair, or reconstruct a qualified dam to meet the Federal dam safety and security standards,  
5. Improves public use of and access to public waterways impacted by existing dams,  
6. Removes obsolete river obstructions that no longer meet their intended purpose or benefit to society.  

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Rep. Schrier.  “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”  

“As an affordable and highly sustainable source of energy, hydroelectric power is a valuable component of an all-of-the-above strategy for American energy dominance. H.R. 6653 addresses the primarily frontloaded development cost of hydropower to maximize infrastructure investment, energy savings, and stewardship of our natural resources,” said Rep. Smith. “In an increasingly competitive global energy market, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to increase energy production on the table. I thank Reps. DelBene, Tenney, Kuster, Fitzpatrick, Schrier and our colleagues in the Senate for their cooperation on this bipartisan legislation.”

“We must embrace an all-of-the-above approach to meet our clean energy goals – hydropower is a critical part of the effort,” said Rep. Kuster. “This legislation is a key step forward toward improving dam safety, increasing hydroelectricity production, and enhancing the health of our nation’s rivers. Let’s get this done!” 

“Washington has long been a trailblazer in leveraging hydropower to provide clean, affordable energy and this legislation would help us build on that success,” said Rep. DelBene. “The bill would create a new tax incentive for hydropower facilities to enhance the safety of dams, protect and enhance fish habitat and passage across the Pacific Northwest, improve grid resiliency, and water quality. This will help lower energy costs for Washingtonians and help us meet our emissions reduction goals.” 

“Incentivizing renewable energy, including hydroelectricity, is a proven way to transition to a clean energy future,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Our bipartisan Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act implements a 30 percent investment tax credit for improvements to hydroelectric facilities to further tap into renewable energy resources in Pennsylvania and nationwide.” 

“A clean energy grid requires water power to complement wind and solar for 24/7 reliability,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO of the National Hydropower Association. “I send my deepest gratitude to Representatives Smith and DelBene for carrying forward this vital priority in the House. Hydropower currently provides an estimated 30 million American homes with zero-carbon electricity. Yet almost half of the non-federal hydropower fleet faces expensive relicensing in the next several years, with 17,000 MWs of flexible, carbon-free generation at risk of premature retirement. This bill, like its Senate counterpart, will help preserve the existing fleet by enabling facilities to make environmental and dam safety enhancements – outcomes that will lead to healthier rivers and a more reliable grid. I urge Congress to pass this bill as soon as possible; our industry, our environment, and the energy needs of Americans can’t wait a moment longer."

“City Light applauds the collaborative effort of the bipartisan leaders for introducing this bill that incentivizes environmental, infrastructure, and dam safety improvements to support the future of hydropower generation and strengthen the health of our rivers’ ecosystems,” said Mike Haynes, Interim General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light.