Community and Hydropower Improvement Act

Community and Hydropower Improvement Act

This bill modifies requirements for hydropower projects, including by

accelerating and coordinating the environmental review of the licensing of hydropower projects; expediting the licensing process for closed-loop or off-stream pumped storage projects; expediting the licensing process for certain nonfederal hydropower projects at existing nonpowered dams; increasing the involvement of Indian tribes in the licensing process; directing federal agencies and Indian tribes to consider certain effects of dams, such as any adverse effects on fish species; requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue regulations that establish procedures for license surrender proceedings initiated by licensees; and establishing a Licensing Administration Reimbursement Fund.