Reporting H.R. 618 Out of Committee (Agreed to by Unanimous Consent)
The bill would authorize hydropower development, streamline the regulatory process, and reduce administrative costs for small canal and pipeline hydropower development projects. This bipartisan legislation is designed to create new American jobs and expand production of clean, renewable hydropower.

Napolitano Amendment #4 – Adding NEPA Requirements – (Failed by Voice Vote)
This amendment duplicates regulations on small hydropower development by making small hydropower development subject to NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) requirements. The small conduit hydropower projects would only be on existing facilities. These existing man-made facilities have already gone through extensive environmental review. These duplicative requirements are costly and make small hydropower projects cost prohibitive.

* For complete legislative action for the March 20, 2013 Full Committee Markup, click here.