Western Governors' Association backs small hydropower development in the West
UPDATE (MAY 8): The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to move four bills on hydropower, supported by the Western Governors' Association, out of committee. "It’s encouraging to see senators from both sides of the aisle coming together to work on bipartisan energy legislation," said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The bills now move to the Senate floor. Learn more.
Did you know hydropower is the United States' largest source of renewable electricity, producing some 100,000 megawatts, or 7% of the nation's electricity needs? It's also a fact that the potential exists to develop an additional 60,000 megawatts.
How can that be done? For one, by developing small hydropower projects at existing conduits and canals.
The Western Governors' Association publicly expressed our backing for small hydropower projects this week by joining with the Western States Water Council to send a joint letter of support to the Senate's Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.The letter also emphasized streamlined permitting that provides environmental protections.
Specifically, the letter sent April 22 to Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Lisa Murkowski expressed support of the goals of the Hydropower Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 545), the Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013 (H.R. 267), and the Bureau of Reclamation Small Conduit Hydropower Development and Rural Jobs Act (S. 306/H.R. 678), all of which aim to increase small hydropower project development.
The letter signed by WGA Executive Director James Ogsbury and Water Council Executive Director Tony Willardson concludes: "Small hydropower projects represent a significant opportunity to develop a key renewable domestic energy source and create much needed jobs, while minimizing environmental impacts."
WGA and the Water Council aren't the only supporters of this legislation. Sen. Wyden and Sen. Murkowski (R-Alaska) vowed yesterday to pass the bills and it looks like they overwhelming support. Read the story in E&E.