Northwest Energy Security Act
12/15/2023, 3:55 PMSummary of Bill HR 1762
The Northwest Energy Security Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 1762, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to promote energy security in the Northwest region of the United States.One of the key provisions of the Northwest Energy Security Act is the promotion of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The bill aims to increase the use of these clean energy sources in order to reduce the region's dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to improve energy efficiency in buildings and infrastructure in the Northwest region. This includes incentives for homeowners and businesses to invest in energy-saving technologies and upgrades. Another important aspect of the Northwest Energy Security Act is the promotion of energy independence in the region. The bill includes provisions to increase domestic energy production, such as expanding oil and gas drilling on federal lands in the Northwest. Overall, the Northwest Energy Security Act is aimed at promoting energy security, sustainability, and independence in the Northwest region of the United States. It seeks to achieve these goals through a combination of promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and increasing domestic energy production.
Congressional Summary of HR 1762
Northwest Energy Security Act
This bill requires Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) operations to be consistent with a specified decision. The system includes dams in the Columbia and Snake rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Specifically, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bonneville Power Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must operate the FCRPS consistent with the Columbia River System Operations Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision dated September 2020. The preferred alternative outlined in that decision would allow specified dams in the lower Snake River to remain in place.
The decision may be amended if each agency determines that (1) changes are necessary for public safety or electrical grid reliability, or (2) certain requirements in the decision are no longer necessary.
Further, the bill requires statutory authorization for any structural modification, action, study, or engineering plan that (1) restricts FCRPS hydroelectric dam generation; or (2) limits navigation on the Snake River in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho.
