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A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

5/18/2026, 8:38 PM

Summary of Bill S 1020

Bill 119 s 1020, also known as the "Hydropower Permit Extension Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend the time period in which licensees are required to begin construction on certain hydropower projects. Currently, under the Federal Power Act, licensees are required to commence construction within a specific timeframe after receiving a license from FERC. However, this bill seeks to provide an extension to this deadline in order to allow licensees more time to secure necessary permits, financing, and other resources needed to begin construction.

The bill specifically targets hydropower projects, which are a renewable energy source that harnesses the power of flowing water to generate electricity. Hydropower is considered a clean and sustainable energy source, and expanding hydropower projects can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.

By extending the construction deadline for hydropower projects, this bill aims to promote the development of more renewable energy sources and support the growth of the hydropower industry in the United States. This could lead to increased investment in clean energy infrastructure, job creation in the renewable energy sector, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, Bill 119 s 1020 seeks to support the expansion of hydropower projects by providing licensees with more time to begin construction, ultimately contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system in the United States.

Congressional Summary of S 1020

This bill authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend construction deadlines for hydropower projects that were issued a license before March 13, 2020. FERC is authorized, upon the request of the licensees, to extend the deadline for beginning construction on such projects an additional six years beyond the eight-year extension FERC is authorized to provide under current law. The extension must consist of no more than three consecutive two-year periods.

The bill also provides that FERC may reinstate certain expired licenses for projects with construction deadlines extended under this bill, effective as of the date they expire.

Current Status of Bill S 1020

Bill S 1020 is currently in the status of Signed by President since May 11, 2026. Bill S 1020 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on March 13, 2025.  Bill S 1020's most recent activity was Became Public Law No: 119-90. as of May 11, 2026

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1020

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
18
Democrat Cosponsors
3
Republican Cosponsors
15
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1020

Primary Policy Focus

Energy

Potential Impact Areas

- Alternative and renewable resources
- Dams and canals
- Electric power generation and transmission
- Infrastructure development
- Licensing and registrations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1020

A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.
A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

Comments

Lucia Hoyle profile image

Lucia Hoyle

823

9 months ago

This bill is so sad, but it's good that they're extending the time for construction. It's gonna help a lot of people, including me. Can't wait to see the long term affects of it!

Melanie Holder profile image

Melanie Holder

848

5 days ago

I think this bill is bad for us. It's not fair to make us start building stuff so soon. People need more time to get things done right. It's gonna be hard for everyone.

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