WASHINGTON, DC - The House of Representatives today passed three Energy and Commerce Committee bills that further the committee’s efforts to advance energy infrastructure, promote clean and renewable hydropower, and improve the recycling and reuse of materials.
“The committee has worked in a bipartisan manner to examine and advance thoughtful solutions that prioritize consumers, support American businesses, and protect the environment," said full committee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “These commonsense, bipartisan bills continue that strong tradition."
The House of Representatives passed the following bills originating from #SubEnergy :
H.R. 1733, to direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil, authored by committee members Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA), passed the House by voice vote.
* H.R. 1733 would require the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report and submit to Congress a coordinated federal strategy to increase the beneficial reuse of used lubricating oil.
“In order to fully understand the benefits of recycling lubricated oil, we need an up-to-date report from the Department of Energy that will provide members of Congress with updated information that will better allow us to develop energy saving and environmentally conscious policy in connection with how our nation uses and reuses lubricating oil. Having an updated report will also allow companies in Indiana and across the country to have a better understanding on how they can anticipate the needs of the federal government and provide the best quality product for American consumers," said Rep. Brooks.
H.R. 2872, Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act, authored by committee member Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), passed the House by voice vote.
* H.R. 2872 would promote hydropower development at existing non-powered dams by establishing an expedited licensing process that will result in a decision on an application in two years or less. The bill also requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of Interior to develop a list of existing nonpowered federal dams that have the greatest potential for non-federal hydropower development.
“The current process to license pumped storage takes way too long and creates too much uncertainty - burdening consumers with additional unnecessary costs, and preventing jobs and economic opportunities," said #SubEnergy Chairman Upton.
“Back home in Indiana, there are six non-powered dams located throughout the 8th district that could benefit from an expedited permitting process that promotes hydropower generation and provides quality Hoosier jobs. …Streamlining the permitting process for qualifying non-powered dam projects represents an important first step in modernizing our energy infrastructure," added Rep. Bucshon.
H.R. 2880, Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, authored by committee member Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), passed the House by voice vote.
* H.R. 2880 would promote closed-loop pumped storage development by establishing an expedited licensing process that will result in a final decision in two years or less. The legislation also requires FERC to hold a workshop to explore potential opportunities for development of closed-loop pumped storage projects at abandoned mine sites.
“Hydropower is an essential component of an all-of-the-above energy strategy. We have a tremendous opportunity to expand renewable hydropower production. However, without some much-needed licensing improvements, we risk losing investment opportunities in new hydropower infrastructure," stated Rep. Griffith.
