Bills · HR 2072
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2072Dams and canalsLicensing and registrations
To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.
INTRO MAR 11· LAST ACTION FEB 2
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
9BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could influence the development timeline of certain hydropower projects across the U.S. Hydropower is a source of renewable energy, and giving these projects more time to start construction could help bring more clean energy online, contributing to energy independence and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It acknowledges that large infrastructure projects often face unforeseen delays, such as economic downturns, supply chain issues, or permitting complications, which may have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If this bill becomes law, eligible hydropower projects that were on the verge of losing their licenses due to delays will get a second chance, potentially saving significant investments already made in planning and permitting. If it doesn't become law, many of these projects might see their licenses expire, forcing developers to restart the lengthy and costly licensing process from scratch, or abandon the projects altogether, potentially delaying or preventing new hydropower capacity.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Defines "covered project" as a hydropower project licensed by FERC before March 13, 2020.
This sets the eligibility criteria, ensuring only specific, already-licensed projects can apply for extensions.
PROVISION 02
Authorizes FERC to grant an extension of up to an additional 6 years for covered projects, beyond the current 8-year limit.
This is the core change, providing significant additional time for project developers to begin construction.
PROVISION 03
Specifies that the extension can consist of not more than three consecutive 2-year periods, granted after reasonable notice and for good cause shown.
This sets a clear structure and conditions for how the additional time can be granted, rather than a single lump sum.
PROVISION 04
Allows FERC to reinstate licenses for covered projects that expired after December 31, 2023, but before the bill's enactment date.
This provides a critical lifeline for projects that recently lost their licenses, allowing them to benefit from the new extension authority.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 9
R· Washington
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
29
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 88%
DEM 5 REP 4 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
6 EVENTSFEB 2
Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-477.
FEB 2
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 408.
JAN 21
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
JAN 21
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2072
Congress119th
StatusReported
IntroducedMar 11, 2025
Last actionFeb 2, 2026
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REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025
House BillHR 2072Dams and canalsLicensing and registrations
To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.
INTRODUCED MAR 11, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 2, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
9
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
