Rep. McNerney Issues Statement on H.R. 8 Provisions

Press Release

Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) issued the following statement on the hydropower provisions included in H.R. 8:

"Hydropower is an important element of any overall strategy to reduce carbon production in California and throughout the country to fight against climate change - possibly the most important, long-term challenge facing our generation. This is why I worked with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to identify ways to streamline the hydropower permitting process. While thorough environmental review is essential, and no hydropower project is the same, the relicensing process can exceed 10 years and can result in costly and unnecessary delays.

"From the outset, the intent in updating the hydropower licensing process was to work toward a bipartisan agreement that preserved environmental protections. I have always maintained that promoting clean power generation, protecting water quality and supply, and safeguarding species that are vital to a sustainable ecosystem, are critical to any proposal to reform the hydropower licensing process. We need to maintain a high standard of protection of the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act as part of the permitting process. I know that all stakeholders share the goal of a more efficient licensing process for hydropower, one that maintains existing environmental protections, while creating a more efficient licensing and re-licensing process for hydropower. I look forward to continue working with any and all interested parties toward this shared goal."

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