Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act

This legislation, known as the Hydropower Licensing Transparency Act, amends the Federal Power Act to significantly enhance transparency regarding the status of hydropower licensing applications. It mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) annually submit a comprehensive report to Congress. This report will detail the progress of applications for both new and subsequent hydropower licenses , specifically those where the applicant notified FERC of their intent to file at least three years before the report's submission, and the license has not yet been issued. Each annual report must include crucial information such as the date the notice of intent was provided, any assigned docket numbers, and whether an application has been filed. It will also provide the anticipated issuance date for licenses, details on upcoming proceedings, and a description of ongoing or completed actions required from all involved parties, including licensees, various agencies, and the Commission itself. The information presented must be disaggregated by license type, distinguishing between new, subsequent, and original licenses.