This legislation aims to enhance dam and hydropower safety by amending the Federal Power Act to impose stricter requirements on licensed projects. It mandates that all dam and project works under a license must meet the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) dam safety requirements, ensuring licensees manage and operate them safely. For new licenses, FERC must either confirm that projects meet safety standards or require a plan to resolve any non-compliance. Furthermore, FERC is directed to establish procedures to assess the financial viability of license applicants, ensuring they can meet safety requirements and operate the dam effectively. To foster collaboration and information sharing, the bill mandates FERC to hold a technical conference with states by October 1, 2027, to discuss critical topics such as dam maintenance and repair , Risk Informed Decision Making, climate impacts on structural integrity, and high hazard dams. It also establishes required dam safety communications between FERC and states. FERC must notify states when a licensee fails to repair a dam after a safety inspection or when non-compliance proceedings are initiated. Upon license revocation or surrender, FERC must consult with the affected state and provide comprehensive records, including inspection reports, repair specifications, and risk assessments, to ensure continued safety oversight.
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-8889| House
| Updated: 5/19/2026
This legislation aims to enhance dam and hydropower safety by amending the Federal Power Act to impose stricter requirements on licensed projects. It mandates that all dam and project works under a license must meet the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) dam safety requirements, ensuring licensees manage and operate them safely. For new licenses, FERC must either confirm that projects meet safety standards or require a plan to resolve any non-compliance. Furthermore, FERC is directed to establish procedures to assess the financial viability of license applicants, ensuring they can meet safety requirements and operate the dam effectively. To foster collaboration and information sharing, the bill mandates FERC to hold a technical conference with states by October 1, 2027, to discuss critical topics such as dam maintenance and repair , Risk Informed Decision Making, climate impacts on structural integrity, and high hazard dams. It also establishes required dam safety communications between FERC and states. FERC must notify states when a licensee fails to repair a dam after a safety inspection or when non-compliance proceedings are initiated. Upon license revocation or surrender, FERC must consult with the affected state and provide comprehensive records, including inspection reports, repair specifications, and risk assessments, to ensure continued safety oversight.