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National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8889| House 
| Updated: 5/19/2026
Debbie Dingell

Debbie Dingell

Democratic Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
John R. Moolenaar (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8935
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2309
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9893
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024
May 19, 2026
Introduced in House
May 19, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8935
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2309
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9893
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024


  • May 19, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 19, 2026
    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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8935
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2309
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-9893
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024
May 19, 2026
Introduced in House
May 19, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8935
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2020


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2309
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-9893
    National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2024


  • May 19, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 19, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Debbie Dingell

Debbie Dingell

Democratic Representative

Michigan

Cosponsors (1)
John R. Moolenaar (Republican)

Energy and Commerce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted