We regularly hear that the U.S. hydropower industry is not on Capitol Hill enough. This is not a criticism of the staff of our industry associations, who work tirelessly to deliver our industry’s messages. Rather, this reflects the fact that Congress does not hear from members of our industry as much as from, say, the wind or solar industries. Going forward, a key objective for the U.S. hydro industry is making ourselves relevant with Congress.
Here are some key messages:
Pay attention to changing DC lexicon. We know that hydropower is as “green,” carbon neutral, renewable and environmentally responsible a method as exists for generating electricity. We should never stop stating such, but these characteristics aren’t getting a positive reception these days inside the Beltway. So, let’s work on our messaging. Hydropower is also sustainable, job-creating, domestic, dispatchable, grid-stabilizing and critical infrastructure. These are facts in tune with current national priorities.
Regulatory relief is essential for maintaining and growing hydropower in the U.S. Multiple avenues need to be pursued: reforming the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing process, longer license terms, an easier process for capacity additions, relief for hydropower additions to non-powered dams, more supportive policies for new pumped storage and especially closed-loop pumped storage, and new greenfield hydropower development where it makes sense.
Change is needed at agencies with jurisdiction over hydropower, as much in attitude as in approach. Recognition of process costs (both time and money) is needed to better understand how agencies strapped for staffing and funding can effectively participate in regulatory processes.
As an industry, we have long owned our environmental challenges. Investments in mitigating hydropower’s impacts on habitat and water quality, providing fish passage, public recreation and flood control have been under way for decades.
Adaptive management is a valid approach for addressing uncertainty in terms of resource impacts; it should be used as needed and when all agree. It should mean not only that if results aren’t as predicted, then requirements should be tightened. It should also mean that if things go right, then there is opportunity for more flexibility, and flexibility is at the heart of hydropower’s value.
In the U.S., this is an opportune time to ask Congress and regulators for the efficiency and effectiveness changes needed to allow hydropower to flourish. This should not be equated with being less environmentally protective. We know what we contribute to America and we need to make certain that our voice is heard. No time to be shy. We’re proud and we need to be respectfully loud.
Steve Padula
President
Northwest Hydroelectric Association
