Legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress by Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Mike Johnson this week could extend Federal Energy Regulatory Commission deadlines for a proposed Louisiana hydropower plant.
Officially known as Senate Bill 1142 and House Resolution 2457, the legislation would amend the Federal Power Act to allow FERC to extend construction licenses by up to three consecutive two-year periods from the expiration date of an extension originally issued by the commission.
The legislation would also allow FERC to reinstate expired licenses.
Cassidy and Johnson — both Republicans from Louisiana — say the bill could create hundreds of jobs in their state as it would pertain particularly to development of a hydroelectric project on the Red River.
Louisiana’s portions of the Red River, also known regionally as the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway, have long been considered for hydropower development.
Both the House and Senate version of the bill have been referred to committee for further discussion.
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