Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

Bill: 115-hr-2880
Sponsor: Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9]
Introduced: 2017-06-12 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Dams and canals
Electric power generation and transmission
Licensing and registrations
Water storage

Summary:
action_date: 2017-06-12
text: 

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

 
This bill amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue and amend licenses and preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects (in which the upper and lower reservoirs do not impound or directly withdraw water from navigable waters, or that are not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water feature). 
 
Before issuing such a license, FERC must assess the safety of existing dams and other structures related to the project, including the possible consequences of project failures.

action_date: 2017-12-11
text: 

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

 
This bill amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish an expedited licensing process for issuing and amending licenses and preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects (in which the upper and lower reservoirs do not impound or directly withdraw water from navigable waters, or that are not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water feature).
 
In establishing the expedited process, FERC shall convene an interagency task force with appropriate federal and state agencies and Indian tribes to coordinate the regulatory process associated with the authorizations required to construct and operate closed-loop pumped storage projects.
 
FERC must assess the safety of existing dams and other structures related to the project before issuing any license for a closed-loop storage project.
 
FERC must hold a workshop to explore potential opportunities for development of storage projects at abandoned mine sites.
 
FERC must also establish criteria that a project shall meet to qualify as a closed-loop pumped storage under this bill, including requiring that the project cause little to no change to existing surface and groundwater flows and uses and that the project is unlikely to adversely affect species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
 
Licensees are not required to pay an annual charge for administrative expenses until construction commences.

action_date: 2017-12-12
text: 

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

 
(Sec.2)This bill amends the Federal Power Act to authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to establish an expedited licensing process for issuing and amending licenses and preliminary permits for closed-loop pumped storage projects (in which the upper and lower reservoirs do not impound or directly withdraw water from navigable waters, or that are not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water feature).
 
In establishing the expedited process, FERC shall convene an interagency task force with appropriate federal and state agencies and Indian tribes to coordinate the regulatory process associated with the authorizations required to construct and operate closed-loop pumped storage projects.
 
FERC must assess the safety of existing dams and other structures related to the project before issuing any license for a closed-loop storage project.
 
FERC must hold a workshop to explore potential opportunities for development of storage projects at abandoned mine sites.
 
FERC must also establish criteria that a project shall meet to qualify as a closed-loop pumped storage under this bill, including requiring that the project cause little to no change to existing surface and groundwater flows and uses and that the project is unlikely to adversely affect species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
 
(Sec.3)Licensees are not required to pay an annual charge for administrative expenses until construction commences.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-12-13
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9812)
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9812)
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2880.
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9812-9814)
action_date: 2017-12-12
text: Mr. Upton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2017-12-11
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 340.
action_date: 2017-12-11
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-458.
action_date: 2017-12-11
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-458.
action_date: 2017-12-06
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2017-12-06
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2017-10-26
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .
action_date: 2017-06-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
action_date: 2017-06-12
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2017-06-12
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-06-12
text: Introduced in House