Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Advances Permitting Bill

Contact: Amy Souers Kober, 503-708-1145 

Washington, DC – Today, the United States Senate and Energy and Natural Resources Committee reported the S. 4753, the Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 out of committee on a vote of 15 to 4. This bill contains provisions to accelerate permitting for energy upgrades and grid expansion to increase reliability of and reduce emissions from our electric grid. If left unchecked and unchanged, this bill could create disparate imbalances for rivers and people. 

The following is a statement from Tom Kiernan, President and CEO, of American Rivers: 

“American Rivers is deeply committed to balancing the protection of rivers and waterways with the safety and responsibility of meeting the nation’s growing energy needs.  

We applaud Chairman Manchin’s commitment to get the language right on hydropower today and pledge to work with the committee and Congress to find common ground to include much needed hydropower reforms to build a more efficient licensing process under FERC. American Rivers will continue our advocacy to ensure S. 1521, the Community and Hydropower Improvement Act is passed. This bipartisan bill strengthens permitting by FERC, increases tribal engagement and oversight, and promotes healthy habitats and federal coordination in decision making. 

We call on Congress to support S. 1521 to advance common sense hydropower solutions. Congress has a unique opportunity to find common ground on the role hydropower plays in addressing climate change while also restoring free-flowing rivers.”