Bill · H.R. 7487· House(119-HR-7487)
Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act
- Introduced
- 2/11/2026
- Last activity
- 8/27/2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 676.
- Sponsored by
- Lauren Boebert
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act seeks to amend the Reclamation Project Act of 1939. Its primary goal is to encourage non-Federal hydropower development regarding Bureau of Reclamation projects. The bill makes several technical changes to how hydropower is defined and handled in relation to Bureau of Reclamation facilities. It modifies language regarding conduits and works facilities to broaden the scope of hydropower use. Additionally, it provides new instructions regarding how authorizations issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are maintained or renewed.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+4
The bill expands the types of Bureau of Reclamation facilities that can be used for hydropower, facilitating more renewable energy development.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The expansion of hydropower facility eligibility creates more opportunities for non-Federal energy developers.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
The bill encourages non-Federal hydropower development by expanding the scope of eligible Bureau of Reclamation facilities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Broadened Hydropower Development: By changing the language from "small conduit hydropower" to "hydropower using all Bureau of Reclamation facilities," the bill expands the types of facilities that can be used for such development (Section 2, paragraph 2).
-
Clarified Authorization Longevity: The bill specifies that authorizations issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission remain in place until they become inactive, and allows for renewals as permitted by the Commission (Section 2, paragraph 8).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Shift in Jurisdiction: Once a project site authorization becomes inactive, the jurisdiction of the project site shifts exclusively to the Bureau of Reclamation (Section 2, paragraph 8).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Improves Rural Development+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Rural Residents+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Small Business Support+2
- 8/27/2026
- Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-775.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 676.
- 5/14/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 14.
- 2/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Adam GrayDemocrat · California