Bill · H.R. 8889· House(119-HR-8889)
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 5/19/2026
- Last activity
- 5/19/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Sponsored by
- Debbie Dingell
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026 aims to improve dam and hydropower safety. It amends the Federal Power Act to require licensees to manage and maintain projects in a way that ensures dam and public safety. The bill mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission establish procedures to assess if applicants are financially able to meet safety requirements and operate the works. It also requires a technical conference between the Commission and States regarding dam maintenance, risks, and climate changes. Additionally, the bill establishes specific communication requirements between the Commission and States regarding dam repairs, non-compliance, and license revocations.
Yes· 3 of 10
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+7
Proactive dam safety measures and required coordination with states significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding and related disasters.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+6
Rural communities near dams and waterways benefit directly from improved safety protocols and emergency communication frameworks.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+6
The bill enhances dam safety requirements, protecting surrounding ecosystems and communities from potential structural failures.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ensuring Public Safety: Section 2 requires that licensees manage, operate, and maintain dams in a manner that ensures dam safety and public safety under operating conditions.
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Strict Licensing Standards: Section 3 states the Commission may only issue a new license if the dam meets safety requirements and the licensee can maintain it, or if the new license includes a plan to fix noncompliance.
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Financial Accountability: Section 4 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish procedures to assess if an applicant is financially viable enough to meet safety requirements and operate the dam and project works.
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Information Sharing and Coordination: Section 5 requires a technical conference to discuss dam maintenance, repair, risk-informed decision making, and how climate and hydrological changes affect structural integrity.
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State Notification and Transparency: Section 6 requires the Commission to notify States when a licensee is ordered to take repair actions, fails to do so after five years, or when non-compliance proceedings begin.
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Access to Critical Records: Section 6(b) requires the Commission to consult with States and provide specific records—such as inspection reports, repair specifications, and risk assessments—if a license is revoked or surrendered.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Children+5Good For Farmers+4Good For Low Income Households+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+7Improves Environmental Protections+6Increases Renewable Energy Investment+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+6Increase States Rights+5Increases Federal Power+3
- 5/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan