Community and Hydropower Improvement Act
This bill modifies requirements for hydropower projects, including by
- accelerating and coordinating the environmental review of the licensing of hydropower projects;
- expediting the licensing process for closed-loop or off-stream pumped storage projects;
- expediting the licensing process for certain nonfederal hydropower projects at existing nonpowered dams;
- increasing the involvement of Indian tribes in the licensing process;
- directing federal agencies and Indian tribes to consider certain effects of dams, such as any adverse effects on fish species;
- requiring the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue regulations that establish procedures for license surrender proceedings initiated by licensees; and
- establishing a Licensing Administration Reimbursement Fund.