Ask AI
Bill115th CongressFiled Jun 12, 2017Energy
H.R. 2880

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

Filed
Comm.
Floor
Both
Law

What it doesSummary passed house amended (Dec 12, 2017)

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.

What just happenedDec 13, 2017

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Who’s behind it

Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9](R-VA)Sponsor
Read on Congress.gov
2committees17actions1related bills5subjects
  1. Dec 13, 2017IntroReferral

    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

    Energy and Natural Resources Committee
  2. Dec 12, 2017FloorH38310

    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  3. Dec 12, 2017FloorH37300

    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9812)

  4. Dec 12, 2017Floor8000

    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)

  5. Dec 12, 2017FloorH8D000

    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2880.

  6. Dec 12, 2017FloorH30000

    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9812-9814)

  7. Dec 12, 2017FloorH30300

    Mr. Upton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  8. Dec 11, 2017CalendarsH12410

    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 340.

  9. Dec 11, 2017CommitteeH12200

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-458.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  10. Dec 11, 2017Committee5000

    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 115-458.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  11. Dec 6, 2017Committee

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  12. Dec 6, 2017Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  13. Oct 26, 2017Committee

    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  14. Jun 16, 2017Committee

    Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.

    Energy, Climate and Grid Security Subcommittee
  15. Jun 12, 2017IntroReferralH11100

    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

    Energy and Commerce Committee
  16. Jun 12, 2017IntroReferralIntro-H

    Introduced in House

  17. Jun 12, 2017IntroReferral1000

    Introduced in House

Passed House amendedDec 12, 201736

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.

Reported to House with amendment(s)Dec 11, 201717

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.

Introduced in HouseJun 12, 2017

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.

Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act — Informed