Steve Daines
04/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/21/2026 16:11
Daines’ “Build More Hydro” Bill Passes U.S. House of Representatives, Heads to President’s Desk
- April 21, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his bill to support American hydropower and increase domestic energy production passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the President's desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. The "Build More Hydro" bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve six-year extensions for hydropower projects licensed before 2020. Representative Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced the companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
"The Build More Hydro bill will help revive critical hydro projects across the nation and increase our domestic energy production, and I'm thrilled to see it headed to the President's desk. Energy security is national security, and this bill will help bolster our all-of-the-above energy portfolio while keeping costs low and the lights on for hardworking American families. I'm grateful for Representative Newhouse's work in getting this through the House of Representatives and look forward to it finally becoming law," said Daines.
"Our Nation desperately needs more energy, and I am delighted to see the House advance legislation to the President's desk that will build more hydroelectric dams. Once signed into law, this legislation will allow for the construction of nearly 40 projects totaling over 2.5 gigawatts of baseload power, improving grid reliability and lowering energy prices. I want to thank Senator Daines for his tireless work in moving this legislation unanimously through the Senate and for his continued efforts to build more hydropower," said Newhouse.
Read the bill text HERE.
Background:
Daines introduced S.1020, the "Build More Hydro" bill, in March 2025- read the release HERE. It passed the Senate with unanimous consent in July 2025. Daines and Newhouse sent a letter to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson urging swift House passage of the bill in November 2025- read it HERE.
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