FLOWS Act

The FLOWS Act updates regulations for hydropower projects by clarifying which changes require Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval and exempting routine maintenance from such requirements. It also establishes a new, streamlined licensing process for small-scale micro hydrokinetic energy projects that generate up to 5 megawatts from moving water without impounding it. Under this new section, applicants would file a notification of intent followed by a formal application, with the Commission required to issue a final decision within one year. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Commission create specific rules to define project alterations and implement categorical exclusions to speed up environmental reviews for these smaller projects.