S 1020 · Signed into Law · 05-11-26
A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.
What does the S 1020 do?
S 1020 is a Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT). Gives FERC authority to grant hydropower project licensees up to 6 additional years to begin construction, beyond the existing 8-year extension allowed under the Federal Power Act, for projects that received their license before March 13, 2020. FERC may also retroactively reinstate licenses that expired after December 31, 2023 and before enactment.
Did S 1020 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, S 1020 has been signed into law.
Status: Signed into Law
Latest vote: House Passed 394–14 on April 21, 2026
Outlook: Enacted
Key provisions
- Construction Deadline Extension
- Up to 6 additional years beyond the existing 8-year Federal Power Act extension for projects licensed before March 13, 2020
- Extension structured as no more than 3 consecutive 2-year periods, beginning after the existing maximum extension expires
- FERC must provide reasonable notice and good cause must be shown before granting an extension
- License Reinstatement
- FERC may reinstate licenses for covered projects that expired after December 31, 2023 and before enactment, effective retroactively as of the expiration date
- Reinstated licenses become eligible for the 6-year extension under this bill
Last updated June 10, 2026