WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

LD 371

An Act To Expand Hydroelectric Development By Removing The 100-Megawatt Cap

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Scott Cyrway and 7 co-sponsors

LD 371 - An Act To Expand Hydroelectric Development By Removing The 100-Megawatt Cap OverviewBill Number: LD 371 Title: An Act To Expand Hydroelectric Development By Removing The

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
#alternativeenergy #hydropower #megawattcap
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · LD 371

LD 371 - An Act To Expand Hydroelectric Development By Removing The 100-Megawatt Cap

Overview

Bill Number: LD 371
Title: An Act To Expand Hydroelectric Development By Removing The 100-Megawatt Cap
Status: Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
Introduced: January 30, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of LD 371 is to remove the existing 100-megawatt cap on hydroelectric power projects in the state. The bill's sponsors argue that eliminating this cap would spur greater investment and development of hydroelectric energy, a renewable and carbon-free power source. The intent is to increase the state's overall hydroelectric generation capacity and contribute to broader clean energy and emissions reduction targets.

Key Provisions

  • Repeals the current 100-megawatt limit on the size of hydroelectric power projects that can be licensed and developed in the state
  • Allows for the construction and operation of hydroelectric facilities of any size, removing the previous size restriction
  • Streamlines the permitting and approval process for new large-scale hydroelectric projects
  • Provides tax incentives and other financial support mechanisms to encourage hydroelectric development

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Electric utilities and independent power producers would be able to build larger, more economically viable hydroelectric facilities
  • Environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential impacts on rivers, fish habitats, and local communities from unconstrained hydroelectric expansion
  • Ratepayers could see changes in electricity rates and costs depending on the scale and pace of new hydroelectric development

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

LD 371 was introduced in the state legislature on January 30, 2025, but has since been placed in the Legislative Files, indicating that it is no longer actively being considered. The bill did not advance through the full legislative process and is considered "dead" for the current session. Any further action on removing the 100-megawatt hydroelectric cap would require reintroduction of similar legislation in a future legislative session.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.