Though still in their early days, the Trump administration and the new 115th Congress face opportunities to achieve policies that are favorable for hydropower, including new hydropower development at existing water supply infrastructure. With the president’s recent nomination of two new commissioners to serve on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission), FERC—which has been hampered for the first few months of the new administration due to a lack of a quorum—is soon expected to be restored to a quorum. The return of a quorum at FERC will place the agency in a position to develop policies that are consistent with the president’s strong focus on infrastructure improvement programs and reducing regulatory burdens.

Van Ness Feldman's Chuck Sensiba and Sharon White discuss new opportunities for hydropower development under FERC and the current administration.  Read more in this issue of Irrigation Leader.