Summary

Requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deliver an initial report within 180 days and annual updates listing specified hydropower licensing processes that have been pending for at least three years. The reports must identify each qualifying licensing matter and provide detailed status information, including notice dates, docket numbers, whether an application has been filed, anticipated issuance dates, upcoming proceedings, and actions taken or needed by licensees, applicants, FERC, fish and wildlife agencies, and other agencies, with data split by license type.

• FERC must deliver an initial report within 180 days and annual updates listing long-pending hydropower licensing matters.
• Reports must cover two specific categories of pending licenses: new/subsequent licenses (with certain waivers) and original licenses where intent to apply was filed at least three years prior.
• Each listed licensing process must include notice date, docket number, whether an application exists, application status, anticipated issuance date, and upcoming proceedings.
• Reports must describe actions completed or required by licensees, applicants, FERC, fish and wildlife agencies, and any other agencies involved.
• All data must be disaggregated by license type (new/subsequent vs. original).
• The law creates a transparency and reporting obligation but does not change substantive licensing law or appropriate funding.
• Affected processes are limited to those with an intent-to-apply notice filed at least three years before the report date.
• The requirement increases congressional oversight and public visibility into slow or stalled hydropower licensing cases.
• No deadlines are imposed on other agencies or applicants—only a reporting duty for FERC.
• The reporting requirement is ongoing (annual) after the initial report.