Hydropower plays a major role in the United States’ renewable energy portfolio, generating about 6 percent of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) recently reintroduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2023. The legislation strives to expand the use of hydropower and incentivizes much needed upgrades to critical hydroelectric facilities that provide affordable and reliable clean energy to millions.
CRES is proud to endorse this legislation, and CRES President Heather Reams joined numerous industry stakeholders and advocacy groups in issuing the following statement of support:
“Hydroelectric dams generate clean, renewable energy throughout the United States, particularly in the West,” said Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) President Heather Reams. “Much of the existing hydropower infrastructure is in need of repair, and as technology emerges to improve fish passage and efficiency, many dams need modernization. This legislation will incentivize operators to do just that. Thank you to Senator Murkowski for introducing this bill to harness the power of our rivers, provide reliable power to communities across the U.S., and lower global emissions.”Â
Click here to learn more about the bill.