Jim Costa: “I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy…”

“I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 3043, the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act. Mr. Chair, I believe, and I think others do as well who have had experiences within their constituencies, within their congressional districts, that the hydro relicensing process is plainly broken, plain and simple. Let me give you a couple of real-life examples of why this legislation is needed, and why it is needed now. They both provide energy in my district for the people in the San Joaquin Valley, for households, for farmers, and for people in the valley, and they are the same two examples that Congressman Denham spoke of a moment ago. The Turlock and Modesto Irrigation Districts have worked through the licensing process in good faith for more than 8 years, and they have spent over $30 million to renew the license for Don Pedro Dam, a facility that has been in operation for almost 40 years. The districts estimate that, when they are finished with this process, they will have spent almost $50 million. Meanwhile, the Merced Irrigation District, my constituency, has spent over 10 years and $20 million to relicense the Exchequer Hydroelectric project. This process is still not finished. This facility has been in operation for over 60 years. Since these are public agencies, these costs are passed on to the ratepayers in mostly small, rural communities that Congressman Denham and I represent. It raises their electric costs.…”