Political Quotes

“Mr. Chair, I rise to join my colleagues in supporting the Hydropower Policy Modernization Act. Nearly one-third of the electricity generated in Montana comes from hydropower. The Libby, Hungry Horse, and Noxon Rapids projects each have the generating capacity of more than 400 megawatts. There are dozens more smaller hydropower facilities in Montana, from Thompson Falls to those around Great Falls, to Tiber and Fort Peck and Yellowtail. This legislation will ensure that existing projects will have timely relicensing and enhance consultation between Federal, State, local agencies, and our Indian Tribes. It will also help provide certainty for new projects. I know, in my home State, there are proposals to electrify existing flood control and irrigation dams, like the Gibson Dam, that face ongoing licensing issues. I have introduced legislation to address that particular one. This bill is a step in the right direction for hydropower nationwide, and I am happy to support it.”