# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 8383

This bill is designed to make it faster and easier to build hydroelectric power plants at dams and water facilities that the Army Corps of Engineers already operates across the country. Right now, many of these existing dams don't generate electricity even though they could, and some water projects that could produce power never have. The bill aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles and streamline the process so private companies and other non-government entities can develop hydropower at these locations more quickly.

To accomplish this, the bill creates a new dedicated position called a Program Manager for Non-Federal Hydroelectric Power Development at the Army Corps of Engineers headquarters. This person's job is to be a single point of contact and coordinator for anyone wanting to build hydropower at Corps facilities. Instead of having different districts handle permits differently, this manager ensures the process is consistent and timely across all locations. They'll answer questions from developers, help speed up the permitting process, work with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and make sure everything moves forward efficiently.

The bill also requires the Army Corps of Engineers to look for opportunities to expand hydropower at existing dams and to develop it at water projects that don't currently produce electricity. The key requirement is that any new hydropower development must use environmentally sustainable technologies and management practices, so the focus isn't just on speed but also on protecting the environment. Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the Corps must report to Congress on how they're implementing these changes.

To amend the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to improve provisions relating to the development of hydropower at Corps of Engineers facilities, and for other purposes.

Kuster, Ann M.

 <p>This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to (1) assess opportunities to increase hydroelectric power at its projects (e.g, dams and locks), and (2) create a new program manager position for nonfederal hydroelectric power development.</p>