Chairman Guthrie Celebrates President Trump’s Signing of Permitting Reform Bill that Aims to Lower Energy Costs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, issued the following statement after President Trump signed S. 1020, “Build More Hydro” legislation into law earlier this week.

“As we work to secure our grid and unleash American energy, hydropower remains one of our most reliable and affordable sources of electricity for American families,” said Chairman Guthrie. “The Build More Hydro Act is a victory for reliable energy, ensuring FERC can extend construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects in communities across the country. Thank you to President Trump for signing this commonsense bill into law.”

S. 1020, A bill to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects – Sen. Daines (R-MT)

The legislation requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide more time for licensees to start construction of certain hydropower projects that were delayed due to supply chain shortages and other COVID-19 economic impacts.

S. 1020, was introduced by Sen. Steve Daines (MT), passed the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent in July 2025 and the House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 394-14 in April 2026.