Hydropower boosters are bullish that legislation to bolster that clean energy source could hitch a ride on a permitting package this year.
The charge is being led by key Republican members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, including Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Steve Daines of Montana.
Hydropower was largely left out of the committee-passed permitting reform package backed by Chair Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and ranking member John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).
Both Murkowski and Daines say they’re optimistic amendments they proposed then withdrew during a July committee markup could be added to the final bill.