House of Representatives Pass H.R. 2, the Moving Forward Act

Specific to dams, the bill includes:

• Provisions for dam safety improvements by amending the Federal Power Act and requiring a more transparent transfer to state responsibility when a federal license is revoked. There are a number of direct references to Edenville and Sanford Dam failures. FERC will be required to present information to states, by April 1, 2021, on O&M of dams, RIDM, climate change, and high hazard dams; 
•  An update to the 2005 Energy Policy Act of 2005 with incentives for non-federal development of new hydro, <10 Mw, at existing dams in "regions where there is inadequate electric service";
• Climate change impacts at federal dams, primarily involving the Bureau of Reclamation; and,
• Sediment transport management during dam removal

Senate Republicans have expressed opposition to the bill as passed by the House, citing the overall level of spending, regulatory changes, and climate change-related provisions in the bill. The Administration has issued a veto threat which is outlined in its Statement of Administrative Policy.While Senate Committees continue to work both publicly and behind the scenes on their version of an infrastructure package, it is unlikely that the Senate will have a legislative package before the August recess.