The FLOWS Act amends the Federal Power Act to streamline licensing for micro hydrokinetic energy projects and clarify maintenance and repair.

The FLOWS Act, or Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures Act, amends the Federal Power Act to expedite licensing for micro hydrokinetic energy projects, which have an installed capacity of no more than 5 megawatts and convert hydrokinetic energy from sources like waves, tides, or free-flowing water into electric energy. The Act mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within 90 days of enactment, proposing a process for determining substantial, nonsubstantial, and routine alterations or additions to hydropower project.

The FLOWS Act amends the Federal Power Act to streamline licensing for micro hydrokinetic energy projects and clarify maintenance and repair.

The FLOWS Act, or Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures Act, amends the Federal Power Act to expedite licensing for micro hydrokinetic energy projects, which have an installed capacity of no more than 5 megawatts and convert hydrokinetic energy from sources like waves, tides, or free-flowing water into electric energy. The Act mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within 90 days of enactment, proposing a process for determining substantial, nonsubstantial, and routine alterations or additions to hydropower project.