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S.3518

FLOWS Act Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures Act

Introduced·12/17/25

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

The FLOWS Act, or Fair Licensing for Operations of Water Structures Act, amends the Federal Power Act to simplify the licensing process for micro hydrokinetic energy projects. These projects, which convert hydrokinetic energy from waves, tides, currents, or free-flowing water into electric energy, must have an installed capacity of no more than 5 megawatts and cannot impound water. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) can issue licenses for these projects for terms between 10 and 20 years.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

I
1
2
RR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Jun 10

9:30 AM

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Hearing

Mar 17

10:00 AM

Senate Energy and Natural Resources Hearing

History

Jun 10

Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Mar 17

Senate

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.

Dec 17, 2025

Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.