MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Kim Schrier (D-WA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act, legislation extending a 30 percent investment tax credit (ITC) to American hydroelectric investments to improve power production, provide environmental benefits, or remove outdated dam infrastructure through 2031.

The members released the following statements:

“The ability to harness the power of moving water has paid tremendous dividends for Nebraska’s economy and many other regions of the country,” said Rep. Smith “To meet growing energy demands for the future, we must capitalize on the benefit of sustainable, affordable, and reliable energy sources like hydroelectricity. This legislation will promote development of hydropower and appropriate stewardship of our water resources. I thank my colleagues for joining me to reintroduce this important bill.”

“Washington is a leader in harnessing hydropower to provide reliable and affordable clean energy. This legislation builds on that progress by creating new incentives to improve dam safety, protect fish habitats, and enhance grid resilience. These changes will help Washington families save on energy costs while advancing our commitment to a cleaner future,” said Rep. DelBene.

“Hydropower is a powerful bridge between America’s energy past and its clean energy future. This bipartisan bill ensures we maximize its potential—investing in modern infrastructure, strengthening grid security, and restoring vital waterways. By pairing innovation with environmental responsibility, we are building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for generations to come,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“Hydropower is the largest source of electricity in Washington state, comprising 67% of the energy generation mix. It’s important we invest in the safety of this reliable, affordable resource to achieve our emissions goals while restoring river health and safe passage for salmon and steelhead populations,” said Rep. Schrier.  “This legislation will incentivize safer hydroelectric energy production while also enhancing aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and public use upgrades.”

“Hydropower is at the heart of lowering energy costs for hardworking Granite Staters and making America the world’s clean energy superpower,” said Rep. Goodlander. “I’m proud to be working to get this important bipartisan legislation across the finish line.”

For text of the legislation click here.

Currently, the ITC covering hydropower only applies to investments that produce a marginal increase in power generation. Vital environmental and maintenance investments such as new fish passage to help enhance aquatic ecosystems, structural upgrades to ensure the safety of dams, and generator rewinds to improve grid resiliency that do not result in power increases are not currently eligible for this credit. With many decades-old hydroelectric dams facing costly upgrades to continue operating safely and economically, the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2025 bridges the gap in current law. Examples of eligible investments include adding fish-friendly turbines or new fish ladders, managing river sediments to improve habitat, upgrading or replacing floodgates and spillways, and expanding access to public waterways impacted by existing dams.

The bipartisan bill would also support local efforts to remove non-power producing river barriers, including abandoned or obsolete dams, dikes, or embankments, allowing those rivers to run free and naturally once again. Private, state, local, and non-profit groups could use the 30 percent federal tax incentive, with a direct pay option, to support efforts to demolish and remove unnecessary barriers with the owner’s consent. Removing obsolete river obstructions that no longer meet their intended purpose nor benefit society can provide new outdoor recreation opportunities, create new fish and wildlife habitat, spur local economic development, and increase the resilience of rivers.

Industry leaders shared the following statements in support of the legislation:

“Our District sincerely thanks Congressman Adrian Smith for introducing the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration act,” said Kyle Shepherd, President of the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Board. “Lake McConaughy is one of Nebraska’s most vital pieces of water infrastructure, and this bill can help provide the necessary resources to maintain Kingsley Dam and ensure its safe operation far into the future for Nebraska and its people.”

“Hydropower is well-positioned to help America meet our bold energy goals — with the right federal support. America’s first electricity resource is reliable, dependable, domestically-sourced, and capable of bolstering our grid at a moment’s notice, but a lack of investment in these “forever assets” threatens those capabilities. NHA is proud to support this bipartisan legislation because we know that it will help preserve this critical resource at a time when America needs every megawatt to power our continued prosperity,” said Malcolm Woolf, President and CEO, National Hydropower Association.

“We support this bipartisan legislation which aligns well with President Trump’s previous comments on the importance of clean water. Rivers are the lifeblood of our nation, providing drinking water, sanitation, power generation, and the transport of millions of tons of American industrial and agricultural products. Hydropower plays a special role in safeguarding our waters and this legislation will help in that regard,” said Jeff Kupfer, President, ConservAmerica.

“We support legislation that incentivizes the removal of dams that no longer serve a beneficial purpose, while also promoting essential investments in fish passage, dam safety, public access to waterways, and overall river health improvements where dams continue to impact rivers,” said Thomas O’Keefe, Pacific Northwest Stewardship Director, American Whitewater.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership behind this timely bill, which promotes dam safety and advances river restoration. This legislation is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between conservation groups and the hydropower industry to find common-sense solutions that benefit both river ecosystems and renewable energy generation while also lowering costs for consumers. We look forward to working with Congress to get this critical legislation across the finish line and enacted into law,” said Tom Kiernan, President, and CEO of American Rivers.

“We applaud the bipartisan leadership for this bill that provides critical incentives that will enable hydropower to invest in new energy generation, dam safety, and river health. Hydropower is an energy source that has been powering communities across America for generations and remains essential for a reliable and secure electricity grid. We are grateful to Reps. Smith and DelBene along with Sens. Cantwell and Murkowski for advancing solutions that will promote environmental stewardship, enhance public safety, and strengthen our energy security,” said Shannon Ames, Executive Director, Low Impact Hydropower Institute.

“Hydropower is a proven, reliable source of affordable energy for Americans. It is critical that we continue to improve, expand, and invest in this vital resource to meet future energy needs. The American Conservation Coalition Action and its over 60,000 grassroots members nationwide commend this bipartisan effort to unleash clean, American-made energy,” said Andrew Mills, Managing Director of American Conservation Coalition Action.

BACKGROUND:

Smith introduced the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act in December 2023. Smith has supported legislation to encourage development of hydroelectric and other renewable energy production since 2007.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE)

Washington, DC — Today, Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), released the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to take steps necessary to facilitate the closure of the federal Department of Education.

“We owe it to American students to examine whether they are better off since the Department of Education’s inception more than a half-century ago. Just since 2000, federal spending has ballooned 649 percent while student proficiencies and the number of ED employees have declined. It’s clear such ineffectiveness is not worth such a monumental expense. Parents deserve a greater voice in the classroom, and the federal government should return this issue to the states.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Announces Community Leader and Gold Star Wife as His Presidential Address Guests

WASHINGTON – Every year, for the Presidential Address or State of the Union address before a joint session of congress, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) has invited a member of the community to join him as his guest. This year, Rep. Bacon is pleased to announce two guests who have accepted his invitation and ARE attending: Mark Ashton, Lead Pastor for Christ Community Church (CCC) in Omaha and Aldena “Dena” Yllescas Johnston. 

A man of strong faith and passion for service, Mark is married to his college sweetheart, Kelle, and they have four children. Mark holds two Bachelor of Science degrees, in economics and in marketing, and has completed graduate and seminary work. Since he is also an Ordained Minister of the Gospel, he likes to brag that his official title is “Rev. Mark Ashton, B.S., B.S., O.M.G.” Pastor Mark serves on the National Board of Directors for the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is the founding leader of organizations such as CityCare Counseling, and Within Reach. He has taught leaders and led mission trips in fifteen countries on six continents. The international project closest to his heart is the Hospital for Women and Children in West Africa, where over 50,000 babies have been safely born since it opened in 2006.

“Pastor Mark has made an impact through his work at CityCare broadening access to mental health services, building collaborative networks like Within Reach to leverage resources to offer compassion, hope and faith,” said Rep. Bacon. “As leader of his congregation at Christ Community, Pastor Mark has helped the church bring aid to the hungry and marginalized victims of natural disasters around the globe; plant churches; launch schools and bring education to nations on three continents.”

On October 28, 2008, U.S. Army Capt. Robert J. Yllescas was injured by an IED (Improvised Explosion Device), losing both of his legs and suffering head injuries. Although there were moments of hope, he succumbed to his injuries on December 1, 2008. The attack occurred during one of the bloodiest American engagements in Operation Enduring Freedom, and was the subject of a 2019 film, The Outpost.

In addition to his wife Dena, Capt. Yllescas is survived by his two daughters.

“The bravery of Capt. Yllescas is well documented and was recognized in November 2008 when former president George Bush presented him with a Purple Heart,” said Bacon. “But the courage of his wife Dena, and all of our Gold Star Spouses, cannot be fathomed. As they are left to pick up the pieces and carry on for their families, after losing their loved one, cannot be described in enough details for people to comprehend. I am pleased Dena is able to join us.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Issues Statement on Trump’s Address

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement after President Trump’s address to the joint session of Congress.

“President Trump ran and won on a platform of raising wages, lowering inflation, slashing government spending, securing the border, gaining energy independence, and increasing our national deterrence to foreign adversaries. Tonight, he spoke about his accomplishments including a 600% increase in arrests by ICE of illegal immigrants, securing over $1.7 trillion in historic investments, increasing energy production and leases, increasing transparency in government, and finding the waste we need to eliminate to lower our national debt.

“I applaud the audits on wasteful spending, but we should be cautious before we fire someone. I applaud our goal of securing peace and security for Ukraine.   

“Finally, we need to look at our decorum for the sake of our country, and on both sides. But tonight, I was extremely disappointed to not see members of the Democrat Party stand for a survivor of child brain cancer and murder victims.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Statement on CR Vote

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) issued the following statement after voting yes for the Continuing Resolution (CR) funding bill, H.R. 1968 – Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025:

“I voted for this CR to keep our government open, which enabled us to plus up our military and defenses. This bill funds the historic pay raise for those who protect our country that came out of the Quality-of-Life panel I chaired and got passed through the FY25 NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act). It allows our military to start new contracts that will enable us to build new warships. 

“This CR does not gut any programs. In fact, it provides an additional $6 billion for the Cost of War Toxic Exposure Fund, $30.242 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Compensation and Pensions, $4.864 billion for the Veterans Benefits Administration Readjustment Benefits, and increases WIC by $500 million.

“While I do not like CR’s, we cannot let the government shut down and not be there to serve the people.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

WASHINGTON – Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), alongside Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), Andy Harris (R-MD), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), John James (R-MI), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), introduced H.R 1851, the Fighter Force Preservation and Recapitalization Act. This legislation preserves U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighter force structure and prioritizes the recapitalization of the 39 service-retained, combat-coded fighter squadrons available to the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) to respond globally to world events across the Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve fighter fleets.

H.R. 1851 establishes requirements for future fighter procurement to restore and modernize our aging fighter fleet and directs robust reporting requirements to ensure close congressional oversight of USAF fighter modernization. It also prioritizes recapitalization of USAF Active Duty, Guard and Reserve units that are based in the homeland to improve the readiness of our Total Force fighter formations. Over the last thirty years, the Air Force fighter force structure has been reduced by nearly sixty percent, while the average age of fighter aircraft has increased by two hundred percent.  

The sponsors issued a joint statement:

“The Department of Defense is simply not buying enough fighters to replace our aging aircraft that must be retired. The Air Force fighter fleet is currently in crisis, which now threatens our ability to project power and defend the skies over our homeland and along our borders. This legislation will stop the decline and stabilize the Air Force fighter force structure across the Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve components. The brave men and women that protect the skies over our nation need the best equipment to do the job, and our legislation will give them the tools to do just that.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

Bacon Ranked 1st for Bills Signed Into Law

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

March 24, 2025

Washington, D.C.- Today, Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) reintroduced the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act, a bill that would encourage domestic energy independence by supporting the responsible development of wind, solar, and geothermal energy on public lands.

The bill will support clean energy development through a streamlined permitting process and revenue sharing for localities and states for projects on public lands. The bill contains key provisions to balance clean energy development in priority areas with conservation of our natural environment.

“Finding new ways to bolster America’s energy independence is critical, but it needs to be clean energy independence,” said Rep. Levin.  “This bill would encourage the development of renewable energy projects while protecting and conserving our public lands. Ultimately, this bill will make it easier and faster to build clean energy projects by creating a smoother and more efficient permitting process while providing confidence to developers and ensuring the impacts to wildlife, habitat, and cultural resources are avoided or minimized. I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement additional common-sense measures.”

This legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: The Wilderness Society, American Clean Power Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, Solar Energy Industries Association, Trout Unlimited, EDF Renewables, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, and National Audubon Society.

“The Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act reintroduced by Representative Levin takes an important step toward improving the permitting process for clean energy projects on public lands,” said Frank Macchiarola, Chief Advocacy Officer at American Clean Power (ACP). “This bill would help strengthen our energy supply chain and support local communities while providing much-needed certainty for developers. We appreciate Representative Levin’s leadership and look forward to working with Congress to accelerate renewable energy development necessary to meet growing demand.”

“Leveling the playing field for solar and storage access on federal lands is critical for meeting rising energy demand and lowering costs for consumers,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “By facilitating responsible solar and storage development on these lands, we can deliver low-cost energy while ensuring the investments and jobs directly benefit communities and taxpayers around these projects. SEIA is proud to support this legislation and thanks Representative Levin for recognizing the important role that federal lands play in advancing America’s energy economy.”

“Hunters and anglers recognize the increasing demand for renewable energy development on public lands and it is our priority to ensure that these projects avoid impacts to fish and wildlife habitat. We thank Rep. Levin for his leadership on the Public Land Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA) which would incentivize the development of these projects on previously disturbed or degraded landscapes so that iconic species like mule deer and sage grouse can thrive on intact public lands without conflict. PLREDA would also direct 40% of the revenue collected from renewable energy projects on public lands into a new conservation fund for the benefit of fish and wildlife habitat as well as improved recreational access to public lands.” said Kaden McArthur, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

“Audubon knows birds and communities both face existential threats from our changing environment. To combat this, we must act quickly and invest in responsibly sited renewable energy and transmission. This important legislation sets bold new targets for the responsible development of next-generation energy on our nation’s public lands while reinvesting in conservation to protect the habitat that birds and wildlife need to thrive,” said Sam Wojcicki, Senior Director of Climate Policy at the National Audubon Society. “The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act strikes an important balance between unleashing the clean energy potential of our public lands, protecting birds and wildlife, and empowering the voices of local communities and Tribes. We thank Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) for his tireless leadership in protecting the environment and communities from increasingly severe climate impacts and for his work advancing PLREDA.”

“Representative Mike Levin’s bill is critical to unleashing the renewable energy potential of our public lands, creating thousands of clean energy jobs and securing American energy independence — all while directing projects toward existing infrastructure and away from sensitive sites with conservation, habitat and cultural values,” said Justin Meuse, Government Relations Director at The Wilderness Society. “Renewable energy decisions on our shared public lands shouldn’t be made in a silo, but in coordination with communities, tribes, the renewable energy industry and the public at large. And this bill helps ensure all parties have a seat at the table when those land use decisions are made. We urge Congress to advance this bill to secure faster, better and cheaper clean energy projects overall, while reinvesting in communities and conservation.” 

“This bill is a model for how to site, permit, and build energy projects on federal lands. It proves that through collaboration and compromise, industry and conservation groups can develop good and effective policy,” said Josh Axelrod, Senior Policy Advocate at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “It establishes clear incentives for efficient permitting by directing development to the lowest conflict areas and returning needed revenue to states and counties where projects are built.”

“Federal lands are a significant part of the Western U.S.  They must play an important role in ensuring our energy security,” said Virinder Singh, Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs at EDF Renewables. “Solar energy is a core part of Western state’s energy plans due to low cost and mature technology.  Congressman Levin’s legislation recognizes these realities and seeks sorely needed changes in our laws to make the permitting process more sensible, and to ensure local communities benefit as much as possible from local energy projects.  We look forward to working with Congressman Levin and others in Congress on this important issue for the West’s and the nation’s energy supply.”

Bill text is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Sander Levin (9th District of Michigan)