Bills · HR 2160
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2160Taxation
Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act
INTRO MAR 14· LAST ACTION MAR 14
READING
6MIN
COSPONSORS
18BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to tackle several pressing issues: increasing clean energy production, improving the reliability of our nation's power grid, and protecting river ecosystems. By offering a substantial tax credit, the bill makes it more financially attractive for dam operators to invest in upgrades that might otherwise be too expensive, such as modernizing equipment for better efficiency or adding fish-friendly infrastructure. This could lead to a boost in renewable energy from existing sources without building new large-scale dams.
If this bill becomes law, it could accelerate environmental restoration efforts by incentivizing the removal of old, non-functional dams that block fish migration and harm river health. It also supports grid resilience by upgrading existing infrastructure. Without this bill, many of these costly but beneficial upgrades and environmental restoration projects might not happen as quickly, or at all, leaving older dams less efficient, less safe, and more impactful on aquatic environments, while missing opportunities to enhance clean energy capacity.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a new 30% tax credit for investments in 'hydropower improvement property' at existing hydroelectric facilities.
This makes a wide range of dam upgrades, from safety enhancements to environmental improvements, significantly more affordable for owners.
PROVISION 02
Defines eligible 'hydropower improvement property' to include projects that enhance fish passage, improve water quality, promote sediment transport, meet safety standards, improve public access, remove obsolete river obstructions, and place 'approved remote dams' into service.
This broad definition targets both environmental sustainability and infrastructure reliability aspects of hydroelectric power, and specifically supports isolated communities.
PROVISION 03
Allows eligible taxpayers to receive the tax credit as a direct cash payment from the government (direct pay option) or to transfer the credit to another entity.
This provision makes the tax credit accessible to non-profit entities or those without sufficient tax liability to utilize traditional tax credits, broadening its impact.
PROVISION 04
Requires projects to receive written approval from federal, state, or local officials before January 1, 2032, to qualify for the credit.
This ensures that projects are vetted for compliance and appropriateness, and sets a clear timeframe for accessing the incentive.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 18
R· Nebraska
YRS IN OFFICE
19
BILLS LED
26
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 89%
DEM 8 REP 10 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 14
Introduced in House
MAR 14
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2160
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 14, 2025
Last actionMar 14, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 14, 2025
House BillHR 2160Taxation
Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act
INTRODUCED MAR 14, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 14, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
6 min
COSPONSORS
18
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
