McMorris Rodgers' Language Defines All Hydropower As Renewable

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris announced all forms of hydropower will be considered renewable in a new energy plan introduced by Republican members of Congress. McMorris Rodgers successfully added language to the American Energy Act that defines traditional and new forms of hydropower as renewable.

"In light of a Portland judge's recent ruling threatening our dams, we must do everything we can to protect them. Classifying hydropower as renewable is a step in the right direction," McMorris Rodgers says.

McMorris Rodgers has been a strong advocate of hydropower as it meets our national renewable energy goals. "Right now, hydropower represents 75% of our country's current renewable energy production," McMorris Rodgers says. "Hydropower currently produces 6% of our nation's electricity. We could double our use of this clean, renewable resource without building a new dam."

In addition to promoting clean, renewable sources of energy like hydropower and nuclear energy, the American Energy Act:

Allows for the responsible exploration of energy on the Outer Continental Shelf, the Arctic Coastal Plain and in areas where oil shale exists

Streamlines the legal process for developing new energy sources and new refineries

Encourages homeowners and businesses through tax credits to improve energy efficiency and offers a $500 million prize for the first U.S. carmaker that sells 50,000 vehicles that get 100 miles per gallon

"At a time of growing energy demand, it doesn't make sense to throw hydropower and other forms of American energy away," McMorris Rodgers says. "Instead of taxing new forms of energy sources, this plan encourages responsible energy development, conservation and innovation."

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