Tipton's Hydropower Law Helps Advance West Slope Projects

Press Release

Today, Congressman Scott Tipton toured the site of a new hydropower project on the Montrose and Delta Canal at Shavano Falls that will provide clean, renewable and affordable hydropower on the West Slope once completed. It is one of four small hydropower projects underway by the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association that are directly impacted by Tipton's Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act (H.R. 678). Tipton's legislation, which was signed into law in August, reduced the time and cost of small hydropower projects like that at Shavano Falls by streamlining the permitting process and clearing red tape that would have required duplicative regulatory paperwork.

"Hydropower is the cheapest and cleanest source of electricity available through modern technology. Projects like those being developed by the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association create jobs right here at home, provide a supply of reliable power, and lower energy costs. This is truly a win for Coloradans," said Tipton. "I'm honored that I was able to lead the charge to pass a commonsense law to cut regulation and help advance these projects across the nation and right here in Colorado. Hydropower is a key piece of the all-of-the-above energy plan that I strongly support, and with this law we took an important step toward achieving American energy independence."

According to Steve Fletcher, Manager of the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association, Tipton's legislation has shortened the permitting process by 3 to 4 months or more, reduced costs by at least 15%, and freed up staff time for other projects. The four projects underway will generate enough electricity to power 6,000 homes once completed.

"Hydropower is one of the most important sources of energy in the U.S., this flexible carbon free energy can be used to meet both base-load and peak power needs. We greatly appreciate Congressman Tipton's leadership in advocating for the advancement of small hydropower," said Bob Johnson, National Water Resources Association Executive Vice President. "Implementation of the Hydropower and Rural Jobs Act is benefiting water users, as well as the nation by unleashing the vast potential of additional clean hydropower generation."

By eliminating duplicative environmental analysis on existing manmade Bureau of Reclamation conduits (pipes, ditches, and canals) that have received a full review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Tipton's law streamlines the regulatory process and reduces administrative costs for the installation of small hydropower development projects within those conduits. In doing so, the law encourages increased small hydropower development like the Shavano Falls project, which will create new rural jobs in Colorado, add clean, affordable electricity to the grid to power homes and communities, modernize infrastructure, and supply the federal government with additional revenues.

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