NHA hails Sen. Patty Murray for her vision on hydropower

Washington, D.C. (August 4, 2009) –

Following is a statement from NHA Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci regarding the Senate's approval of the 2010 appropriations bills for federal energy and water programs, including the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies. The measure provides $60 million for DOE's Waterpower Program, doubling the White House budget request and increasing the House-approved funding level substantially.
"The National Hydropower Association applauds the vision and leadership the Senate has shown by approving an energy and water appropriation that includes $60 million in funding for the DOE Waterpower Program. By doubling the funding levels in the budget request and increasing the House appropriation, the Senate is showing its commitment to developing affordable, domestic, renewable energy resources.
"These funds will help support the development of both new and conventional hydropower technologies. With new technologies that generate electricity from waves, tides, and other resources on the vanguard of the energy industry -- and exciting efficiency and performance developments at some of the most reliable long-time hydroelectric resources in the country -- the hydropower industry welcomes the opportunity to expand its federal R&D partnerships.
"NHA would also like to congratulate and thank Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) for championing the funding increase. Along with many others, Sen. Murray understands the environmental and economic benefits hydropower offers from seeing it first-hand in her home state of Washington. With this increase the full Senate has shown its commitment to clean, abundant energy resources is an important bipartisan issue.
"We'd also like to salute the efforts of Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), chairman of the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee, for his leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. Sen. Dorgan's work demonstrates his vision for ensuring that all Americans will benefit from both waterpower resources and a vibrant, clean environment.
"NHA looks forward to continuing its work with both the House and the Senate as they pursue this and other measures that secure new hydropower resources."

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