To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects.

HR2072, titled "To require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time period during which licensees are required to commence construction of certain hydropower projects," was placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 408, on February 2, 2026. This action follows its reporting by the Committee on Energy and Commerce on the same date. The bill was introduced on March 11, 2025, and subsequently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where it was ordered to be reported by a vote of 44-0 on January 21, 2026. This bill does not authorize or appropriate any direct funding. Instead, it provides regulatory relief by allowing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend the construction commencement period for hydropower projects licensed before March 13, 2020. These extensions can be granted for up to an additional six years beyond the eight years already authorized by section 13 of the Federal Power Act. This mechanism prevents project cancellations due to expired deadlines, thereby safeguarding existing investments in renewable energy infrastructure. The bill also allows for the reinstatement of licenses that expired after December 31, 2023, and before the bill's enactment. Structural winners from this legislation include hydropower developers and operators, such as Clearway Energy, Inc. ($CWEN) and OGE Energy Corp. ($OGE), as it mitigates the risk of project abandonment due to construction delays. Equipment manufacturers like GE Aerospace ($GE), which produces turbines and other components for energy infrastructure, also benefit from the continued viability of these projects. The bill ensures that projects that have already secured licenses can proceed, supporting demand for their services and products. The legislative path for HR2072 now involves a potential vote in the House of Representatives, given its placement on the Union Calendar. A companion bill, S1020, is also active in the Senate, indicating broader legislative support for this policy. Clearway Energy, Inc. ($CWEN) is currently trading at $39.64, showing a 7-day change of +1.85% and a 30-day change of +6.02%. OGE Energy Corp. ($OGE) is at $48.61, with a 7-day change of +1.5% and a 30-day change of +0.73%. GE Aerospace ($GE) is at $288.69, with a 7-day change of +5.65% and a 30-day change of -11.71%. The positive short-term movements for CWEN and OGE align with the general positive sentiment for renewable energy infrastructure, while GE's 30-day decline suggests broader market factors or company-specific news are influencing its performance more significantly than this specific bill at present. The bill's progression through the House, with a strong committee vote, suggests continued momentum. Given its placement on the Union Calendar, the next legislative step for HR2072 is consideration by the full House of Representatives. If passed by the House, it would then move to the Senate for consideration. The existence of a related bill, S1020, in the Senate suggests a coordinated effort and increases the likelihood of eventual passage into law, although the exact timeline remains subject to the legislative process.