Debbie Dingell (D-MI)
National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The National Dam and Hydropower Safety Improvements Act of 2026 aims to improve dam and hydropower safety. It amends the Federal Power Act to require licensees to manage and maintain projects in a way that ensures dam and public safety. The bill mandates that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission establish procedures to assess if applicants are financially able to meet safety requirements and operate the works. It also requires a technical conference between the Commission and States regarding dam maintenance, risks, and climate changes. Additionally, the bill establishes specific communication requirements between the Commission and States regarding dam repairs, non-compliance, and license revocations.
Yes· 3 of 10
- Scored +7
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
Proactive dam safety measures and required coordination with states significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding and related disasters.
- Scored +6
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Rural communities near dams and waterways benefit directly from improved safety protocols and emergency communication frameworks.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances dam safety requirements, protecting surrounding ecosystems and communities from potential structural failures.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ensuring Public Safety: Section 2 requires that licensees manage, operate, and maintain dams in a manner that ensures dam safety and public safety under operating conditions.
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Strict Licensing Standards: Section 3 states the Commission may only issue a new license if the dam meets safety requirements and the licensee can maintain it, or if the new license includes a plan to fix noncompliance.
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Financial Accountability: Section 4 requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to establish procedures to assess if an applicant is financially viable enough to meet safety requirements and operate the dam and project works.
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Information Sharing and Coordination: Section 5 requires a technical conference to discuss dam maintenance, repair, risk-informed decision making, and how climate and hydrological changes affect structural integrity.
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State Notification and Transparency: Section 6 requires the Commission to notify States when a licensee is ordered to take repair actions, fails to do so after five years, or when non-compliance proceedings begin.
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Access to Critical Records: Section 6(b) requires the Commission to consult with States and provide specific records—such as inspection reports, repair specifications, and risk assessments—if a license is revoked or surrendered.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Rural communities near dams and waterways benefit directly from improved safety protocols and emergency communication frameworks. Would children be better off under this? — Improved infrastructure safety and reduced flood risks create safer communities for families and children. Would farmers be better off under this? — Agricultural areas downstream of dams benefit significantly from enhanced structural integrity and flood prevention measures. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Low-income communities often face disproportionate risks from failing infrastructure, making dam safety improvements beneficial.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Proactive dam safety measures and required coordination with states significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding and related disasters. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances dam safety requirements, protecting surrounding ecosystems and communities from potential structural failures. Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — By updating hydropower licensing and safety provisions, the legislation supports the reliable maintenance and operation of existing hydropower infrastructure.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates clear communications and sharing of inspection, maintenance, and risk assessment records with state authorities. Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The legislation establishes mandatory communication channels and technical conferences to ensure state governments are fully informed of dam safety issues. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands FERC's oversight authority regarding financial viability and mandatory safety compliance for hydropower licenses.
- 5/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan