Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act

House Bill

H.R. 7487

119th Congress

Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 11, 2026

Primary Sponsor

Lauren Boebert

R - CO

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Water Resources Development

Summary

The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act aims to increase hydroelectric power generation in rural America by streamlining regulations and expanding hydropower infrastructure. The bill focuses on creating employment opportunities in rural communities while boosting renewable energy production from water-powered facilities. It seeks to make it easier to develop new hydropower projects and upgrade existing dams to generate electricity.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Introduced2/11/2026

StatusReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

ChamberHouse

Data from Congress.gov

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Vote Prediction

Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act

The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act aims to increase hydroelectric power generation in rural America by streamlining regulations and expanding hydropower infrastructure. The bill focuses on creating employment opportunities in rural communities while b

Community Breakdown

Pass

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Fail

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The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act aims to increase hydroelectric power generation in rural America by streamlining regulations and expanding hydropower infrastructure. The bill focuses on creating employment opportunities in rural communities while boosting renewable energy production from water-powered facilities. It seeks to make it easier to develop new hydropower projects and upgrade existing dams to generate electricity.

Bill Number: 7487
Introduced: 2/11/2026
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Policy Area: Water Resources Development

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act
Bill Number: 7487
Sponsor: No sponsor
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced: 2/11/2026
Summary: The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act aims to increase hydroelectric power generation in rural America by streamlining regulations and expanding hydropower infrastructure. The bill focuses on creating employment opportunities in rural communities while boosting renewable energy production from

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act aims to increase hydroelectric power generation in rural America by streamlining regulations and expanding hydropower infrastructure. The bill focuses on creating employment opportunities in rural communities while boosting renewable energy production from water-powered facilities. It seeks to make it easier to develop new hydropower projects and upgrade existing dams to generate electricity.

Last updated: 2/23/2026

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Promotes job creation in rural areas through expanded hydropower development and infrastructure projects
Aims to increase clean, renewable energy production from water resources while reducing dependence on fossil fuels
Likely streamlines permitting processes for new hydropower facilities and upgrades to existing dams
Could affect federal lands, waterways, and Bureau of Reclamation facilities where hydropower potential exists
Targets economic development in rural communities that have been economically disadvantaged or lack diverse job opportunities

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Rural communities near rivers, dams, and existing hydropower facilities would see the most direct impact through potential new construction jobs and long-term energy sector employment. Ratepayers in these regions could benefit from increased access to renewable energy, potentially leading to more stable electricity prices. Environmental groups and fishing communities may be affected by changes to waterway management, while private landowners near waterways could see new development opportunities or restrictions.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Water Resources Development

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

7487, 119th Congress (2026). "Rural Jobs and Hydropower Expansion Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-7487

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