WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse released the following statement after passage of S.1020, known as the Build More Hydro bill, which is the Senate companion to Rep. Newhouse’s H.R. 2072. This legislation passed the House with a vote of 394-14 and heads to President Trump’s desk to become law.
“Our Nation desperately needs more energy, and I am delighted to see the House advance legislation to the President’s desk that will build more hydroelectric dams. Once signed into law, this legislation will allow for the construction of nearly 40 projects totaling over 2.5 gigawatts of baseload power, improving grid reliability and lowering energy prices. I want to thank Senator Daines for his tireless work in moving this legislation unanimously through the Senate and for his continued efforts to build more hydropower,” said Rep. Newhouse.
“I’m proud to see the Build More Hydro bill pass the House and move one step closer to becoming law. Hydropower is a critical source of reliable, baseload energy that strengthens our grid, supports good-paying jobs, and powers homes and businesses across Montana and the nation. This bipartisan bill helps ensure critical projects can move forward, protects billions in investment, and strengthens America’s energy security. I’ll continue to support an all-of-the-above energy portfolio and fight for ways to increase our domestic energy production. Thank you Rep. Newhouse for shepherding this important bill through the House,” said Senator Steve Daines (R-MT).
Background
Rep. Newhouse introduced the “Build More Hydro” bill as companion legislation alongside Senator Daines’ S. 1020, in 2025.
On July 9, 2025, S.1020 passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
The Build More Hydro bill would extend commence construction deadlines for critical hydropower projects nationwide and increase American energy production.
Since the introduction of S.1020, approximately 100MW of hydropower has been put on hold with an additional 36MW forced into limbo by the end of the year because of congressional inaction. Hydropower supplies baseload electricity to over 30 million homes, provides 96% of utility-scale energy storage, and remains vital to flood control, water storage, irrigation, and grid reliability services.
The Build More Hydro bill was supported by the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, Northwest RiverPartners, Inland Ports and Navigation Group, Port of Lewiston, Tri-City Development Council, Northwest Public Power Association, Washington Association of Wheat Growers, The National Association of Wheat Growers, The National Hydropower Association, Rye Development, and The American Public Power Association.
See full bill text, here.