The move away from traditional energy sources derived from fossil fuels has many benefits, both economic and environmental. Until recently, however, hydropower – particularly on the small scale – involved significant regulatory hurdles that compromised its viability. That landscape has changed, and in response, those with adequate water can capitalize on the cubic feet per second flowing through their property. It is a boon for all involved.
U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, championed the bipartisan federal legislation that cleared the path for small-scale hydropower’s progress on manmade canals, ditches and pipelines. Formerly, any such project proposal would be subject to a full National Environmental Policy Act review, despite the fact that the conduits themselves had undergone NEPA review when constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation. The double NEPA requirement was redundant to the point of being burdensome for those considering a small hydropower project.
President Barack Obama signed the measure in 2013. In 2014, the Colorado Legislature passed a complementary bill that expedites the state approval process of small hydropower projects so that the federal and state permitting can happen in tandem – in as few as 60 days. State Sen. Ellen Roberts, R-Durango, and state Rep. Don Coram, R-Montrose, sponsored that measure.
This twofold regulatory easing particularly is relevant for those in Western Colorado, where irrigation ditches are plentiful, as are seasonal water flows that can be put to use meeting electricity demand, both at the micro level, at nearby buildings, and beyond, through net metering at local utilities. If all of Colorado’s hydropower potential was harvested, the Colorado Small Hydro Association estimates that it could power 65,000 homes from up to 41 different hydroelectric generation sites.
Doing so would put Colorado well on its way toward achieving the 30 percent renewable energy standard that matures in 2020 – as well as the 15 percent renewable standard for rural electric co-ops. It also would provide electricity cost savings to those with access to hydropower while easing Colorado’s reliance on fossil fuels for its electricity.
These are wholly positive outcomes that are not predicated on compromised environmental study, nor do they compel the use of hydropower. Rather they ease access to it for those interested in the option. It is just the sort of regulatory clean-up that Republicans love, while boosting the renewable energy sector – a move that Democrats adore. Taken together, the reinvigorated hydropower environment honors Colorado voters’ wishes, too: In 2004, Amendment 37, a voter initiative, established the state’s first renewable energy standard. It has been strengthened since, through legislative action.
Coram, Roberts and Tipton clearly saw the benefits of removing the red tape that unnecessarily was slowing hydropower’s emergence on the renewable stage. Their colleagues, Democrats and Republicans both, carried their plans to fruition. That the work involved a trip through Congress, as well as federal and state coordination is more impressive still.
