The bill allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to give more time for starting construction on certain hydropower projects. Specifically, it lets FERC extend the deadline by up to six additional years for projects that got their license before March 13, 2020. This extension can be split into three two-year periods. The bill also lets FERC bring back licenses that have expired if the construction deadlines for those projects are extended under this bill.
Supporters of the bill highlight its potential to boost renewable energy development by giving hydropower projects more time to start construction. This flexibility is seen as crucial for overcoming delays caused by unforeseen circumstances, such as supply chain issues or environmental permitting. Proponents argue that extending deadlines will help ensure these projects can contribute to a cleaner energy grid.
Critics of the bill argue that extending deadlines for hydropower projects could lead to prolonged environmental impacts and delay the transition to other renewable energy sources. Some environmental groups express concern that reinstating expired licenses might bypass current environmental standards and public input processes. There is also worry that the bill could set a precedent for further extensions, potentially stalling progress on more modern energy solutions.
Based on the available data, there appears to be a low risk of conflict of interest between Senator Steve Daines's donors and the subject matter of S. 1020. The bill concerns the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and hydropower projects, but none of the Senator's top donor industries (Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government) directly overlap with this subject matter. Furthermore, the lobbying activity in this bill's policy area does not suggest a significant conflict of interest. The only potential concern is Blackstone Construction LLC, which has undisclosed contributions and is also a donor. However, without more specific information about these contributions, it is difficult to assess the potential for conflict.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area. 1 lobbying client(s) are also sponsor donors.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BLACKSTONE CONSTRUCTION LLC Also a Donor | WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP | undisclosed |
| BEER INSTITUTE | BEER INSTITUTE | $1,250,000 |
| SKYWATER TECHNOLOGY FOUNDRY | SKYWATER TECHNOLOGY FOUNDRY | $250,000 |
| NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION | WATER STRATEGIES, LLC | $180,000 |
| HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED | HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED | $177,777 |
| PREMIUM CIGAR ASSOCIATION | PREMIUM CIGAR ASSOCIATION | $70,000 |
| ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE | ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE | $50,000 |
| SHORELIGHT, LLC (FKA SHORELIGHT EDUCATION, LLC) | SHORELIGHT, LLC (FKA SHORELIGHT EDUCATION, LLC) | $48,700 |
| DENALI WATER SOLUTIONS | WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP | $15,000 |
| CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING | NANCY ZIRKIN | $10,000 |
| AMGEN INC. | WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP | $10,000 |
| PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL CENTER | FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC | $6,000 |
| ALIANZA FOR PROGRESS ON BEHALF OF POWER4PR (FKA OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATION) | FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC | $5,000 |
| EAVES LAW FIRM, LLC | FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC | undisclosed |
| UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA STUDENT ASSOCIATION | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA STUDENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Steve Daines, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)