The Senate passed legislation from U.S. Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, both Louisiana Republicans, that would protect two hydropower construction projects in the J. Bennett Johnston Waterway on Louisiana’s Red River.

“Hydropower is an important part of our all-of-the-above energy policy, and these projects would bring construction jobs to our state. It would be foolish to allow supply chain issues from the pandemic to derail Louisiana’s hydropower developments. With this extension, Louisiana would be able to bring these two projects online to provide additional sources of reliable, clean energy to Louisianians,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy’s bill would allow the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend hydropower construction permits for both projects. This will provide both of Louisiana’s Red River projects with additional time to begin construction in order to bring these projects online.

“Hydropower is reliable, safe, and responsible. The federal government should be enabling projects, not standing in the way. Today’s actions are bipartisan, pro-jobs, and pro-American energy. I’m glad to see Congress cut the red tape holding up the Red River and Overton Lock projects,”said Cassidy, who introduced the bill with Kennedy.

The bill from Kennedy and Cassidy now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.