Bill > H2891

This bill modifies existing laws concerning renewable energy certificates, specifically focusing on hydropower facilities. It requires that any new hydropower generating source, or any increase in capacity or efficiency at an existing one, must meet specific environmental standards related to river health, water quality, fish passage, and watershed protection, as determined by the Department in consultation with relevant state and federal agencies. For existing hydroelectric facilities to qualify for renewable energy credits, they must also meet these same environmental standards, with an additional condition that only energy generated by facilities up to 7.5 megawatts will be considered renewable, and these facilities cannot involve pumped storage or the construction of new dams or water diversion structures after January 1, 1998.