Representative Grace F. Napolitano Representing the 38th District of California
 
  For Immediate Release Contact: 202-225-5256  
June 8, 2010  
     

House Passes New Hoover Dam Bill

     
     

(Washington D.C.)- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4349, the Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2010, which will allow the Hoover Dam to continue providing power to current customers through 2067 and grant new access for Native American tribes and other entities that were previously excluded. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (CA-38).

“This bill allows the Hoover Dam to continue serving the 29 million people in California, Arizona, and Nevada who rely on it for inexpensive, renewable energy,” Napolitano said. “For thousands of Native Americans, the new allocation will mean access to this crucial power source for the first time.”

Napolitano is chair of the Subcommittee on Water and Power.

In previous authorizations, Native American tribes were not eligible to receive power from the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Bill Allocation Act sets aside 5% of the dam’s power for Native Americans, along with irrigation districts, electric cooperatives, and other entities that previously lacked access.

The bill had 43 co-sponsors in the House, including bipartisan support from 17 Republicans.

Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) is the sponsor of the accompanying Senate bill S. 2891, which is expected to come to a vote on June 9.

Hoover Dam power allocations for state utilities and municipalities were last authorized in 1984, and were set to expire in 2017. The new bill allows the Hoover Dam to continue providing power through the year 2067.  Reauthorizing Hoover power allocations early is necessary to allow agencies to negotiate new contracts, prepare for changes and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of electricity from the dam to customers.

Background

Hoover power has been a vital resource for consumers in Arizona, California, and Nevada for decades. Over 29 million people rely on this power, which is a clean, renewable source of energy. Hoover power was first allocated by Congress in 1934 as the Hoover Dam was nearing completion. In 1984, Congress re-allocated Hoover power through contracts with state, municipal and utility contractors.

Hoover power contractors have invested over $1.3 billion to date in maintaining the Hoover Dam, and they will continue to pay for the operation, maintenance, replacement, and equipment upgrades for the dam’s power facilities under the new authorization. The existing power contractors have also committed to supporting the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, which provides for the protection of 26 endangered, threatened and sensitive species on the lower Colorado River.

Distribution of Power under New Legislation

Under the proposed legislation, Congress would reallocate power to existing contractors in Arizona, Nevada, and California while expanding the potential pool of contractors to include federally recognized Indian Tribes and other eligible entities that are not currently able to purchase Hoover power. Existing contractors contribute 5% of their current allocation to make this expansion to other groups possible.
 

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