To extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects in Connecticut, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 971, to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric plants in my State of Connecticut. I thank the gentleman for yielding time; and I also thank the chairman of the full committee, Chairman Barton, for his leadership and work on this important legislation.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved licenses for three hydroelectric plants in Connecticut. Unfortunately, due to reasons beyond their control, Summit Hydroelectric has been unable to begin construction on these approved projects. The delays have been caused by regulatory changes and lease negotiations with the State of Connecticut.

We know that section 13 of the Federal Power Act requires that the construction of a licensed project begin with 2 years from the date the license is issued. FERC is authorized under the law to extend this deadline upon a finding that such extension is ``not incompatible with the public interest.'' FERC did provide a one-time extension, but more time is needed, and that is why we have this legislation before us here tonight, to enable these projects to go forward.

Like two other operational hydroelectric facilities located in my district in eastern Connecticut, these facilities will benefit local communities by adding historical value, because many of the dams are of historic nature, increasing property tax revenues to the town and providing for economic stimulation.

In addition, the facilities would significantly reduce trash and pollution in the rivers. For example, one such facility is estimated to remove about three tons of trash each year from the rivers through the screening process. Each of these facilities will remove 36 tons a year of sulfur dioxide pollution, 15 tons per year of nitrogen oxide pollution, and 5,000 tons a year of carbon dioxide pollution. So these facilities are not only important to generate electricity, they are also important to clean up the rivers and to clean up the air. In addition, they will all include fish ladders that are beneficial to our native salmon migration.

Finally, Madam Speaker, we know that increasing renewable energy sources has never been more important. Hydropower serves to help lessen our dependence on imported oil, which is paramount to increasing our Nation's security and reducing pollution.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 971) to extend the deadline for commencement of construction of certain hydroelectric projects in Connecticut, and for other purposes.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 971, a bill to provide license extensions of time to begin construction of three hydroelectric projects in Connecticut: the 440 kilowatt Hale project, the 373 kilowatt Collinsville Upper and the 1.1 megawatt Collinsville Lower projects. The bill extends the start time period for construction until May 30, 2007, for all three projects, and also authorizes the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the time and the start date by two additional 2-year periods.

These renewable hydroelectric projects will provide a boost to the local economy, remove river debris and enhance fishery resources by constructing fish ladders. They also provide a valuable new resource of hydroelectric energy in the New England area.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons).

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut for the information that he has given us; and I appreciate his personal perspective on the continuation of the licenses for these dams and the construction.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and urge the immediate passage of H.R. 971.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation which would authorize the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to extend the commencement of construction deadline for three hydroelectric projects in the State of Connecticut. The legislation would enable the Commission to extend until May of 2007 the deadline, with the ability to issue two additional 2-year extensions, for commencing construction on the proposed Hale hydroelectric project. In addition, the bill would require the FERC to extend the commencement of construction deadlines for the Collinsville Upper hydroelectric project and the Collinsville Lower hydroelectric project.

This measure is noncontroversial and was approved by voice vote of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It is my pleasure to urge its approval by the House.

Madam Speaker, I would say to the gentleman from Idaho, I have no additional requests for time, and seeing that he has one, we will yield back the balance of our time. I am sure these will be friendly comments.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.