Non-Federal Development of Hydroelectric Resources at Federal Dams--Need To Establish a Clear Federal Policy

Studies indicate that hydroelectric power potential, particularly at existing dam sites, can save the country hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day. Some of the best potential sites in the United States are located at Federal water resource projects. Federal agencies may be authorized to plan, design, and build multi-purpose-dams. When hydropower is not an authorized project purpose, the non-Federal sector has as much right to propose development as the Federal agency. GAO was requested to (1) determine whether a Federal policy exists which allows non-Federal developers to develop hydroelectric resources at Federal dams, and (2) identify examples of non-Federal interests being discouraged from developing hydroelectric power at Federal sites.