NHA applauds Administration funding announcement to increase hydro development

Washington, DC (April 7, 2011)Statement by National Hydropower Association Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci on the $26.6 million funding opportunity by the Departments of Energy and Interior – a new initiative to advance development of innovative technologies, produce power more efficiently, reduce costs and increase sustainable hydropower generation:"The National Hydropower Association applauds Secretaries Chu and Salazar for recognizing the important role hydropower plays in providing affordable and reliable electricity to Americans all across the country. The new funding opportunity supports efforts to advance hydropower technology, create jobs and add significantly to the nation’s domestic, clean energy resources.

"NHA commends the Departments of Energy and Interior for this investment in the hydropower resource and the recognition of hydro’s extraordinary energy, environmental and economic benefits. Hydropower is already the nation’s largest renewable electricity provider. With the right policy support, and with initiatives such as this, hydropower can double its contribution to the country’s electricity portfolio."