The US hydropower industry has the ability to create up to 700,000 new jobs by 2025 according to a new study, 'Job creation opportunities in hydropower', conducted by Navigant Consulting on behalf of the US National Hydropower Association. The report also suggests that the development of hydropower, pumped storage, and ocean, tidal, and in-stream hydrokinetic technologies can potentially add 60,000MW of renewable energy to the national grid in the same time period.

The findings prompted Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell to call on policymakers to support development of hydropower, America's largest renewable energy resource. "It's time to invest in renewable energy resources that generate electricity in this country and that provide jobs for Americans. Hydropower presents elected officials across the country an opportunity to bring thousands of long-term, family-wage jobs to our states."

NHA Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci echoed Governor Rendell and union representatives, stating that NHA is calling on Congressional leaders to:

• Enact a national RES that recognizes and supports hydropower
• Support long-term tax incentives that give hydro parity with other renewables
• Accelerate licensing for pumped storage and small hydro
• Expand federal R&D funding for hydropower technologies

"Hydropower must play a critical role in our national energy, environmental, and economic policy," Church Ciocci said. "On behalf of NHA and the hydropower industry, I'd like to thank Governor Rendell for his vision and leadership on this issue and Voith Hydro for hosting this event. NHA stands ready to work with all policymakers who pursue development of America's critical hydropower resources."