Committee passes Hurt bill boosting landowners’ rights

A bill that would boost private property owners’ rights at Smith Mountain Lake passed a Congressional committee last week.

The Supporting Homeowner Rights Enforcement, or SHORE Act, would amend the Federal Power Act to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider landowners’ rights when issuing licenses for hydroelectric power projects like SML.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Robert Hurt, congressman for Virginia’s 5th District, which includes Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. He said the bill stemmed from constituent concerns about the effect of Appalachian Power’s Shoreline Management Plan on their property rights and land values.

“In addressing 5th District Virginians’ concerns, this provision affirms that Congress will exercise oversight to ensure that FERC is taking meaningful steps to protect the use and enjoyment of private property when regulating federal hydropower projects such as Smith Mountain Lake,” Hurt said in a statement.

The SHORE Act was approved by the House Committee on Appropriations on April 26. It next will be debated before the full U.S. House of Representatives.