The FLOWS Act aims to simplify the regulatory process for hydropower and marine energy projects. It allows hydropower operators to perform routine maintenance and minor modifications without prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, it introduces a streamlined licensing process for small-scale marine energy projects, such as tidal and wave energy systems, with capacities up to 5 megawatts.
S. 3518 was introduced in the 119th Congress by Lisa Murkowski (Republican) and is currently listed as “Reported by Committee”. It is classified under the Energy policy area, one of 123 bills in that area we track this Congress.
Lisa Murkowski is the sponsor of 23 bills in our database this Congress, so S. 3518 is part of a broader legislative agenda rather than a one-off proposal.
Senate lobbying disclosures list 15 organizations lobbying on this bill’s issue area, 1 of which also donated to the sponsor.
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 3518 3/10 (low risk), higher than 87% of analyzed bills; the average in Energy is 2.2/10.
Supporters of the FLOWS Act highlight its potential to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies by reducing bureaucratic hurdles. They argue that by easing the regulatory burden, the bill could encourage innovation and investment in the hydropower and marine energy sectors, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.
Critics express concern that the bill's relaxation of regulatory requirements might lead to insufficient oversight of environmental impacts. They worry that allowing operators to make changes without prior approval could result in unintended ecological consequences, particularly in sensitive aquatic ecosystems.
The FLOWS Act, sponsored by Lisa Murkowski, does not show direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, which include Health Professionals and Retired individuals, totaling $1.837 billion. The lack of direct connections suggests that the bill's subject matter is not heavily influenced by the financial interests of these donors. However, there is a notable lobbying presence in the policy area, particularly from Cirrus Design Corporation, which has contributed $40,000 to Murkowski's campaign and is involved in the bill's subject matter. This could indicate a potential conflict, but it is not substantial enough to raise significant concerns given the overall lack of direct industry ties.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area. 1 lobbying client(s) are also sponsor donors.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CIRRUS DESIGN CORPORATION Also a Donor | ELEVATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, LLC | $40,000 |
| CAPE | BALLARD PARTNERS | $120,000 |
| NATIONAL ANIMAL SUPPLEMENT COUNCIL | NATIONAL ANIMAL SUPPLEMENT COUNCIL | $90,000 |
| SAFE ALLIANCE | ADVANCED ENERGY ADVISORS | $30,000 |
| CLAIRITY, INC. | POLSINELLI PC | $30,000 |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION | DOUBLE HAUL STRATEGIES LLC | $9,000 |
| COMMUNITY BANK ADVISORY SERVICES, LLC | COMMUNITY BANK ADVISORY SERVICES, LLC | undisclosed |
| FERRETLY INTERNATIONAL, INC. | INVARIANT LLC | undisclosed |
| PDE ACTION | PDE ACTION | undisclosed |
| FORDHAM UNIVERSITY | FORDHAM UNIVERSITY | undisclosed |
| XTREME CONCEPTS | ROSS TAYLOR & ASSOCIATES, LLC | undisclosed |
| SILICON RANCH | ROSS TAYLOR & ASSOCIATES, LLC | undisclosed |
| WELLS FARGO | HAAS STRATEGIES LLC | undisclosed |
| ORGANOVO HOLDINGS, INC. FKA: ORGANOVO, INC. | POLSINELLI PC | undisclosed |
| BREAS MEDICAL | POLSINELLI PC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Lisa Murkowski, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
What does S. 3518 do?
The FLOWS Act aims to simplify the regulatory process for hydropower and marine energy projects. It allows hydropower operators to perform routine maintenance and minor modifications without prior approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Additionally, it introduces a streamlined licensing process for small-scale marine energy projects, such as tidal and wave energy systems,…
Has S. 3518 received a floor vote?
No roll-call vote on S. 3518 is recorded in our database yet. Its current status is “Reported by Committee”.
Does S. 3518 have a conflict of interest?
Our conflict-of-interest analysis rates S. 3518 3/10 (low risk), higher than 87% of analyzed bills; the average in Energy is 2.2/10. This score reflects overlap between the sponsor’s campaign funding, lobbying activity, and the industries the bill affects. It is a transparency indicator, not an accusation.
What is the status of S. 3518?
S. 3518 is currently “Reported by Committee” as of our last update on June 12, 2026.
Who sponsored S. 3518?
S. 3518 was sponsored by Lisa Murkowski (Republican).
