WASHINGTON — A bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Robert Hurt that would ensure that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) considers private property ownership rights when issuing a license or enforcement action over hydropower projects at Smith Mountain Lake and other similar areas throughout the country has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The house passed H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act, which includes the language of H.R. 2929, the Supporting Home Owners Rights Enforcement (SHORE) Act … Hurt introduced the SHORE Act in June,” states a press release from Hurt’s office.

“I was pleased to see the SHORE Act pass the house … with bipartisan support as part of a larger effort to promote energy infrastructure, efficiency and security,” said Hurt.

According to the release, a group of citizens in the Smith Mountain Lake area expressed concerns about the unnecessary burdens and costs to residents caused by FERC regulations. “The SHORE Act is a direct response to these concerns,” the release states.