WATER CONSERVATION AND ENERGY PRODUCTION.

SEC. 2405. WATER CONSERVATION AND ENERGY PRODUCTION. (a) Studies.— The Secretary of the Interior, acting pursuant to the Federal reclamation laws (Act of June 17, 1902, 32 Stat. 388), and Acts supplementary thereto and amendatory thereof, is authorized and directed to conduct feasibility investigations of opportunities to increase the amount of hydroelectric energy available for marketing by the Secretary from Federal hydroelectric power generation facilities resulting from a reduction in the consumptive use of such power for Federal reclamation project purposes or as a result of an increase in the amount of water available for such generation because of water conservation efforts on Federal reclamation projects or a combination thereof. The Secretary of the Interior is further authorized and directed to conduct feasibility investigations of opportunities to mitigate damages to or enhance fish and wildlife as a result of increasing the amount of water available for such purposes because of water conservation efforts on Federal reclamation projects. Such feasibility investigations shall include, but not be limited to— 106 STAT. 3099 (1) an analysis of the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of reducing the amount of water diverted upstream of such Federal hydroelectric power generation facilities by Federal reclamation projects; (2) an estimate of the reduction, if any, of project power consumed as a result of the decreased amount of diversion; (3) an estimate of the increase in the amount of electrical energy and related revenues which would result from the marketing of such power by the Secretary; (4) an estimate of the fish and wildlife benefits which would result from the decreased or modified diversions; (5) a finding by the Secretary of the Interior that the activities proposed in the feasibility study can be carried out in accordance with applicable Federal and State law, interstate compacts and the contractual obligations of the Secretary; and (6) a finding by the affected Federal Power Marketing Administrator that the hydroelectric component of the proposed water conservation feature is cost-effective and that the affected Administrator is able to market the hydro-electric power expected to be generated. (b) Conslutation.— In preparing feasibility studies pursuant to this section, the Secretary of the Interior shall consult with, and seek the recommendations of, affected State, local and Indian tribal interests, and shall provide for appropriate public comment. (c) Authorization.— There is hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.