The future of hydropower in the United States looks promising. By the year 2000, there could be between 26,000 MW and 75,000 MW of additional hydroelectric power developed. This estimate comes from the National Hydropower Study, which identifies potential sites for hydropower across the country. Factors like social, economic, environmental, and institutional issues will influence how much hydropower is actually developed. Hydropower will be an important, though not a major, source of electricity in the US in the coming years. It's crucial for policymakers to support the development of hydropower as a valuable energy resource.