; (B) reducing United States dependence on fossil fuel resources for power and energy; and (C) serving rural, underserved, or isolated communities; and (2) regulatory processes for, and administration of, micro hydropower facilities, including with respect to— (A) the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife (including related spawning grounds and habitat) and other beneficial public uses, including irrigation, flood control, water supply, and recreational and other purposes referred to in section 4(e)(5); (B) achieving cost-effective and administratively efficient regulation of micro hydropower facilities that are commensurate with the size, expanse, and environmental effects of micro hydropower facilities; and (C) protecting public safety and the structural integrity of project works. (b) Information gathering In carrying out subsection (a), the Commission shall— (1) consult with the Secretary of Energy, Federal and State resource agencies, Indian Tribes, and the public; and (2) at a minimum— (A) solicit— (i) relevant technical, scientific, and regulatory information; and (ii) public comment; (B) convene regional technical conferences to address the investigation subjects described in subsection (a); and (C) provide an opportunity for public comment after the technical conferences under subparagraph (B). (c) Report (1) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Community and Hydropwer Improvement Act , the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that— (A) analyzes each of the investigation subjects described in subsection (a), including— (i) a quantitative assessment of— (I) the quantity of energy that could likely be produced by a program to expand the use of micro hydropower facilities in the United States; and (II) the environmental and economic feasibility of an expanded use of micro hydropower facilities