Hydropower is not “clean energy” but the hydropower industry is greenwashing its product.
The hydropower industry as well as government agencies at the local, state and national level continue to greenwash electricity generated by hydropower by 
claiming it’s clean”, “carbon free”, and “zero emissions”. Not only is this untrue, but according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), this is False Advertising and may be illegal.
Further, the FTC’s “Truth in Advertising” webpage (click here) says that this kind of greenwashing is “fraud perpetuated on consumers”. The science is very clear that hydropower emits greenhouse gases — including dangerous methane — and any statement claiming that it’s “clean energy” may be a type of fraud according to the FTC.
The FTC’s website also states that this false advertising “conduct is likely unlawful and that they can face serious legal consequences, such as a federal lawsuit, if they do not immediately stop.”
We will accelerate our work to monitor the greenwashing claims made by hydroelectric producers.