Ranking Member Johnson and Rep. Ralph Hall Introduce Bipartisan Energy-Water Nexus Legislation
(Washington, DC) – Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Chairman Emeritus of the Committee, introduced H.R. 5189, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act.
Ms. Johnson said in her floor statement, “I want to thank my friend and fellow Texan, Mr. Hall, for joining me in introducing this legislation, which calls attention to the critical link between energy and water and instructs the Department of Energy to ensure due consideration of water issues in its research, development, and demonstration programs.
“As we all know, especially those of us who represent Texas and other southwestern and western states, water is a very valuable and at times rare commodity nowadays. We have experienced crippling droughts in recent years, so it is vital that we do as much as possible to use this commodity wisely. However, not many people are aware of the importance of water to energy generation and, similarly, the crucial role that energy plays in the delivery of safe, sanitary water to our constituents.”
Mr. Hall said, “I am pleased to sponsor the Energy and Water Research Integration Act alongside fellow Texan and Ranking Member Johnson. Water is one of our most vital resources, and energy independence is one of America’s most necessary and achievable goals. Water plays a unique role in energy production, which is why this bill is so important – it promotes a more responsible, cohesive strategy between water and energy. I am confident this bipartisan bill will do much to improve the lives of all Americans.”
In describing the bill, Ms. Johnson said, “The Energy and Water Research Integration Act is a proactive measure that takes into account recent studies done by the Department of Energy and the Electric Power Research Institute, both of which have highlighted how closely connected energy production and water usage are. This bill encourages research into energy technologies that would improve and minimize the use of water in energy production, and also establishes a mechanism for federal agencies to work with state and local governments and other stakeholders to advance our understanding of what is known as the ‘energy-water nexus.’ In addition, the bill requires a regularly updated strategic plan to guide these efforts. These provisions are important, positive steps towards using our limited resources in the most efficient and effective way possible.
“The legislation Mr. Hall and I are introducing is a constructive, bipartisan measure and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Working together, we can demonstrate a bipartisan commitment to research and development in this vital area.”
This bill is the product of several recommendations from the Committee’s hearings in the 110th and 111th Congresses on Federal research related to water and the energy-water nexus and reports from the National Academies, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science and Technology Council, the Department of Energy, and the Electric Power Research Institute.
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