The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“ENERGY AND WATER RESEARCH INTEGRATION ACT OF 2019” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E7 on Jan. 3, 2019.
The Department oversees energy policies and is involved in how the US handles nuclear programs. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department's misguided energy regulations have caused large losses to consumers for decades.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
ENERGY AND WATER RESEARCH INTEGRATION ACT OF 2019
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HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 3, 2019
Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2019.
I first want to thank my friend, Mr. Lucas, 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, Oklahoma, 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.
The Energy and Water Research Integration Act is a proactive measure that takes into account recent studies produced 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.
I would like to commend the Department of Energy for taking substantive action on this issue under the leadership of former Secretary Moniz and more recently under Secretary Perry. This bill will ensure that activities to address the energy-water nexus remain a priority within the Department, and provide additional tools to better guide these efforts well into the future.
The legislation Mr. Lucas and I are introducing is a constructive, bipartisan measure and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Working together, I hope that we can demonstrate a strong, sustained commitment to research and development in this vital area.
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