Ranking Member Johnson and Rep. Matt Cartwright Introduce Energy-Water Nexus Legislation

Statement

Today, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced H.R. 5979, the "Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2016."

Ranking Member Johnson's statement on the bill is below.

"I first want to thank my friend, Mr. Cartwright, 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.

"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 in recent years under the leadership of Secretary Moniz, but I certainly do not want us to take any step backward as we move on to the next Administration. 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.

"I should also note that the legislation Mr. Cartwright and I are introducing has a bipartisan pedigree -- the widely respected former Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and fellow Texan Mr. Ralph Hall joined me in introducing this bill in the 113th Congress. All the more reason that I believe all of my colleagues should support it. Working together, we can continue to demonstrate a bipartisan commitment to research and development in this vital area."

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