WASHINGTON, DC, Dec. 1, 2009 -- Today, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 3598, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act.
The Energy and Water Research Integration Act passed by a voice vote. H.R.3598 was introduced by Science and Technology Committee Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN) on September 17, 2009. This bill directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to establish the Energy-Water Architecture Council (EWAC) to provide improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and the technological innovation.
"H.R. 3598 addresses the critical linkage between our nation's energy and water resources by directing the Department of Energy to better integrate water into existing federal energy research efforts," stated Gordon. "In the last Congress, the Committee undertook a comprehensive review of federal research and technology development efforts focused on improving utilization of our precious water resources. We have since held five hearings and passed three bills pertaining to this important topic out of the House."
"Demand for energy and water resources is stressing the environment and our economy. Innovation in technologies which address the nexus between these two resources is critical to the future of our country. This legislation takes important steps to deal with these challenges," said Energy and Environment Subcommittee Vice Chairman Paul Tonko (D-NY), who managed the bills on the floor.
This legislation is the product of several recommendations from the Committee's hearings on water and reports from the National Academies, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science Technology Council, and the Department of Energy (DOE). In addition, this bill has been endorsed by the Water Innovations Alliance, NanoH2O Inc., and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
For more information, please see the Committee's website: http://science.house.gov
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