[House Report 111-76]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
111th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 111-76
======================================================================
NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ACT OF 2009
_______
April 21, 2009.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and Technology,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
together with
ADDITIONAL VIEWS
[To accompany H.R. 1145]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 1145) to implement a National Water Research and
Development Initiative, and for other purposes, having
considered the same, report favorably thereon with an amendment
and recommend that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................5
III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................5
IV. Summary of Hearings.............................................7
V. Committee Actions...............................................9
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill........................11
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis....................................13
VIII. Committee Views................................................15
IX. Cost Estimate..................................................20
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................21
XI. Compliance with Public Law 104-4...............................22
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............22
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........22
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................22
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................22
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act...............................23
XVII. Earmark Identification.........................................23
XVIII.Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........23
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........23
XX. Committee Recommendation.......................................24
XXI. Exchange of Committee Correspondence...........................25
XXII. Additional Views...............................................28
XXIII.Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................31
I. Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Water Research and
Development Initiative Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.
(a) Initiative and Purpose.--The President shall implement a
National Water Research and Development Initiative (in this Act
referred to as the ``Initiative''). The purpose of the Initiative is to
improve the Federal Government's role in designing and implementing
Federal water research, development, demonstration, data collection and
dissemination, education, and technology transfer activities to address
changes in water use, supply, and demand in the United States,
including providing additional support to increase water supply through
greater efficiency and conservation.
(b) Interagency Committee.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall establish, or
designate, an interagency committee to implement the Initiative
under subsection (a). The Office of Science and Technology
Policy shall chair the interagency committee.
(2) Composition.--The interagency committee shall include a
representative from each agency that conducts research related
to water or has authority over resources that affect water
supply, as well as a representative from the Office of
Management and Budget.
(3) Functions of the interagency committee.--The interagency
committee shall--
(A) develop a National Water Research and Assessment
Plan (in this Act referred to as the ``plan'') in
accordance with subsection (c) and in coordination with
State, local, and tribal governments;
(B) coordinate all Federal research, development,
demonstration, data collection and dissemination,
education, and technology transfer activities
pertaining to water;
(C) encourage cooperation among Federal agencies and
State, local, and tribal governments with respect to
water-related research, development, and technological
innovation activities to avoid duplication of effort
and to ensure optimal use of resources and expertise;
(D) facilitate technology transfer, communication,
and opportunities for information exchange with non-
governmental organizations, State and local
governments, tribal governments, industry, and other
members of the stakeholder community through the office
established in paragraph (4);
(E) provide guidance on outreach to minority serving
institutions that are eligible institutions under
section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1067q(a)) to encourage such institutions to
apply for funding opportunities specified in the plan;
(F) encourage cooperation between Federal agencies,
State and local governments, and tribal governments to
develop standard methods for collecting, managing, and
disseminating data on water; and
(G) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act and every 3 years thereafter--
(i) identify from each agency described in
paragraph (2) the statutory or regulatory
barriers preventing the use of any technology,
technique, data collection method, or model
that would contribute to greater availability
of water resources in the United States through
enhanced efficiency and conservation; and
(ii) submit a report of the findings from
clause (i) to Congress.
(4) National water initiative coordination office.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 3 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the President shall
establish a National Water Initiative Coordination
Office (in this Act referred to as the ``Office''),
with full-time staff, to--
(i) provide technical and administrative
support to the interagency committee;
(ii) serve as a point of contact on Federal
water activities for government agencies,
organizations, academia, industry, professional
societies, and others to exchange technical and
programmatic information; and
(iii) communicate with the public on the
findings and recommendations of the interagency
committee based on the activities conducted
pursuant to the Initiative.
(B) Funding.--The operation of the Office shall be
supported by funds contributed from each agency
represented on the interagency committee.
(c) National Water Research and Assessment Plan.--
(1) Plan development.--The plan required under subsection
(b)(3)(A) shall establish the priorities for Federal water
research, including federally funded research, and assessment
for the 4-year period beginning in the year in which the plan
is submitted to Congress. In the development of the plan, the
interagency committee shall consider and utilize
recommendations and information from State, local, and tribal
governments and contained in reports that have addressed water
research needs, including the 2007 report issued by the
Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality (SWAQ) of the
National Science and Technology Council's Committee on
Environment and Natural Resources and recommendations of the
National Academy of Sciences.
(2) Specific requirements.--The plan shall--
(A) identify each current program and activity of
each Federal agency related to the Initiative;
(B) identify funding levels for the previous fiscal
year for each program and, if applicable, each activity
identified in subparagraph (A);
(C) set forth a strategy and a timeline to achieve
the outcomes described in subsection (d) and shall
describe--
(i) each activity required of each agency
responsible for contributing to each such
outcome;
(ii) the funding levels necessary to achieve
each such outcome; and
(iii) the distribution of funds between each
agency based on such agency's role in carrying
out such activity;
(D) be subject to a 90-day public comment period and
shall address suggestions received and incorporate
public input received, as appropriate; and
(E) be submitted to Congress not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Water Research Outcomes and Assessments.--The plan shall outline
and direct agencies under the interagency committee to work to achieve
the following outcomes:
(1) Implementation of a National Water Census, which shall
include the collection of data on national water resources to
create a comprehensive database that includes information about
the quantity, availability, and quality of ground water and
surface water resources.
(2) Development of a new generation of water monitoring
techniques.
(3) Development of technologies for enhancing reliable water
supply, water reuse, and pollution prevention.
(4) Development of innovative technologies and tools to
enhance water quality, including advanced water treatment and
water purification technologies.
(5) Development of innovative technologies and tools to
enhance water-use efficiency and tools to encourage public
acceptance of such technologies and tools.
(6) Development of tools and processes to facilitate
resolution of conflicts over water resources.
(7) Development of information technology systems to enhance
water quality and supply.
(8) Improvement of understanding of water-related ecosystem
services and ecosystem needs for water.
(9) Improvement of hydrologic prediction models and their
applications.
(10) Analyses of the energy required to provide reliable
water supplies and the water required to provide reliable
energy supplies throughout the United States.
(11) Analyses of the social, behavioral, and economic
barriers to sustainable use of water resources in the United
States.
(12) Assessment of national water availability and use.
(13) Regional assessments of the status of water supplies and
evaluation of potential changes in such status due to changes
in land use, population size and distribution, and economic
activity.
(14) Assessment of water quality, availability, and use in
rural areas, including--
(A) maintaining water quality and enhancing energy
efficiency of water treatment and delivery through the
use of technologies or practices developed to address
rural communities; and
(B) developing data and information to support water
planning and conservation.
(e) Advisory Committee.--The President shall establish, or designate,
an advisory committee to advise the interagency committee established
under subsection (b).
SEC. 3. BUDGET COORDINATION.
(a) In General.--The President shall provide guidance to each
Federal agency participating in the Initiative with respect to the
preparation of requests for appropriations for activities related to
the plan.
(b) Consideration in the President's Budget.--The President shall
submit, at the time of the President's annual budget request to
Congress, a description of those items in each agency's budget which
are elements of the plan or help to achieve the outcomes of the plan.
SEC. 4. COORDINATION.
The interagency committee shall coordinate the activities of the
Initiative with the United States Global Change Research Program.
SEC. 5. ANNUAL REPORT.
Concurrent with the annual submission of the President's budget to
Congress, the President shall submit to Congress a report that
describes the activities and results of the Initiative during the
previous fiscal year and outlines the objectives for the next fiscal
year. The report shall include detailed information on all programs and
activities involved in the Initiative, including an analysis of
progress towards achieving the outcomes listed in section 2(d).
SEC. 6. NATIONAL WATER PILOT TESTING FACILITY FEASIBILITY STUDY AND
REPORT.
(a) Study.--
(1) Requirement.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall complete a study examining the feasibility and
practicality of creating a national water pilot testing
facility.
(2) Contents.--The study shall--
(A) examine Federal programs and facilities that
currently engage in some form of water technology
testing;
(B) evaluate the practicality and identify the
potential costs of establishing a national water pilot
testing facility; and
(C) examine the efforts of Federal agencies to
establish testing facilities related to other
technologies, including wind and solar, and the lessons
learned from implementing these programs.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General shall transmit to Congress a report
on the key findings of the study conducted under subsection (a).
SEC. 7. DOE WATER TECHNOLOGIES FOR INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ACTIVITIES.
Section 452(c)(2) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
(Public Law 110-140; 42 U.S.C. 17111) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as
subparagraphs (E) through (G), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) research to develop water efficient
technologies that increase energy efficiency, including
utilization of impaired water sources in production;''.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration for coordination and outreach activities
conducted under this Act through the Office established in section
2(b)(4)--
(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;
(2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2011; and
(3) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2012.
II. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of H.R. 1145 is to authorize a National Water
Research and Development Initiative to coordinate the Federal
Government's efforts in research, development, demonstration,
data collection and dissemination, education, and technology
transfer related to water resources.
III. Background and Need for the Legislation
Water policy in the United States remains essentially
unchanged despite a myriad of reports recommending broad
changes to address dwindling water supplies. Multi-year
droughts continue to plague regions and states around the
country, including the Southeast, Texas, and California. For
many municipalities, intense competition for water and
diminished supplies will force local water agencies to make
tough decisions on water allocations including implementation
of restrictions to protect essential ecosystem services.
Droughts, changing patterns of precipitation and snowmelt,
and increased water loss due to evaporation as a result of
warmer air temperatures are indicators that climate variability
and climate change have impacts that are being felt across the
United States.\1\ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change's (IPCC) latest report projects that water supplies
stored in glaciers and snow cover will decline in the course of
the century, thus reducing water availability in regions
supplied by melt water from major mountain ranges.\2\
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\1\U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2008. Water Impacts of
Climate Change. Office of Water. EPA 800-R-08-001. www.epa.gov/water/
climatechange. Accessed February 26, 2009.
\2\Bates, B.C., Z.W. Kundzewicz, S. Wu and J.P. Palutikof, Eds.,
2008: Climate Change and Water. Technical Paper of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC Secretariat, Geneva.
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The United States' water supply cannot support future
populations at its current rate of consumption. The country's
population has increased from five million citizens in the 19th
century to over 300 million today, and it continues to grow at
a rate of roughly one percent annually. Available surface water
supplies have not increased in the United States since the
1990s, and groundwater tables are continuing to decline.\3\
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\3\``Report to Congress on the Inter-dependency of Energy and
Water,'' U.S. Department of Energy. December 2006.
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These water supply problems have substantial economic
impacts. According to a 2000 report from the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), each of the eight water
shortages over the past 20 years from drought or heat waves
resulted in $1 billion or more in monetary losses.\4\ Further,
an adequate supply of water is integral to industry. Water
shortages contribute to reductions in job creation and
retention, and increased water demand results in increased
costs to businesses. In fact, the Association of California
Water Agencies (ACWA) reported in 2008 that California was
losing income and jobs due to the state's water supply
crisis.\5\
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\4\U.S. Government Accounting Office, 2003 Report: Freshwater
Supply States' Views of How Federal Agencies Could Help Them Meet the
Challenges of Expected Water Shortages. GAO-03-514
\5\``California Water Supply Crisis Affecting Economy,'' Water and
Wastewater News. April 21, 2008.
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Available water supplies are decreasing in the face of
increasing demand. This problem necessitates that the federal
government establish a comprehensive strategy for research and
development to ensure a sustainable water supply. In 2004, the
National Academies of Science (NAS) published a study entitled
Confronting the Nation's Water Problems: The Role of Federal
Research, which recommended that the United States make a new
commitment to water resources research in order to confront
severe water challenges.\6\
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\6\National Research Council. 2004. Confronting the Nation's Water
Problems: The Role of Research. Water, Science, and Technology Board.
Committee on Assessment of Water Resources Research. National Academies
Press, Washington, D.C.
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Currently, over 20 federal agencies carry out research and
development on some aspect of water supply, water quality or
water management. The National Academies of Science surveyed
these agencies for its 2004 study and, based upon the
responses, estimated approximately $700 million in federal
expenditures on water research.
Despite this investment, an increase in the number of water
shortages and emerging conflicts over water supplies suggest
that we are inadequately prepared to address the nation's water
management issues. Quantitative knowledge of water supply in
the United States is currently inadequate. The U.S. Water
Resources Council completed the most recent, comprehensive,
national water availability and use assessment in 1978.\7\
Accurate and timely data on water resources and variations in
water supplies over time is essential to effectively manage
water supplies.
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\7\The Council, established by the Water Resources Planning Act in
1965 (P.L. 89-80), comprising the heads of several federal departments
and agencies, such as Interior and the Environmental Protection Agency,
has not been funded since 1983. U.S. Government Accounting Office, 2003
Report: Freshwater Supply States' Views of How Federal Agencies Could
Help Them Meet the Challenges of Expected Water Shortages. GAO-03-514.
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Accordingly, a national initiative coordinating federal
water research is necessary to ensure that the United States
maintains adequate water supplies in the coming decades. H.R.
1145 seeks to improve the Federal Government's efforts in water
research, development, demonstration, data collection and
dissemination, education, and technology transfer activities to
address changes in water use, supply, and demand in the United
States.
The bill codifies the Interagency Committee created in
2003, the Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality (SWAQ)
of the National Science and Technology Council's Committee on
Environment and Natural Resources. SWAQ was created to identify
science and technology needs to address the growing issues
related to freshwater supplies, to develop a coordinated
multiyear plan to improve research on water supply and water
quality, and to enhance the collection and availability of data
needed to ensure an adequate water supply for the nation. H.R.
1145 incorporates suggestions in the NAS's 2004 report that are
intended to strengthen the Committee. By strengthening the SWAQ
and providing it explicit Congressional authorization, the
recommendations of the 2007 SWAQ report will receive due
consideration and form the foundation of a national strategy to
ensure that the United States has a sustainable water
supply.\8\
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\8\National Science and Technology Council. Committee on
Environment and Natural Resources. Subcommittee on Water Availability
and Quality. 2007. A Strategy for Federal Science and Technology to
Support Water Availability and Quality in the United States.
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IV. Summary of Hearings
Full Committee Hearing--Water Supply Challenges for the 21st Century
The Committee on Science and Technology held a hearing on
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 to examine the challenges of managing
water supplies to meet social, economic and environmental needs
in the United States given population growth, climatic
variation, and other factors. The following witnesses provided
testimony:
Dr. Stephen Parker, Director, Water Science
and Technology Board, National Research Council;
Dr. Jonathan Overpeck, Director, Institute
for the Study of Planet Earth, and Professor of
Geosciences and Atmospheric Sciences at the University
of Arizona;
Dr. Robert Wilkinson, Director, Water Policy
Program, Bren School of Environmental Science and
Management at the University of California-Santa
Barbara;
Mr. Marc Levinson, Economist, U.S. Corporate
Research at JP Morgan Chase; and
Dr. Roger Pulwarty, Program Director,
National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)
NOAA Climate Program Office.
Chairman Gordon opened the hearing by discussing the
importance of evaluating the nation's water resources given
upcoming challenges, including increased population and
competition for water supplies, recent droughts, degraded water
quality and climate change. He noted that a 2000 NOAA report
indicated that each of the eight water shortages over the past
20 years from drought or heat waves resulted in $1 billion or
more in monetary losses.
Witnesses expressed concern that the demand for water is
growing as the population grows, while the availability and
quality of the water is diminishing. All of the witnesses
highlighted the need to explore science-based solutions for
innovative water technologies and government leadership in
water resources research and maintenance.
This hearing highlighted the importance of evaluating the
nation's water resources in light of upcoming challenges,
including increased population and competition for water
supplies, droughts, degraded water quality and climate change.
Witnesses' recommendations included better coordination of
federal efforts on water, increased funding for research on the
effects of climate change on groundwater, improved
consideration of efficient water use in energy systems, and
additional money to be spent on public education programs. The
panel also favored legislation to authorize additional water
research funds for the Environmental Protection Agency and the
Department of Energy.
Energy and Environment Subcommittee Hearing--A National Water
Initiative: Coordinating and Improving Federal Research on
Water
On Wednesday, July 23, 2008, the Committee on Science and
Technology's Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing
to receive testimony on the opportunities for the federal
government to support and better coordinate research and
technological innovation to enhance water supplies and water
quality and to support improved water management. The
Subcommittee discussed a draft of legislation to be introduced
by Chairman Bart Gordon entitled The National Water Research
and Development Initiative Act. The following witnesses
provided testimony:
Dr. Mark Shannon, Director of the United
States Strategic Water Initiative;
Mr. Todd Christenson, Director of the
Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable;
Dr. Timothy T. Loftus, Water Resource
Planner for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for
Planning (CMAP);
Mr. Jerry Johnson, General Manager at the DC
Water and Sewer Authority;
Mr. Bradley H. Spooner, Principal Engineer
for Environmental Services at Municipal Electric
Authority of Georgia; and
Dr. Upton Hatch, Associate Director at the
Water Resources Research Institute of North Carolina.
Subcommittee Chairman Lampson began the hearing by
conveying the rationale behind the draft National Water
Research and Development Initiative Act, which was proposed to
meet the country's water challenges over the coming decades. To
that end, the legislation would strengthen an interagency
committee currently under jurisdiction of the Office of Science
and Technology Policy.
Witnesses recommended improved dialogue and coordination
between federal, state and local-level agencies, and stressed
the need for additional federal research and development
targeted at a number of water-related challenges, including
aquifer and groundwater storage, water treatment, and more
efficient water use. The witnesses argued that the need for
public education is a large barrier to ensuring water supplies
in the future, and called on the federal government to provide
mechanisms to transfer known technologies out of the
laboratories and into public practice.
Full Committee Hearing--21st Century Water Planning: The Importance of
a Coordinated Federal Approach
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, the Committee on Science and
Technology held a hearing to examine the need for a coordinated
federal approach to water research and development in an effort
to help communities that are, or will be, facing water
shortages. The Committee also received testimony on H.R. 1145,
The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act, and
opportunities for the federal government to better coordinate
research and technological innovation. The following witnesses
provided testimony:
Dr. Henry Vaux, Jr., Professor Emeritus,
University of California, Berkley;
Dr. Peter Gleick, President of the Pacific
Institute for Studies in Development, Environment, and
Security;
Mr. Mark Modzelewski, Co-founder Water
Innovations Alliance;
Ms. Nancy Stoner, Co-director of the Water
Program at the National Research Defense Council
(NRDC); and
Ms. Christine Furstoss, Chief Technology
Officer, GE Water and Process Technologies.
Chairman Gordon began the hearing by noting that NOAA's
National Center for Environmental Prediction has issued an
outlook indicating that drought conditions will continue to
plague a number of states and regions throughout the United
States. He recognized the need to take decisive action to
address the water challenges of 2009 and beyond, including the
need for a national water policy in which research and
development play an integral part. The legislation under
consideration, H.R. 1145, addresses that need in part by
ensuring that 20 federal agencies that are conducting research
and development activities on water will coordinate their
efforts to achieve the goal of managing water resources for the
nation's benefit.
Witnesses at the hearing discussed the growing supply and
demand problem associated with water and the potential effects
of climate change on the water supply in the future. Testimony
highlighted the need for an integrated effort among government,
national labs, academia, institutes and industry to develop
research priorities and technological innovations to address
water use, reuse, conservation and efficiency. Additionally,
there was a great deal of support expressed for a water census
to adequately assess regional and national water supply. One
witness noted that one of the biggest impediments to deploying
new clean water technologies is the high cost of energy, and
stated that the bill introduced by Chairman Gordon will help
focus the community on issues related to minimizing energy
usage so that industry can deploy new technologies in a cost-
effective, environmentally-friendly way.
Witnesses' recommendations included additional research
outcomes in areas including climate change, social science
barriers, water treatment, pollution prevention, and water use
efficiency technology. The panel also supported implementation
of a national water census and the inclusion of water use,
particularly groundwater, as part of the census.
V. Committee Actions
In the 110th Congress, the House Committee on Science and
Technology held two hearings, on May 14, 2008 and July 23,
2008, concerning water supply research and development.
On September 23, 2008 Committee Chairman Bart Gordon
introduced H.R. 6997, The National Water Research and
Development Initiative Act, which was referred to the Committee
on Science and Technology. On February 24, 2009, Chairman
Gordon reintroduced the legislation in the 111th Congress as
H.R. 1145.
The Committee held a hearing entitled 21st Century Water
Planning: The Importance of a Coordinated Federal Approach on
March 3, 2009. The purpose of the hearing was to receive
testimony on The National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act and examine the opportunities for the federal
government to better coordinate and support research and
technological innovation.
On March 25, 2009, the Committee met to consider H.R. 1145,
the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act. The
Committee considered the following amendments:
1. Mr. Gordon offered a manager's amendment. The amendment
proposed amending Section 2 to include tribal governments in
the coordination function of the bill. The amendment further
proposed adding an analysis of the social, behavioral, and
economic barriers to the sustainable use of water resources to
the list of Water Research Outcomes and Assessments. The
amendment added a new section to the bill to require that the
interagency committee coordinate with the United States Global
Research Program. The amendment also expanded the Department of
Energy's Energy-Intensive Industries Program to include
research to develop water efficient technologies that increase
energy efficiency, including utilization of impaired water
sources in production, and also included an authorization of $2
million per year for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to fund the coordination and outreach activities
to be undertaken by the Initiative Coordination Office. The
amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
2. Mr. Smith (NE) offered an amendment to ensure
coordination with State, local, and tribal governments in the
development of the research and assessment plan to require
cooperation with State, local, and tribal governments with
respect to water-related research, development, and
technological innovation activities to avoid duplication of
effort and to ensure optimal use of resources and expertise.
The amendment also required that information from and the
recommendations of State, local, and tribal governments be
considered in the development of the research and assessment
plan. The amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
3. Ms. Johnson offered an amendment to require the
interagency committee to provide guidance on outreach to
minority serving institutions to encourage them to apply for
funding opportunities specified in the plan. The amendment was
agreed to by voice vote.
4. Ms. Edwards offered an amendment to require the
interagency committee to encourage cooperation among the
federal agencies, State and local governments and tribal
governments to develop standard methods for collecting,
managing, and disseminating data on water. The amendment was
agreed to by voice vote.
5. Mr. Rohrabacher offered an amendment to require the
interagency committee to identify any statutory or regulatory
barriers preventing the use of any technology, technique, data
collection method, or model that would contribute to greater
availability of water resources in the United States through
enhanced efficiency and conservation. The amendment was agreed
to by voice vote.
6. Mr. Matheson offered an amendment to add additional
assessments to the water research outcomes and assessments to
be included in the research plan. The additional assessments
included an assessment of national water availability and use;
regional assessments of the status of water supplies and an
evaluation of potential changes in status; and an assessment of
water quality, availability, and use in rural areas. The
amendment was agreed to by voice vote.
7. Ms. Giffords, Mrs. Dahlkemper, and Mr. Grayson offered
an amendment to expand the research goal of developing new
technologies to enhance water supply to encompass water reuse
and pollution prevention, and also directing participating
federal agencies to develop innovative technologies and tools
to enhance water quality, including advanced water treatment
and water purification technologies. The amendment was agreed
to by voice vote.
8. Mr. Tonko offered an amendment to add the development of
information technology systems to enhance water quality and
supply to the water research outcomes included in the research
plan, and to require the Government Accountability Office to
complete a study examining the feasibility and practicality of
creating a national water pilot testing facility. The amendment
was agreed to by voice vote.
H.R. 1145, as amended, was agreed to by voice vote.
Mr. Baird moved that the Committee favorably report H.R.
1145, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the
bill do pass. The motion was agreed to by voice vote.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 1145 requires the implementation of a National Water
Research and Development Initiative to improve federal
activities to address changes in water use, supply, and demand
in the United States, including providing additional support to
increase water supply through greater efficiency and
conservation. The bill establishes an interagency committee,
chaired by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, with
representation from all Federal agencies conducting water
research or having authority over resources affecting water
supply, along with the Office of Management and Budget.
The bill requires that the interagency committee: (1)
develop a National Water Research and Assessment Plan; (2)
coordinate all Federal research, development, demonstration,
data collection and dissemination, education, and technology
transfer activities pertaining to water; (3) encourage
cooperation among Federal agencies with respect to water-
related research, development, and technological innovation
activities to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure optimal
use of resources and expertise; (4) facilitate technology
transfer, communication, and opportunities for information
exchange, with non-governmental organizations, State and local
governments, industry, and other members of the stakeholder
community; (5) provide guidance on outreach to minority serving
institutions and encourage such institutions to apply for
funding opportunities specified in the plan; (6) encourage
cooperation between Federal agencies, State and local
governments, and tribal governments to develop standard methods
for collecting, managing, and disseminating data on water; and
(7) within 1 year of enactment and every 3 years thereafter,
identify from each agency the statutory or regulatory barriers
preventing the use of any technology, technique, data
collection method, or model that would contribute to greater
availability of water resources in the United States and submit
a report of these findings to Congress.
H.R. 1145 also establishes a National Water Initiative
Coordination Office, with a full-time staff, to provide
technical and administrative support to the interagency
committee, to serve as a point of contact on Federal water
activities, and to communicate the interagency committee's
findings and recommendations to the public. The bill authorizes
$2 million per year for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to fund the coordination and outreach activities
undertaken by the Initiative Coordination Office.
The National Water Research and Assessment Plan required
under the bill will establish federal priorities for Federal
water research and assessment. H.R. 1145 lists a number of
water research outcomes and assessments to be achieved through
the plan by the agencies participating in the Initiative,
including: (1) implementation of a National Water Census to
create a comprehensive database that includes information about
the quantity, availability, and quality of ground water and
surface water resources; (2) development of a new generation of
water monitoring techniques; (3) development of technologies
for enhancing reliable water supply, water reuse, and pollution
prevention; (4) development of innovative technologies and
tools to enhance water quality, including advanced water
treatment and purification technologies; (5) development of
innovative technologies and tools to enhance water-use
efficiency and tools to encourage public acceptance of such
technologies and tools; (6) development of tools and processes
to facilitate resolution of conflicts over water resources; (7)
development of information technology systems to enhance water
quality and supply; (8) improvement of understanding of water-
related ecosystem services and ecosystem needs for water; (9)
improvement of hydrologic prediction models and their
applications; (10) analyses of the energy required to provide
reliable water supplies and the water required to provide
reliable energy supplies throughout the United States; (11)
analyses of the social, behavioral, and economic barriers to
sustainable use of water resources; (12) assessment of national
water availability and use; (13) regional assessments of the
status of water supplies and an evaluation of potential changes
in status; and (14) assessment of water quality, availability,
and use in rural areas.
In developing the National Water Research Assessment Plan,
the interagency committee shall consider and utilize
recommendations and information from State, local, and tribal
governments and contained in reports that have addressed water
research needs, including the 2007 report issued by the
Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality (SWAQ) of the
National Science and Technology Council's Committee on
Environment and Natural Resources, and recommendations of the
National Academy of Sciences. The plan will be subject to a 90-
day public comment period and must be submitted to Congress
within 1 year of enactment.
The President shall provide guidance to each participating
agency with respect to preparation of appropriations requests
for activities related to the plan. Concurrent with annual
budget submission, the President must submit to Congress an
annual report describing the activities and results of the
Initiative during the previous fiscal year and outlining the
objectives for the next fiscal year.
The bill requires the interagency committee to coordinate
the activities of the Initiative with the United States Global
Change Research Program.
Additionally, the bill directs the Comptroller General of
the United States to complete a study examining the feasibility
of creating a national water pilot testing facility and report
the key findings of the study to Congress within 2 years of the
enactment of H.R. 1145.
Finally, the bill amends Section 452(c)(2) of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 to add research to
develop water efficient technologies that increase energy
efficiency, including utilization of impaired water sources in
production, to the list of eligible activities.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act
of 2009.
Section 2. National Water Research and Development Initiative
Section 2 directs the President to implement a National
Water Research and Development Initiative to improve Federal
activities on water, including: research, development,
demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education,
and technology transfer. As part of the Initiative, the
President shall establish or designate an Interagency Committee
with representation from all Federal agencies conducting
research related to water or having authority over resources
that affect water supply, and the Office of Management and
Budget. The Office of Science and Technology Policy will chair
the Committee.
The Committee is charged with developing a National Water
Research and Assessment Plan; coordinating all Federal
activities on water that include research, development,
demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education,
and technology transfer; and encouraging cooperation among
agencies and State, local, and tribal governments with respect
to water-related research, development, and technological
innovation to avoid duplication of effort and to ensure optimal
use of resources and expertise. The Committee is also
responsible for facilitating technology transfer,
communication, and opportunities for exchange with non-
governmental organizations, State, local, and tribal
governments, industry, and other stakeholders.
The Committee shall also provide guidance on outreach to
minority serving institutions to encourage such institutions to
apply for funding opportunities specified in the research plan;
encourage cooperation between Federal agencies, State and local
governments, and tribal governments to develop standard methods
for collecting, managing, and disseminating data on water; and
identify statutory or regulatory barriers preventing the use of
any technology, technique, data collection method, or model
that would contribute to greater availability of water
resources through enhanced efficiency and conservation.
The President is directed to create a National Water
Initiative Coordination Office to provide technical and
administrative support to the Committee. The Office will
disseminate information to the public and serve as a point of
contact on Federal water activities for government agencies,
organizations, academia, industry, professional societies, and
others to exchange technical and programmatic information.
The National Water Research and Assessment Plan will
establish priorities for Federal water research and assessment
and shall utilize the recommendation from a 2007 Report issued
by SWAQ (Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality of the
National Science and Technology Council) and recommendations by
the National Academy of Sciences.
The plan is to identify each current program and activity
of each Federal agency related to the Initiative; identify
funding levels for the previous fiscal year for each program
and, if applicable, each activity; set forth a strategy and a
timeline to achieve the water research outcomes, as well as the
activities required of each agency responsible for contributing
to each outcome, the funding levels necessary to achieve each
outcome, and the distribution of funds between each agency
based on the agency's role in carrying out such activity. The
plan is subject to a 90-day public comment period and must be
submitted to Congress within 1 year of enactment.
The plan must outline and direct agencies under the
Committee to work to achieve the several water research
outcomes and assessments. These include: (1) implementation of
a National Water Census to create a comprehensive database that
includes information about the quantity, availability, and
quality of ground water and surface water resources; (2)
development of a new generation of water monitoring techniques;
(3) development of technologies for enhancing reliable water
supply, water reuse, and pollution prevention; (4) development
of innovative technologies and tools to enhance water quality,
including advance water treatment and purification
technologies; (5) development of innovative technologies and
tools to enhance water-use efficiency and tools to encourage
public acceptance of such technologies and tools; (6)
development of tools and processes to facilitate resolution of
conflicts over water resources; (7) development of information
technology systems to enhance water quality and supply; (8)
improvement of understanding of water-related ecosystem
services and ecosystem needs for water; (9) improvement of
hydrologic prediction models and their applications; (10)
analyses of the energy required to provide reliable water
supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy
supplies throughout the United States; (11) analyses of the
social, behavioral, and economic barriers to sustainable use of
water resources; (12) assessment of national water availability
and use; (13) regional assessments of the status of water
supplies and an evaluation of potential changes in status; and
(14) assessment of water quality, availability, and use in
rural areas.
Section 2 also requires the President to establish, or
designate, an advisory committee to advise the Committee.
Section 3. Budget coordination
Section 3 directs the President to provide guidance to each
Federal agency in the Initiative with respect to the
President's annual request. The President is required to
describe and list the items in the request that are elements of
the plan or help to achieve the outcomes of the plan.
Section 4. Coordination
Section 4 requires the interagency committee to coordinate
the activities of the Initiative with the United States Global
Change Research Program.
Section 5. Annual report
Section 5 directs the President to submit an annual report
to Congress describing the activities and results of the
Initiative during the previous fiscal year and outlines
objectives for the next fiscal year. The annual report shall
include detailed information on all programs and activities
involved in the Initiative, including an analysis of progress
towards achieving the water research outcomes and assessments.
Section 6. National water pilot testing facility feasibility study and
report
Section 6 directs the Comptroller General of the United
States to complete a study examining the feasibility of
creating a national water pilot testing facility and report the
key findings of the study to Congress within 2 years of the
enactment.
Section 7. DOE water technologies for increased energy efficiency
activities
Section 7 amends Section 452(c)(2) of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 to add research to
develop water efficient technologies that increase energy
efficiency, including utilization of impaired water sources in
production, as an eligible activity.
Section 8. Authorization of appropriations
Section 8 authorizes $2 million per year for fiscal years
2010, 2011, and 2012 to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration for coordination and outreach activities
undertaken by the National Water Initiative Coordination
Office.
VIII. Committee Views
H.R. 1145, The National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act, as amended, will improve coordination among the
federal agencies involved in research on water resources. H.R.
1145 also will improve communication between the Federal
Government and State, local, and tribal governments that have
much of the authority over management of water resources. H.R.
1145 builds on the recommendations on the National Academies'
2004 report, Confronting the Nation's Water Problems,\9\ and
work of the Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality
(SWAQ) of the National Science and Technology Council's
Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
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\9\National Academies of Science. 2004. Confronting the Nation's
Water Problems: The Role of Research. Water Science and Technology
Board. Committee on Assessment of Water Resources Research. National
Research Council. Washington, DC.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee believes that by establishing a clear,
national water research strategy for the 20-plus federal
agencies engaged in water research and assessment, the United
States can avert much of the increased cost, social disruption,
and environmental damage associated with future water
shortages.
The Committee notes the important research being done on
water at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of
Interior. The Committee also recognizes the importance of the
work done by the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor and assess
our nation's water resources. The Committee also believes that
contribution by the academic community is vital to efforts to
manage our water resources effectively. The Committee fully
supports the National Science Foundation's efforts to provide
extramural grant funds to support a wide array of research on
water resources and technologies. In addition, the Committee
believes that the state water resources research institutes,
established under provisions of the Water Resources Research
Act (P.L. 98-242) serve vitally important research, extension
and outreach functions throughout the country. These institutes
have a key role to play in the two-way communication between
Federal water agencies and organizations at the state level,
including universities, where most water research, including
that funded by the Federal government, occurs.
The recently-enacted Omnibus Public Land Management Act of
2009 (P.L. 111-11) directs the Secretary of Interior to conduct
a variety of activities related to water management on federal
lands. The Secretary is required to establish a climate change
adaptation program to address water management in watersheds
containing federally authorized reclamation projects. The law
also directs the Secretary of Energy to conduct an assessment
of potential climate change impacts on hydropower projects
under the authority of the Federal Power Marketing
Administration. In addition, P.L. 111-11 directs the Secretary
of Interior to establish an interagency committee on water and
climate change to review the impacts of climate change on
freshwater resources in the U.S., to develop strategies to
improve observations and expand data collection needed to
assess climate impacts. The law also provides an increased
authorization for the U.S. Geological Service for the National
Streamflow Information Program and for expanded monitoring of
groundwater resources.
The Committee notes that several of the provisions of the
new law provide authorizations that implement research outcomes
included in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. The
Committee believes the coordination and formal planning
required under H.R. 1145 provide a mechanism to prioritize the
work authorized by P.L. 111-11, ensures that new information
generated through these programs is readily available to other
federal agencies, and ensures distribution of research results
beyond the traditional client base of the Department of
Interior. H.R. 1145 ensures coordination of the research,
development and demonstration activities of other federal
agencies with expertise in water that will be required to
develop the assessments and the adaptive management strategies
for water resources that are required by the new law.
The Committee believes that the SWAQ is the appropriate
designee for the Interagency Committee mandated by H.R. 1145.
The Committee believes that management of water resources will
continue to be a focus of multiple federal agencies and that a
permanent coordinating structure for the diverse programs of
the federal government will ensure these programs are conducted
in an efficient, cost effective manner. By codifying the
existing interagency committee, H.R. 1145 provides continuity
to the current work of the SWAQ and the helps to ensure that
the goals of the legislation will be achieved more rapidly.
H.R. 1145 directs the Office of Science and Technology
Policy (OSTP) to chair the Interagency Committee. The functions
of OSTP Director included in P.L. 94-282 are consistent with
the need for leadership on the scientific and policy issues
coordinated by SWAQ through the Initiative. As an interagency
office, OSTP is positioned to take a broad view of overall
government resources and capabilities that are applied to water
resource management issues. The Committee expects the Director
of OSTP to work with the Office of Management and Budget to
ensure that agency budget allocations are sufficient to achieve
the Initiative's goals as outlined in the Research and
Assessment Plan.
Since its formation, the work of the SWAQ focused on
coordination of federal agency programs and the development of
a strategic plan to identify key needs for research on water
resources. The Committee believes the federal government must
engage in additional communication and information exchange
with the broader community of stakeholders with interests and
expertise in water. The Committee has mandated outreach and
communication to be major functions of SWAQ. The Committee
envisions a process of two-way communication between the
Federal Government and the broader governmental and non-
governmental community with interests in water issues. In
addition to working with State, local and tribal governments,
the program should solicit input from the academic community
and the private sector, as well as other non-governmental
organizations.
The Committee also included direction to the Interagency
Committee to ensure participation in water research and
development programs by minority serving institutions. A number
of the federal agencies included in the Initiative support
research and development projects through competitively awarded
grants and contracts. The Committee expects key science
organizations that also have important roles in education and
training, including the National Science Foundation, the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of
Interior, to encourage broad participation in these efforts.
The Committee notes that water resource issues impact
communities throughout the nation.
The Committee recognizes that many governmental entities
gather data and information on water resources. The Committee
directs the Interagency Committee to encourage the Federal
Government to work cooperatively with State, local, and tribal
governments to develop common methods for collecting and
managing data to facilitate sharing of information among these
entities. The Committee does not intend to create any
additional mandates for State, local and tribal governments to
transfer data to the Federal Government beyond what is already
required under other statutes. However, the Committee believes
that common data protocols can facilitate the combination of
data and information from different sources to achieve more
comprehensive understanding of the current status and use of
water resources and to reduce the need for costly, duplicative
efforts to gather this information.
The Committee recognizes that there are numerous statutes,
policies, and regulations that address issues related to water
resources. The Committee also recognizes that there are
barriers to the adoption and use of new technologies and that
some of these barriers are unrelated to cost or availability of
these new tools and may be statutory or regulatory barriers.
The Committee directs the Interagency Committee to coordinate a
policy review by each federal agency participating in the
Initiative to identify barriers that may be associated with the
statutes and regulations they administer.
Section 2(b)(4) of H.R. 1145 establishes an office to
assist the Interagency Committee in the administration of the
Initiative and to provide a single point of contact for
interested parties to access information on federal programs in
water. While the Committee recognizes that this one office
could not serve as a repository for all federal information and
expertise on water, it will be able to quickly direct inquiries
to the appropriate federal agency or program. The Committee
also intends this office to support activities such as
workshops and conferences to foster information exchange
between the federal government and the broader community with
interests in and responsibilities for management of water
resources. The Committee envisions support for this office from
participating agencies through allocation of appropriate agency
funds or through assignment of agency personnel to the office.
H.R. 1145 requires the development of a multi-year research
and assessment plan to be provided to Congress within one year
of enactment. The Committee recognizes this is an aggressive
deadline for the Plan. However, much of the work needed to
produce this Plan has already been done and is readily
available in the reports referenced in the legislation. The
Committee expects funding levels and anticipated timelines to
be added to the research agenda contained in the 2007 report
produced by SWAQ, A Strategy for Federal Science and Technology
to Support Water Availability and Quality in the United
States.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Natural
Resources, Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality. 2007. A
Strategy for Federal Science and Technology to Support Water
Availability and Quality in the United States. 35 pp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 1145 contains a list of research topics the Initiative
should undertake to address the challenges the United States
faces in maintaining adequate water supplies.
The Committee believes an updated census of water resources
is essential to facilitate planning and decision-making by all
levels of government, as well as by individual citizens and
businesses. It is also essential for the development of
adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerability to variations in
weather and climate and to resolve conflicts over water
resources. The Committee recognizes the completion of a
national water census requires significant effort and
resources. The Committee expects the Plan to provide guidance
for initiating this effort as authorized in P.L. 111-11.
The Committee believes we need to explore a full range of
options for enhancing reliable water supplies. Pollution
prevention saves money and energy and maintains the quality of
current water supplies. Developing best management practices to
address non-point source pollution and to promote retention of
water within watersheds is an area of research that could have
broad applicability to all regions of the country. In addition,
urban and suburban water systems that capture water for re-use
can provide important benefits while extending water supplies.
This research could include applications that could be utilized
either at the scale of individual buildings or neighborhoods.
H.R. 1145 makes reference to technologies, tools and
processes in the list of research topics that are envisioned
for the Initiative. The Committee intends the research
conducted under the Initiative to explore the development of a
wide variety of applications. Models, data sets, and land
management practices as well as public outreach and educational
materials are all envisioned as potential outcomes of the
research supported through the Initiative.
The Committee included relatively new areas of research,
such as potential applications of information technology to
water treatment and water distribution systems to facilitate
real-time monitoring and rapid detection of system or water
quality problems. The Committee also included ongoing research
and development, such as the improvement of hydrologic
prediction models by NOAA, which have broad applicability for
forecasting of flooding due to severe weather events and to
longer term management and planning to avoid the worst impacts
of floods and droughts.
The Committee also believes we must utilize an integrated
approach to address the challenges of meeting our needs for
water and energy supplies. Energy is required to treat, obtain,
and transport water. Water is required to cool power generation
facilities, to grow the crops intended for use as biofuels, and
in some extraction or exploration activities. Produced water is
generated as a waste stream during oil and gas extraction.
The Committee also believes that social science research
should be pursued under the Initiative. Individual behavior
exerts a strong influence over the acceptance of new
technologies and the speed at which they are adopted through
purchase of water utilizing appliances, choices of plumbing
systems for new buildings, and through everyday practices in
homes and businesses. Better understanding of the non-technical
barriers to acceptance of new technologies and practices could
lead to broader and more rapid adoption of them.
In addition to the research supported through the
Initiative, the Committee recognizes that there is increased
demand for resource assessments, including assessments to
project future water supplies and assessments of specific
geographic regions. Section 9508 of P.L. 111-11 establishes a
program to assess the status of the nation's water resources.
H.R. 1145 requires the Plan for the Initiative to include a
national assessment of water availability and use. As in the
case of the water census, the Committee believes this activity
will require significant time and resources and is likely to
require significant input of information and expertise from
multiple agencies. The Committee believes the development of
assessments would benefit from careful planning, involvement of
SWAQ, and involvement of the broader community that will
utilize the information provided through the assessments.
The Committee recognizes the need for regional assessments.
Development, land use and population growth patterns vary
across the country, as do weather and climatic conditions.
State, local and tribal governments need more refined
information about water supplies and the activities that impact
water resources. The Committee required the needs of rural
communities to be taken into account in the Plan for future
assessments. Citizens in rural areas are dependent upon local
ground and surface water supplies. Costs per customer in rural
areas to transport water and to treat waters that are impaired
or become impaired are very high and alternative supplies may
not be available. Research to develop watershed management,
pollution prevention, and alternative treatments to maintain
water quality and supplies in rural areas is needed to ensure
continued viability of rural communities.
H.R. 1145 directs the President to designate or establish
an advisory committee for the Initiative. The Committee
recognizes that there is an active advisory committee currently
in place, the Advisory Committee on Water Information (ACWI)
that the Committee believes is well-suited to this role. ACWI
has a broad-based membership and has well-established
connections to the broader community with interests and
expertise in water resource issues.
The Committee is aware of the increased interest in
analyses of the potential impacts of climate change on key
sectors of the economy, communities, and natural resources. The
Committee notes these analyses and the information needed to
facilitate the development of adaptation plans is required
under P.L. 101-606, the U.S. Global Change Research Act. The
Committee notes there have been recent products of the U.S.
Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) and by the U.S.
Geological Service that address these issues.\11\ Section 4 of
H.R. 1145 directs the SWAQ to coordinate its efforts with those
of the USGCRP. H.R. 1145 is intended to facilitate better
coordination of federal agency efforts. The Committee does not
intend to replace or duplicate the activities of the USGCRP in
this legislation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\11\Backlund, P.; A. Janetos; and D. Schimel (Lead Coordinating
Authors). 2008. The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Water
Resources, and Biodiversity in the U.S., U.S. Climate Change Science
Program, Synthesis and Assessment Product 4.3, 252 pp.
Brekke, L.D., J.E. Kiang, J. R. Olsen, R.S. Pulwarty, D. A. Raff,
D. P. Turnipseed, R.S. Webb, and K.D. White. 2009. Climate change and
water resources management--A federal perspective: U.S. Geological
Survey Circular 1331, 65p. http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1331/.
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H.R. 1145 includes direction to the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) to do a study to evaluate the
potential benefits and the likely costs of establishing a
national water pilot testing facility. Such a facility was
recommended during one of the hearings on this legislation.
However, the Committee believes this proposal should be fully
evaluated before any funds are authorized to establish a new
federal facility.
The Committee also included a provision to expand the scope
of activities that are eligible for funding under the
Department of Energy's (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program.
This program partners an energy-intensive manufacturing company
with DOE to perform applied research with the goal of improving
the energy efficiency of manufacturing operations. H.R. 1145
would enable industries with an interest in working with DOE to
improve their water-use efficiency in addition to improving
their energy efficiency to apply for funding under this
program. H.R. 1145 also makes projects that would enable
industries to utilize impaired water under the program. The
Committee did not define impaired water, since the degree of
impairment of the water is often determined by the proposed
use. Impaired water could include water with too high or low a
temperature, saline water, water with organic or inorganic
contaminants, or produced water released during extraction of
oil and gas.
IX. Cost Estimate
A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
the Committee on Science and Technology prior to the filing of
this report and is included in Section X of this report
pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
H.R. 1145 does not contain new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming
that sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 1145
does authorize additional discretionary spending, as described
in the Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is
contained in Section X of this report.
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
April 1, 2009.
Hon. Bart Gordon,
Chairman, Committee on Science and Technology,
House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for H.R. 1145, the National
Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contacts are Deborah
Reis and Leigh Angres.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Elmendorf.
Enclosure.
H.R. 1145--National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of
2009
Summary: H.R. 1145 would direct the President to establish
an interagency committee to implement a national initiative on
water research and development. For this purpose, the bill also
would establish a National Water Coordination Office within the
Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Finally, the
bill would direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to
conduct a study to examine the feasibility of creating a pilot
testing facility for water research.
Assuming appropriation of the amounts authorized or
estimated to be necessary, CBO estimates that implementing H.R.
1145 would cost the federal government about $8 million over
the 2010-2014 period. Enacting the bill would not affect
revenues or direct spending.
H.R. 1145 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 1145 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget functions 300
(natural resources and environment) and 800 (general
government).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-------------------------------------------------------
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2010-2014
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Estimated Authorization Level........................... 3 2 2 * * 8
Estimated Outlays....................................... 2 3 2 * * 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: * = Less than 500,000.
Basis of Estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R.
1145 will be enacted during fiscal year 2009 and that the
entire amounts authorized or estimated to be necessary will be
appropriated for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.
Estimated outlays are based on historical spending patterns for
similar programs.
H.R. 1145 would authorize the appropriation of $2 million
for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2012 for coordination and
outreach activities concerning water research. In addition, CBO
estimates that less than $500,000 a year would be required to
staff a new water research and development coordination office
within OSTP. Finally, CBO estimates that GAO would require
about $1 million in 2010 to conduct a study to examine the
feasibility of creating a pilot testing facility for water
research.
Assuming appropriation of the authorized and necessary
amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1145 would cost
the federal government nearly $8 million over the 2010-2014
period.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 1145
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.
Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Deborah Reis and Leigh
Angres; Impact on state, local, and tribal governments: Ryan
Miller; Impact on the private sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 1145 contains no unfunded mandates.
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The Committee on Science and Technology's oversight
findings and recommendations are reflected in the body of this
report.
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)(c) of House Rule XIII, the goal of
H.R. 1145 is to improve the federal government's role in
designing and implementing federal water research, development,
demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education,
and technology transfer activities to address changes in water
use, supply, and demand in the United States, including
providing additional support to increase water supply through
greater efficiency and conservation.
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 1145.
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
It may be that the functions of the advisory committee
authorized in H.R. 1145 could be performed by enlarging the
mandate of another existing advisory committee. For that
reason, H.R. 1145 provides discretion to the President. Under
the bill, the President must establish, or designate, an
advisory committee to carry out to prescribed functions.
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds that H.R. 1145 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVII. Earmark Identification
H.R. 1145 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
House Rule XXI, clause 9(d), 9(e), and 9(f).
XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
The bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
SECTION 452 OF THE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT OF 2007
SEC. 452. ENERGY-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES PROGRAM.
(a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Partnerships.--
(1) * * *
(2) Eligible activities.--Partnership activities
eligible for funding under this subsection include--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(C) research to achieve energy efficiency in
steam, power, control system, and process heat
technologies, and in other manufacturing
processes; [and]
(D) research to develop water efficient
technologies that increase energy efficiency,
including utilization of impaired water sources
in production;
[(D)] (E) industrial and commercial energy
efficiency and sustainability assessments to--
(i) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(E)] (F) the incorporation of technologies
and innovations that would significantly
improve the energy efficiency and utilization
of energy-intensive commercial applications;
and
[(F)] (G) any other activities that the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
* * * * * * *
XX. Committee Recommendation
On March 25, 2009, the Committee on Science and Technology
favorably reported the National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act of 2009 by voice vote, and recommended its
enactment.
XXII. Additional Views
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVES RALPH HALL, JAMES SENSENBRENNER,
ROSCOE BARTLETT, BRIAN BILBRAY, VERNON EHLERS, MICHAEL MCCAUL, BOB
INGLIS, MARIO DIAZ-BALART, AND ADRIAN SMITH
The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act
is this Committee's response to the many recommendations made
by the country's top scientists on water research and
development. Our water supply is of vital importance to the
health and well-being of our nation and we are glad the
Committee has chosen to address such an important topic.
No State is immune to water problems, whether there is too
little of it, or an overabundance of it. Yet in the last
quarter-century, our knowledge of water resources has been
based on research that was conducted in the middle of the last
century. While we support the concepts behind the National
Water Research and Development Initiative Act, issues remain
that need to be further addressed.
We are concerned that several provisions of H.R. 1145 may
duplicate provisions found in H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public
Lands Act of 2009 specifically the SECURE Water Act. We must be
mindful to ensure these two bills compliment each other and do
not create additional bureaucratic burdens on water research
efforts.
Further, we must be very careful not to undermine the
historical responsibility that State and local governments have
on managing their water resources, so it is vitally important
that the authorities given in this bill do not supersede or
duplicate efforts at these levels. For example, we are
concerned that the vague nature and description of the
``National Water Census'' in this bill may be a step towards
federalizing groundwater and other water resources normally
managed by state and local entities. To that end, we offered
and passed an amendment to ensure state, local, and tribal
participation in coordination efforts. We hope to work together
to further clarify the necessary contribution of these
nonfederal entities.
Mr. Gordon offered a manager's amendment expanding the
Energy-Intensive Industries Program established in the Energy
Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007 to include
``research to develop water efficient technologies that
increase energy efficiency, including utilization of impaired
water sources in production''. During the mark-up, questions
were posed about the definition of ``impaired waters''. These
questions sought to clarify that ``impaired waters'' included
water extracted during oil and gas exploration and production.
As a potentially significant source of water, the language of
the amendment should be inclusive of all sources of nonpotable
water.
Ralph M. Hall.
Jim Sensenbrenner.
Roscoe Bartlett.
Brian P. Bilbray.
Vernon J. Ehlers.
Adrian Smith.
Bob Inglis.
Michael T. McCaul.
Mario Diaz-Balart.
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVE JIM MATHESON
Over the last 12 years, Utah has experienced a major
drought which has threatened the state's economy. As the second
driest state in the nation, Utah relies heavily on recreation,
tourism, ranching, and agriculture. The lack of water threatens
life and cripples local economies, particularly in rural areas
of the state.
Utah's need for water is a common story in the West and
increasingly in other parts of the nation, which highlights the
need for a national database that contains relevant data from
all water and wastewater systems in the United States.
Currently, there is no national resource that quantifies usage
and allows water users to share best practices and data in
order to improve water resource management.
This legislation will enable the development of a robust
database to facilitate a timely and useful production and
analysis of data that will improve the water industry,
particularly for rural water users. This would be accomplished
by implementing safe, economical methods of funding and
developing the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure,
securing and protecting these systems, providing for long term
sustainability of current and future systems, and efficiently
managing the nation's water supply.
Jim Matheson.
XXIII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 1145, THE
NATIONAL WATER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE ACT OF 2009
----------
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2009
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:08 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon
[Chair of the Committee] presiding.
Chair Gordon. Good morning. The Committee will come to
order. Pursuant to notice, the Committee on Science and
Technology meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 1580,
the Electronic Waste Research Development Act, and H.R. 1145,
the National Water Research Development Initiative Act of 2009.
Before we get started with the markup, we have a little
Committee business to take care of, and I recognize Mr. Hall
for unanimous consent.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chair, thank you, Mr. Chair, and I ask
unanimous consent to officially remove Representative Adrian
Smith as a Member of the Research and Science Education
Subcommittee and to officially recognize Representative Bob
Inglis as a Member of the Research and Science Education
Subcommittee of the Committee on Science and Technology, and I
would ask that the official Committee roster be modified to
reflect this change. And I yield back.
Chair Gordon. Without objection, so ordered. We will now
proceed with the markup. We are going to try to move along
today. In the past, we have gotten caught with votes, so we
don't want that to happen.
This morning the Committee will consider H.R. 1580, the
Electronic Waste Research and Development Act, and H.R. 1145,
the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of
2009.
Billions of cell phones, computers, televisions, and other
electronic products, once the latest technology, are now being
thrown into landfills or in Mr. Hall's and our country,
sometimes on the side of the road. This is a waste of valuable
resources, and it is a growing environmental problem. We need
to do more to make recycling easy and affordable and to make
sure that the electronic products manufactured in the future
are as environmentally sound as they can be.
If we are going to address this issue, we need research and
development, and we need to train present and future designers
of this equipment to think about the entire life cycle of their
products. That is what H.R. 1580 is all about.
The second bill we will consider this morning is H.R. 1145,
which will ensure that the water research and development
programs that are spread across over 20 federal agencies are
coordinated to make maximum use of funding resources.
There is no resource more valuable than water. It is
essential to all of us, every day, for everything we do. For
too long we have ignored the warning signs that our water
supplies are in trouble.
We must do more to conserve water and to maintain its
quality. We must make a more strategic approach at the federal
level and we must ensure the Federal Government supports our
State, local and tribal governments, the entities that are the
stewards of these resources on a day-to-day basis.
I thank the Members for their participation this morning,
and I look forward to this productive markup.
[The prepared statement of Chair Gordon follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chair Bart Gordon
This morning the Committee will consider H.R. 1580, the Electronic
Waste Research and Development Act, and H.R. 1145, the National Water
Research and Development Initiative.
Billions of cell phones, computers, televisions, and other
electronic products, once the latest technology, are now being thrown
into landfills. This is a waste of valuable resources, and it is a
growing environmental problem. We need to do more to make recycling
easy and affordable and to make sure the electronic products
manufactured in the future are as environmentally sound as they can be.
If we are going to address this issue, we need research and
development, and we need to train present and future designers of this
equipment to think about the entire life cycle of their products. That
is what H.R. 1580 is all about.
The second bill we will consider this morning is H.R. 1145, which
will ensure that the research and development programs that are spread
across over 20 federal agencies are coordinated to make maximum use of
funding resources.
There is no resource more valuable than water. It is essential to
all of us, everyday, for everything we do. For too long we have ignored
the warning signs that our water supplies are in trouble. We must do
more to conserve water and maintain its quality. We must take a more
strategic approach at the federal level and we must ensure the Federal
Government supports our State, local and tribal governments--the
entities that are the stewards of these resources on a day-to-day
basis.
I thank the Members for their participation this morning and I look
forward to a productive markup.
Chair Gordon. I now recognize Mr. Hall to present his
opening remarks.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chair, thank you. Each of these bills address
issues that are of national importance, so I thank you for
holding this markup, and because you have so very ably covered
it, I will make my opening remarks brief.
H.R. 1580 authorizes EPA to establish consortiums with
private industries and academia to conduct research,
development and demonstration projects to increase electronics
recycling, reduce the environmental impacts of manufacturing
electronics and to develop ways to increase the usable lifespan
of new electronics. It also promotes crosscutting of education
for engineers by providing grants to higher-learning
institutions to encourage the development of curricula that
combines electrical, mechanical, industrial, material, and
software engineering disciplines. These two efforts will be the
first step that we can take to start addressing the problem
associated with discarded electronic equipment.
Secondly, H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and
Development Initiative Act of 2009, organizes the Federal
Government's approach to research of water resources. The bill
would require perhaps for the first time every government
agency involved in research of water resources to collaborate
and create a Research and Assessment plan that will chart the
course of U.S. research and development for years to come.
Furthermore, it directs the Office of Science and Technology
Policy and the Office of Management and Budget to work with
these agencies to coordinate their annual budgets to avoid
duplicative efforts. These suggestions come from
recommendations that National Science and Technology Council
and the National Academy of Sciences have offered for years. I
commend the Chair, I commend you, sir, on moving a bill that is
critical to our nation's health and well-being.
Mr. Chair, that is the first time I read this. I didn't
know it was so long or I wouldn't have said I was going to make
a brief statement. I would like to thank you, and I yield back
to you.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Each of these bills address issues that
are of national importance so thank you for holding this markup today
to advance them. I will keep my opening remarks brief.
H.R. 1580 authorizes EPA to establish consortiums with private
industry and academia to conduct research, development and
demonstration projects to increase electronics recycling, reduce the
environmental impacts of manufacturing electronics and to develop ways
to increase the usable lifespan of new electronics.
It also promotes cross-cutting education for engineers by providing
grants to higher-learning institutions to encourage the development of
curricula that combines electrical, mechanical, industrial, material,
and software engineering disciplines. These two efforts will be the
first step that we can take to start addressing the problems associated
with discarded electronic equipment.
Secondly, H.R. 1145, the National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act of 2009, organizes the Federal Government's approach to
research of water resources.
The bill would require, perhaps for the first time, every
government agency involved in research of water resources to
collaborate and create a Research and Assessment plan that will chart
the course of U.S. research and development for years to come.
Furthermore, it directs the Office of Science and Technology Policy and
the Office of Management and Budget to work with these agencies to
coordinate their annual budgets to avoid duplicative efforts. These
suggestions come from recommendations that National Science and
Technology Council and the National Academy of Sciences have offered
for years.
I commend the Chairman on moving a bill that is critical to our
nation's health and well-being.
Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you and your staff for working
with us on these bills before us today.
I yield back the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Hall. As always, you are
eloquent, and the Minority staff and Members made this a better
bill, and we thank you for that.
Members may place statements in the record at this time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Harry E. Mitchell
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Today we will mark up the Electronic Waste Research and Development
Act, H.R. 1580, and the National Water Research and Development
Initiative Act, H.R. 1145.
As American consumers attempt to keep up with the latest technology
trends by purchasing the newest cell phones and laptops, the number of
discarded electronic products is rapidly increasing.
When electronic products are properly handled, these products can
transform into a valuable source for reusable equipment.
However, if these products are not disposed of properly, they are
potentially harmful to both human health and the environment.
H.R. 1580 would establish an electronic waste engineering research,
development, and demonstration program at the Environmental Protection
Agency to identify ways to manage electronic waste through reduction,
reuse, and recycling.
I support both H.R. 1580 and H.R. 1145, and I urge my colleagues to
support these pieces of legislation.
I would also like to commend Chairman Gordon for once again
following regular order leading up to this markup.
I yield back.
Chair Gordon. We will now consider H.R. 1145, the National
Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009. I
recognize myself to describe the bill.
H.R. 1145 builds on the recommendations of the National
Academies 2004 report establishing clear, national water
strategy for the 20-plus federal agencies with water
responsibilities. The bill codifies an existing interagency
committee, the Subcommittee on Water Availability and Quality
of the National Science and Technology Counsel. H.R. 1145
continues the good work done by this Subcommittee and
incorporates several priorities outlined in the 2007 SWAQ
report. H.R. 1145 also incorporates recommendations of the
witnesses who appeared at the Science and Technology Committee
hearing.
We have received input from a variety of academic,
government and non-profit and industry water experts throughout
the drafting of the bill, and it reflects the guidance of those
experts. H.R. 1145 has been endorsed by the Water Innovations
Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Water
Environmental Research Foundation, the Council of Scientific
Society Presidents, the Food and Water Watch, the Water
Research Foundation, the Alliance Environment, the Clean Water
Action, the American Beverage Association, and the National
Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The Majority staff has
consulted with the Minority staff in the development of this
bill. H.R. 1145 will ensure that the federal agencies
conducting activities relating to water will work together to
achieve the role of better management of water resources.
In tough economic times it is imperative that we use every
dollar we spend effectively. Coordination of federal agency
activities and a stronger partnership with State, local and
tribal governments will ensure that the federal programs are
focused on areas of greatest concern and that our efforts are
complementary and effective. I urge my colleagues to support
H.R. 1145.
I now recognize Mr. Hall to present any remarks.
Mr. Hall. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The National Water Research
and Development Initiative Act is the Committee's response to
many recommendations made by the country's top scientists on
water research and development, and I have said many times that
our water supplies are of vital importance to the health and
well-being of our nation. No state is immune to water problems,
whether too little of it or an abundance of it. Yet, in the
last quarter-century, our knowledge of water resources has been
piggy-backing off the research that was conducted in the middle
of the last century. Several of the witnesses in our last
hearing stated that the way federal water research is conducted
has barely changed in the last 35 years, and this is
unacceptable. What we need are the proper tools and resources
for local, State and regional decision-makers to adapt to
changing conditions.
Mr. Chair, I have two concerns about this bill that I am
hoping we can have alleviated. The first is how this bill, if
passed, would work with legislation put forth by Senator
Bingaman, the SECURE Water Act. The SECURE Water Act is on the
precipice of becoming law. However, the fact that it is not yet
law means we cannot do anything to try to amend it in order to
make it work more seamlessly with the legislation before us. I
hope that either in today's markup or before this bill goes to
the Floor, we can make sure that no duplicative efforts are
being written into the law.
Secondly, I had hoped that the Administration would have
been able to comment on the bill before it went to markup. I
understand that the Director of Office of Science and
Technology was not actually confirmed until last week. I
sincerely hope that the Committee will make every effort and
every possible effort to reach out to the Administration now
and the principal people that are in place so that we can be
assured that this bill is going to have the effect on federal
water research that we intend for it to have. Thank you, Mr.
Chair. I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am pleased that this committee has
decided to focus on the important issue of water conservation and
efficient use of our water supply.
Many of you have heard me discuss the importance of energy
independence to our nation's security. Our water supply is also of
vital importance to our security as a nation. We have all seen what can
happen when a nation is faced with a shortage of water. Water is a
vital component of our manufacturing, farming, and transportation.
Ensuring that we have a plentiful supply of water in this country is
essential.
There is not one district I am aware of that has not had to deal
with water problems in the last few years, whether it's because there
is too much of it or not enough of it. Three years ago when we passed
the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, I was
pleased that it would help my constituents and many others cope with
the devastating effects of prolonged drought.
I am pleased that the Committee has chosen to address water issues
with this bill as well as my bill addressing research into the reuse of
produced waters and Mr. Matheson's water conservation bill, both of
which were passed at the beginning of this Congress. I believe these
bills complement one another to provide a comprehensive approach to
this issue.
The amount of legislation our committee has moved on water issues
in the last few years demonstrates our awareness of the need to address
the critical issues our nation faces with regards to water quality,
supply and availability.
I am aware that the Senate is also working on an extensive water
bill, the SECURE Water Act, and I am hopeful we can work to ensure
these bills do not duplicate efforts or work at cross purposes going
forward.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Hall. We have been in contact
regularly with OSTP. They are well-aware of what we are doing
on this bill and also in respect to the Senate bill. This
particular bill is the plan. Senate Bill 22 is the
implementation, so I don't think you are going to see any type
of override there, but we will continue to consult with you if
you don't feel comfortable with that response.
Does anyone else wish to be recognized?
Mr. Bilbray. Mr. Chair?
Chair Gordon. Mr. Bilbray.
Mr. Bilbray. Mr. Chair, let me just really congratulate you
on this package. One of the things that I really appreciate is
the Section 8 of D which really points out one of the things
that we keep overlooking when we talk about water and we have
learned in California that be it desalinization, be it pumping,
San Diego County was actually the original desalinization site.
In fact, most people don't know that Guantanamo was able to be
kept in operation during the '60s and '70s and the '80s because
of the plant that was moved from San Diego to Gitmo during the
Cuban Crisis. But the one thing I've just got to stress to you,
electricity, clean, inexpensive electricity will be the largest
determining factor in the future of the availability of the
resource that we call water, be it transporting it from one
part of the country to the other across, purifying it or
desalinization. And I appreciate the fact that you included
that in here because too many people overlook that critical
component that we have really run into in California, and I
have got a desalinization plant in my district, but we've just
got to always come back to the fact that inexpensive, clean
electricity is going to be the critical lynch pin in providing
clean drinking water for our generations in the future, and I
appreciate your including that aspect of it.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Bilbray. I think we fully
recognize the nexus between energy and water, are sensitive to
that, and will try to incorporate that into all that we do.
Does anyone else wish to be recognized? I ask unanimous
consent that the bill is considered as read and open to
amendment at any point and that the Members proceed with
amendments in the order of the roster. Without objection, so
ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is a manager's amendment.
The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 116
offered by Mr. Gordon of Tennessee.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. I recognize myself to
explain the amendment.
The manager's amendment makes a series of changes
throughout H.R. 1145 to clarify the intent of the legislation,
to increase the coordination of this program with the State,
local, and tribal governments, and to incorporate
recommendations from our last hearing.
It is critical that the interagency committee establish a
good, working relationship among federal agencies, with the
State, local, and tribal governments that deal directly with
water resources on a day-to-day basis. Section 2 of the bill is
amended to include the tribal governments in the coordination
function of this bill. The Research Outcomes section is amended
to include examination into the social, behavioral and economic
barriers to sustain water use, and thank you, Dr. Baird, for
your continuing interest in making us sensitive to that.
The manager's amendment adds a new Section 4 that ensures
the coordination of H.R. 1145 with the United States Global
Change Research Program. Several witnesses' recommended that
the potential climate change impacts on water be assessed by
the Federal Government, the U.S. Global Change Research Program
is working on these assessments, and this effort should be
coordinated with the work done under this program.
The amendment also expands the Department of Energy's
Energy-Intensive Industries Program that we reauthorized in the
2007 Energy Bill. Research to develop water efficiency
technologies and to increase energy efficiency associated with
water use will now be eligibility activity under this program.
The amendment also includes an authorization of $2 million
a year to fund the coordination communication activities
undertaken by the Initiative Coordination Office as recommended
by Dr. Vaux. The amendment is based on witnesses'
recommendations from the hearings, and I ask my colleagues to
support the amendment.
[The prepared statement of Chair Gordon follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chair Bart Gordon
The manager's amendment makes a series of changes throughout H.R.
1145 to clarify the intent of the legislation, to increase the
coordination of this program with State, local, and tribal governments,
and to incorporate recommendations from our last hearing. It is
critical that the Interagency Committee establish a good working
relationship among federal agencies and with State, local and tribal
governments that deal directly with water resources on a day-to-day
basis.
Section 2 of the bill is amended to include tribal governments in
the coordination functions of this bill. The research outcomes section
is amended to include examination into the social, behavioral, and
economic barriers to sustainable water use.
The manager's amendment adds a new Section 4 that ensures the
coordination of H.R. 1145 with the United States Global Change Research
Program. Several witnesses recommended that potential climate change
impacts on water be assessed by the Federal Government. The U.S. Global
Change Research Program is working on these assessments and this effort
should be coordinated with the work done under this program.
The amendment also expands the Department of Energy's Energy-
Intensive Industries Program that we reauthorized in the 2007 energy
bill. Research to develop water efficient technologies and to increase
energy efficiency associated with water use will now be an eligible
activity under this program.
The amendment also includes an authorization for $2 million dollars
a year to fund the coordination and communication activities undertaken
by the Initiative's Coordination Office as recommended by Dr. Vaux.
The amendment is based on witness recommendations from the hearings
related to H.R. 1145. I ask my colleagues to support the amendment.
Chair Gordon. Is there further discussion on the amendment?
Mr. Hall is recognized.
Mr. Hall. I have a question on it. I notice the amendment
makes changes to the Energy Independence and Security Act to
allow projects that will focus on ``research to help develop
water efficient technologies that increase energy efficiency
including utilization of, and this is important, the impaired
water sources in production.'' The amendment doesn't contain a
definition of impaired water sources. I guess my question is
what exactly would that include? Is it intended to include
water from oil and gas which is very important to me and to
nine other states, extractions such as the Produced Water Bill
that we passed earlier this year? I know you remember it
because you were a great part of it. If that is not enough,
what about salt water or ocean water? Is it the intent to
include any water that is not potable or unusable in any other
productive way? Can you help me with that or just promise to
help me?
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Ralph M. Hall
I notice the amendment makes changes to the Energy Independence and
Security Act to allow projects that will focus on ``research to develop
water efficient technologies that increase energy efficiency, including
utilization of impaired water sources in production.'' The amendment
does not contain a definition of ``impaired water sources.'' What
exactly would that include?
Is it intended to include water from oil and gas extraction, such
as in the produced waters bill passed earlier this year?
What about salt water or ocean water?
Is the intention to include any water that is not potable or usable
in any other productive way?
Chair Gordon. I think we can help you right now. You raise
a very good point, and I am just going to let staff give you a
response.
The Staff. Sir, the language is purposely not defined.
Impaired water is purposely broad to give the program latitude
across a wide-range of energy-intensive industries that are
included in the bill. Water used for food processing will need
to be a different standard than water used for manufacturing of
steel and will be different than water needed for mining. It
will include saline water, produced water, waste water. It is a
broad term and that is on purpose.
Mr. Hall. Are you saying it is not----
Chair Gordon. I think, Mr. Hall, what----
Mr. Hall.--just inclusive of these but inclusive of almost
anything else you could imagine it involves in water sources?
Chair Gordon. Mr. Hall, I think the intent was if we were
to specifically define it, it would limit it. And we take a
broader view. Water is water in whatever, you know, unclaimed
form it might be. So it was our intention to more than honor
the spirit of your interest, and if for whatever reason you
don't think this has been done, we will continue to work with
you on that.
Mr. Hall. I thank you. I will be working on it with you.
Thank you.
Chair Gordon. Is there further discussion on the amendment?
If there no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say
aye, opposed nay. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The second amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentleman from Nebraska, Mr. Smith. Are you ready with
your amendment?
Mr. Smith of Nebraska. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair, Members
of the Committee. This amendment would----
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 121,
offered by Mr. Smith of Nebraska.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. I recognize the
gentleman for five minutes to explain the amendment.
Mr. Smith of Nebraska. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Members. This
amendment would require that the interagency committee
established in Section B to coordinate all activities with
State, local and tribal governments.
Representing a predominantly rural agriculture-based
district in which surface water and groundwater issues are at
the forefront of many decisions and debates, my principal goals
are to create policies which will strengthen rural America and
provide long-term stability for our nation's producers.
Ensuring the sustainability of our country's water supply
through increased coordination, research and development is of
utmost importance to the economic and social well-being of our
nation and its citizens, enhanced coordination at not only the
federal level but also the State and local levels is necessary
to ensure a sustainable future for one of our most essential
natural resources. Local, State and regional water agencies are
entities implementing our water policy.
This amendment will ensure states and localities are
involved in every one of the functions of the interagency
committee, including incorporation of information from State
agencies into the National Water Research and Assessment Plan.
Thank you. I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Smith follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Adrian Smith
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee,
This amendment would require the interagency committee established
in Section (b) to coordinate all activities with State, local, and
tribal governments.
Representing a predominantly rural, agricultural-based District in
which surface water and groundwater issues are at the forefront of many
decisions and debates, my principal goals are to create policies which
will strengthen rural America and provide long-term stability for our
nation's producers. Ensuring the sustainability of our country's water
supply through increased coordination, research, and development is of
utmost importance to the economic and social well-being our nation and
its citizens.
Enhanced coordination at not only the federal level, but also State
and local levels, is necessary to ensure a sustainable future for one
of our most essential natural resources. Local, State and regional
water agencies are the entities implementing our water policy.
This amendment will ensure states and localities are involved in
every one of the functions of the interagency committee, including
incorporation of information from State agencies into the National
Water Research and Assessment Plan.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Smith, for the good amendment.
Does anyone have further discussion? Mr. Hall is recognized.
Mr. Hall. Mr. Chair, this amendment would require the
integrity of the interagency committee that is established in
the bill to coordinate its activities with State and local
agencies. One of the largest concerns that State and regional
water agencies have is that federal coordination of research
and development will take place in the absence of outside input
and operate as a mandate rather than as a cooperative effort.
State, local and regional water agencies are most familiar
with the current state of monitoring needs and can provide
invaluable insight into what a research agenda should produce.
This amendment would ensure that these agencies are involved in
the development of the National Water Research and Assessment
Plan. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield
back my time. Thank you.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
This amendment would require the interagency committee established
in the bill to coordinate its activities with the states and local
agencies. One of the largest concerns that State and regional water
agencies have is that federal coordination of research and development
will take place in the absence of outside input and operate as a
mandate rather than a cooperative effort.
State, local, and regional water agencies are most familiar with
the current state of monitoring needs and can provide invaluable
insight into what a research agenda should produce. This amendment
would ensure that these agencies are involved in the development of the
National Water Research and Assessment Plan. I urge my colleagues to
support this amendment and yield back the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Is there further discussion on the amendment?
If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say aye.
The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The third amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentlelady from Texas, Ms. Johnson. Are you ready to
proceed with your amendment?
Ms. Johnson. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 036,
offered by Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. I recognize the
gentlelady for five minutes to explain the amendment.
Ms. Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and Ranking Member Hall
and fellow Members for considering this amendment. The bill is
of great interest to me because I am Chair of the Subcommittee
on Water Resources and Environment within the Transportation
Committee, and this amendment pertains to the interagency
committee outlined beginning on page 2 of the legislation.
As you know, the Committee is tasked with developing a
National Water Research and Assessment Plan to coordinate
federal research activities regarding water, and defining the
functions of the interagency committee, my amendment adds
another function, to provide guidance on outreach to minority
serving institutions to encourage them to apply or funding
opportunities specified in the plan. It is my belief that these
colleges and universities are disadvantaged when it comes to
applying for and winning federal science research funding.
Often they are too small to overcome the hurdle of navigating
the maze of the red tape to find out about such funding.
My amendment levels the playing field by emphasizing the
inclusion of minority serving institutions when it comes to
research grant funding. As you know, Mr. Chair, broadening
participation in the sciences is a long-time interest of mine.
Our current workforce lacks diversity. I do believe that we
must work hard to encourage minority serving institutions to
take advantage of federal science research and education
grants. Doing so will increase their ability to attract and
educate more American talent into the research and technical
workforce.
While I am certainly supportive of bringing the best, the
brightest minds of this country to this research, I am
sensitive that we are failing to develop our own talent within
our nation's borders by providing American students
opportunities for a better education, and by encouraging them
to pursue research careers, we will all benefit. When diversity
prevails in our science and engineering workforce, we all win.
So I thank my colleagues for considering this amendment and
urge its support. I yield back the balance of my time.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Johnson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson
Thank you, Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall, and fellow
Members, for considering my amendment to H.R. 1145, the National Water
Research and Development Initiative Act.
This bill is of great interest to me, as I serve as Chair of the
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, within the
Transportation Committee.
This amendment pertains to the interagency committee, outlined
beginning on page 2 of the legislation.
As you know, this committee is tasked with developing a National
Water Research and Assessment Plan, to coordinate federal research
activities regarding water.
In defining the functions of the interagency committee, my
amendment adds another function: to provide guidance on outreach to
minority serving institutions, to encourage them to apply for funding
opportunities specified in the plan.
It is my belief that these colleges and universities are
disadvantaged when it comes to applying for, and winning, federal
science research funding.
Often, they are too small to overcome the hurdle of navigating the
maze of red tape to find out about such funding.
My amendment levels the playing field, by emphasizing the inclusion
of minority serving institutions, when it comes to research grant
funding.
As you know, Mr. Chairman, broadening participation in the sciences
is a long-time interest of mine. Our current workforce lacks diversity.
I do believe that we must work harder to encourage minority serving
institutions to take advantage of federal science research and
education grants.
Doings so will increase their ability to attract and educate more
American talent into the research and technical workforce.
While I am certainly supportive of bringing the world's best,
brightest minds to this country to do research, I am sensitive that we
are failing to develop our own talent, from within our nation's
borders.
By providing American students opportunities for a better
education, and by encouraging them to pursue research careers, we will
all benefit.
When diversity prevails in our science and engineering workforce,
we all win.
I thank my colleagues for considering this amendment and yield back
the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Johnson for your good
amendment. Is there further discussion on the amendment. If no,
the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say aye, opposed
no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The fourth amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentlelady from Maryland, Ms. Edwards. Are you ready
with your amendment?
Ms. Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment at
the desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 131
offered by Ms. Edwards of Maryland.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. I recognize the
gentlelady for five minutes to explain her amendment.
Ms. Edwards. Thank you, Mr. Chair. This is a pretty
straightforward amendment to encourage cooperation among the
federal agencies, State and local governments and tribal
governments to develop a standard method for collecting
managing, and disseminating data on water so that all levels of
government have a unified standard when handling this important
information. Too often we receive reports here in the Congress
and agencies with competing or comparable overlapping
jurisdiction, and it is like comparing apples to oranges. And
the goal of this amendment is that the data that we collect
will enable us to compare apples to apples in terms of setting
water policy in the future. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I yield
the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Edwards, again for a very good
amendment. Is there further discussion? If no, the vote is on
the amendment. All in favor say aye, opposed no. The ayes have
it. The amendment is agreed to.
The fifth amendment on the roster is an amendment by Mr.
Rohrabacher of which Mr. Hall is going to attempt to explain.
Are you ready to begin?
Mr. Hall. I am. I have an amendment at the desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 120,
offered by Mr. Rohrabacher of California.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. Mr. Hall, I was going
to say you are stepping into big shoes. I don't know if they
are big shoes, but they are different shoes anyway, and so you
are recognized for five minutes.
Mr. Hall. Are you saying Rohrabacher is different?
Chair Gordon. I welcome your remarks.
Mr. Hall. This amendment would require federal agencies
involved in research and development of water efficient
technologies to identify barriers to the deployment of these
technologies, and we don't want to hold back development to be
forced to ``reinvent the wheel'' because of government red
tape. Half of the battle is won by encouraging agencies to
recognize these barriers and amend their regulations to allow
for the efficient implementation of new technologies. A report
to Congress allows us to take decisive action where needed and
to take it when needed to assist the agencies in eliminating
these barriers. And I urge my colleagues to support this
amendment. I would rather not have any questions about it, and
I yield back my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Rohrabacher follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Dana Rohrabacher
Mr. Chairman, the amendment I am offering is a small change with
potentially large consequences. It simply directs this new interagency
committee to identify, and report to us, the statutory and regulatory
barriers that reduce water availability. By knowing these barriers, we
can then act to reduce them.
In my District, in Long Beach, California, we are working to get a
desalinization plant up and running, and we just had to clear hurdle
after hurdle after hurdle. We have a small demonstrator plant up and
running and we plan to go full-scale within the next few years. But
there have been so many barriers to even get this far.
These barriers exist and some of them are necessary, but some of
them are not. We need to identify what barriers exist across the
country and fix those that we don't need. You will not find a Member of
Congress more dedicated to protecting our oceans than me. I can often
be found with my surfboard conducting my own research into our water
resources. But we have a huge ocean just sitting there, and we're
trying to find low-cost, low-impact, low-energy solutions so that we
can use that water.
Some of the environmental regulations, in theory meant to protect
us, are actually hindering us. They are hurting our ability to promote
sustainable technologies. They are hurting local environmental
protection efforts. We are not, in many cases, able to buy off-the-
shelf technology that is available in other countries. We are
prohibited from using many of these water technologies here due to
regulatory barriers.
Another example, outside of water, is we have dozens of solar
energy projects in Southern California that are on hold because they
refuse to perform the environmental assessments. I am certain there are
many instances like this, instances where safe, clean and affordable
water is not available because of certain barriers. Regulations that
don't make sense. Laws that never should have been enacted in the first
place.
And that's why I offer this amendment today. And that's why I urge
my colleagues to support this amendment, a small change that can be a
big help.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
This amendment would require federal agencies involved in research
and development of water efficient technologies to identify barriers to
the deployment of these technologies. We do not want to hold back
development or be forced to ``reinvent the wheel'' because of
government red-tape.
Half the battle is won by encouraging agencies to recognize these
barriers and amend their regulations to allow for the efficient
implementation of new technologies. A report to Congress allows us to
take decisive action where needed to assist the agencies in eliminating
these barriers.
I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and yield back the
balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Is there further discussion on the amendment?
Mr. Bilbray. Mr. Chair?
Chair Gordon. Mr. Bilbray.
Mr. Bilbray. I regretfully have to say that, you know, no
matter now much I hate to do it, I have to agree with Mr.
Rohrabacher on this point. And I think that he has finally got
an issue that I can agree with him on and that is that we have
a responsibility to make sure that our regulations, our
guidelines, our administration doesn't stand in the way, and I
think this is consistent with the fact that the government's
participation in innovative approaches and new approaches is
not just to require other people to change their ways but also
to make sure that our historical and traditional approaches
don't stand in the way, either. And so I regretfully have to
support the amendment.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Bilbray. As Mr. Davis knows,
even a blind squirrel occasionally finds an acorn. Is there
further discussion on the amendment? If no, the vote occurs on
the amendment. All in favor say aye, those opposed say no. The
ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The sixth amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentleman from Utah, Mr. Matheson. Are you ready with
your amendment?
Mr. Matheson. Yes, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 018,
offered by Mr. Matheson of Utah.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. I recognize the
gentleman for five minutes to explain his amendment.
Mr. Matheson. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. I got the idea
for this amendment talking to folks in my state's Rural Water
Association, and I think all of us are probably familiar with
in our states the Rural Water Association. They are interesting
organizations. They try to coordinate among a bunch of very
small users where there is no expertise in small towns, and
they share information about good water practices. And I know
in my own state that that association has made a lot of
progress in terms of looking for best practices and sharing
information.
And so the idea was, you know, there are probably a lot of
good ideas all over the country. Is there a way for us to share
this information with each other? And quite frankly, that is
the substance of this amendment, is allowing an opportunity for
good practices in different regions of the country to be
coordinated in a way where other people can learn from those
ideas about being more efficient and more productive with their
water use. It seems like a real simple amendment, Mr. Chair. I
won't use all five minutes to describe it because I think that
pretty much sums it up. So with that, I will yield back to the
Chair.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Matheson, for once again your
value added. Is there further discussion on the amendment? If
no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor say aye,
opposed no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The seventh amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentlelady from Arizona, Ms. Giffords. Are you ready to
proceed?
Ms. Giffords. Yes, Mr. Chair. I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 117
offered by Ms. Giffords of Arizona, Ms. Dahlkemper of
Pennsylvania, and Mr. Grayson of Florida.
Chair Gordon. So I see you have some reinforcement here. I
ask unanimous consent to dispense with the reading. Without
objection, so ordered. I recognize the gentlelady for five
minutes to explain her amendment.
Ms. Giffords. Thank you, Mr. Chair. The underlining bill,
H.R. 1145, establishes an interagency committee to coordinate
Federal Water Research and Development and a National Water
Research and Assessment Plan. Section 2, paragraph D of the
bill directs participating federal agencies to work toward
specific research outcomes under that plan.
The amendment, Mr. Chair, that we are offering today,
myself along with my colleagues Representative Grayson and
Representative Dahlkemper, would expand and clarify the
research goal of developing new technologies to enhance
reliable water supply. The amendment would clarify that this
goal also encompasses water reuse and pollution prevention. In
addition, the amendment would add a new provision to the list
of research goals. It would direct participating federal
agencies to develop innovative technologies and tools to
enhance water quality, including advanced water treatment and
water purification technologies.
Mr. Chair, as you well know, I am from a very arid corner
of the world. In the deserts of southern Arizona, water is
scarce. We know that we can never take it for granted. But in
recent years, this realization has also hit home with many
other regions of our country as well as drought conditions and
aquifer depletion have struck in regions unaccustomed to such
developments. As a result, Americans all across our nation now
realize as ever before that we must take every drop of water
into account.
This amendment would ensure that we do exactly that. I
would direct the federal water research efforts to include
efforts to expand supply and enhance quality. The goal of both
of these provisions is to ensure that we develop the
technologies we need to take advantage of every source of water
available to us.
This amendment, Mr. Chair, comes from the testimony of two
expert witnesses that came before this committee on March 4,
Ms. Nancy Stoner of the Natural Resource Defense Council, also
Ms. Christine Furstoss of the Water and Process Technologies
division at GE. Both witnesses recommended including advanced
water treatment, pollution prevention, and water reuse
technologies in the scope of the bill. This amendment
incorporates the common-sense recommendations of these two
expert witnesses to ensure that water supply and quality are
fully addressed, and I urge my colleagues to support this
amendment. I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Giffords follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Gabrielle Giffords
The underlying bill, H.R. 1145, establishes an interagency
committee to coordinate federal water research and develop a national
Water Research and Assessment Plan. Section 2, Paragraph (d) of the
bill directs participating federal agencies to work toward specific
research outcomes under that plan.
The amendment I am offering today, along with my colleagues
Representatives Grayson and Dahlkemper, would expand and clarify the
research goal of developing of new technologies to enhance reliable
water supply. The amendment would clarify that this goal also
encompasses ``water reuse and pollution prevention.''
In addition, the amendment would add a new provision to the list of
research goals. It would direct participating federal agencies to
``develop innovative technologies and tools to enhance water quality,
including advanced water treatment and water purification
technologies.''
Mr. Chairman, as you know I come from an arid corner of the world.
In the deserts of Southern Arizona, water is scarce and we know we can
never take it for granted. In recent years, this realization has hit
home in many other regions of our country as well, as drought
conditions and aquifer depletion have struck in regions unaccustomed to
such developments. As a result, Americans all across our nation now
realize, as never before, that we must make every drop of water count.
This amendment would ensure that we do exactly that. It would
direct that federal water research efforts include efforts to expand
supply and enhance quality. The goal of both of these provisions is to
ensure that we develop the technologies we need to take advantage of
every source of water available to us.
This amendment builds on the testimony of two expert witnesses who
testified at our full committee hearing on this bill on March 4. Ms.
Nancy Stoner--of the Natural Resources Defense Council--recommended the
expansion of the research goals to include the impacts of climate
change on water resources, advanced treatment options, and pollution
prevention technologies. Ms. Christine Furstoss--of the Water and
Process Technologies Division at GE--spoke in favor of water
purification and reuse. Both witnesses recommended including advanced
water treatment, pollution prevention, and water reuse technologies in
the scope of the bill.
This amendment incorporates the common sense recommendations of
these two expert witnesses to ensure that water supply and quality are
fully addressed. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.
I yield back.
Chair Gordon. Is there any further discussion on the
amendment?
Ms. Dahlkemper. I would like to be recognized.
Chair Gordon. Ms. Dahlkemper is recognized.
Ms. Dahlkemper. Thank you, Mr. Chair. As Representative
Giffords talked about, this amendment is something that
Representative Grayson and myself are supporting also. I come
from the Great Lakes area where we have plentiful water, but we
all know that water is critical for households as well as for
Congress, and we share a common goal, no matter where we are in
this country, that our water resources be both abundant and of
high quality.
However, the likelihood of either of those requirements
being met is jeopardized without the nationwide water planning
that this bill contemplates. I am not only pleased to sponsor
this legislation, but I am also pleased to join with
Representatives Giffords and Grayson to offer an amendment to
the bill which advocates development of technologies for water
treatment, purification, pollution prevention, as well as water
reuse, all of which play key roles in the future management of
our important water resources. I thank you, and I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Dahlkemper follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Kathleen Dahlkemper
Chairman Gordon, Ranking Member Hall and Fellow Members,
The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009
is a timely bill which takes strong steps to see that we make better
use of our water resources. And I applaud Chairman Gordon for his
leadership in this important initiative.
Water is as critical for households as it is for commerce. And we
all share a common need that our water resources be both abundant and
of high quality. However, the likelihood of either of those
requirements being met is jeopardized without the nationwide water
planning that this bill contemplates.
I am not only pleased to sponsor this legislation, I am also
pleased to join with Representatives Giffords and Grayson to offer an
amendment to the bill which advocates development of technologies for
water treatment, purification, pollution prevention as well as water
reuse--all of which will play key roles in the future management of our
important water resources.
Thank you.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Dahlkemper, for your support
and more importantly for your again value added to this bill.
Mr. Grayson is recognized.
Mr. Grayson. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am asking for support
of this amendment to expand research and activities around the
issue of water reclamation and recycling and conservation. In
my district, the city of Winter Garden maintains a reclaimed
water storage and pumping facility because the conservation of
potable water supply has become a major concern in Central
Florida. An increase in groundwater withdrawals has resulted in
the St. Johns River Water Management District placing serious
restrictions on groundwater supplies. Reclaimed water is now
routinely used for irrigation water and is a requirement of
local municipalities by their consumptive use permit regulated
by State management districts.
Creating this facility has cost a tiny community of only
3,000 people upwards of $11 million. This amendment will
enhance the development of innovative technology and tools to
enhance water quality, including advanced water treatment and
water purification technologies, to prevent pollution, and to
augment water reuse capabilities.
In conclusion, if our federal dollars are redirected to
assist small communities like Winter Garden in my district, I
think it would be the right path toward making our dollars work
best for American taxpayers. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Grayson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Alan Grayson
Mr. Chairman, I'm asking for support of the Giffords-Dahlkemper-
Grayson amendment to expand research and activities around the issue of
water reclamation and recycling, and conservation.
In my district, the City of Winter Garden maintains a Reclaimed
Water Storage and Pumping Facility, because the conservation of potable
water supplies has become a major concern in Central Florida. An
increase in groundwater withdrawals has resulted in the St. Johns River
Water Management District placing restrictions on groundwater supplies.
Reclaimed water is now routinely used for irrigation water and is a
requirement of local municipalities by their Consumptive Use Permit
regulated by the water management districts. Creating this facility has
cost this small community of approximately 3,000 upwards of $11
million.
This amendment will enhance the development of innovative
technologies and tools to enhance water quality, including advanced
water treatment and water purification technologies to prevent
pollution and augment water reuse capabilities.
In conclusion, if our federal dollars were redirected to assist
small communities like Winter Garden, I think we would be on the right
path towards making our dollars work best for American taxpayers.
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I ask my colleagues to support this
amendment and I yield back the balance of my time.
Chair Gordon. Thank you. Ms. Biggert is recognized.
Ms. Biggert. Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I do support this
amendment, but if I might take the opportunity at this time to
thank you for in H.R. 1580 for working with me and putting into
the manager's amendment the change in the term from waste to
scrap, I appreciate that. And I would ask consent to put my
statement into the record.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Biggert. You helped us move it
to a sort of new generation of thinking, and that was good.
Thank you.
Further discussion on this amendment? If not, the vote
occurs on the amendment. All in favor say aye, opposed no. The
ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The eighth amendment on the roster is an amendment offered
by the gentleman from New York, Mr. Tonko. You are recognized
for your amendment.
Mr. Tonko. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.
Chair Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 1145, amendment number 002,
offered by Mr. Tonko of New York.
Chair Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered. Mr. Tonko is recognized
for five minutes.
Mr. Tonko. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. Hall, Members of the
Committee. On March 4, the Science and Technology Committee
held a hearing to receive testimony on H.R. 1145. My amendment
addresses two suggestions made at that hearing. First, Mr.
Modzelewski, Executive Director of the Water Innovations
Alliance, discussed the need for federal research related to
water information technology. He estimated that even with
current filtration systems, effective water IT infrastructure
and management could lead to water savings of some 30 to 50
percent. He referred to this concept as a National Smart Water
Grid, and I think it is an approach worth exploring considering
the estimated impact on water resources. My amendment adds this
topic to the list of research areas that will be undertaken
through the initiative.
Second, witnesses discussed barriers to moving innovative
technologies out of the lab and into the marketplace. Mr.
Modzelewski provided one possible solution to overcoming
barriers to commercialization. He recommended the creation of a
National Water Pilot Testing Facility. Various federal testing
facilities exist for other emerging technologies. For example,
the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab has an
on-site facility for testing the durability of wind turbines,
and the Bureau of Reclamation has a desalination testing
facility in Yuma, Arizona. A facility such as this may in fact
be an important asset to the research community. However, I do
not believe we have sufficient information to authorize a
facility of this nature at present. Therefore, my amendment
tasks the Government Accountability Office with investigating
the feasibility and practicality of creating a National Water
Pilot Testing Facility. The GAO team will then report its
findings to Congress so that we can determine the best path
forward.
Mr. Chair, I want to thank you for your leadership on H.R.
1145, and I ask my colleagues to support this given amendment.
And Mr. Chair, I then yield back my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Tonko follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Paul D. Tonko
On March 4, the Science and Technology Committee held a hearing to
receive testimony on H.R. 1145. My amendment addresses two suggestions
made at this hearing.
First, Mr. Modzelewski, Executive Director of the Water Innovations
Alliance, discussed the need for federal research related to water
information technology (IT). He estimated that even with current
filtration systems, effective water IT infrastructure and management
could lead to water savings of 30 to 50 percent. He referred to this
concept as a national smart water grid, and I think it is an approach
worth exploring considering the estimated impact on water resources. My
amendment adds this topic to the list of research areas that will be
undertaken through the Initiative.
Second, witnesses discussed barriers to moving innovative
technologies out of the lab and into the market place. Mr. Modzelewski
provided one possible solution to overcoming barriers to
commercialization. He recommended the creation of a National Water
Pilot Testing Facility.
Various federal testing facilities exist for other emerging
technologies. For example, The Department of Energy's National
Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) has an on-site facility for testing the
durability of wind turbines, and the Bureau of Reclamation has a
desalination testing facility in Yuma, Arizona.
A facility such as this may, in fact be an important asset to the
research community. However, I do not believe we have sufficient
information to authorize a facility of this nature at present.
Therefore, my amendment tasks the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) with investigating the feasibility and practicality of creating a
National Water Pilot Testing Facility. The GAO team will then report
their findings to Congress, so that we can determine the best path
forward.
I want to thank the Chairman for his leadership on H.R. 1145, and I
ask my colleagues to support my amendment.
Chair Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Tonko, for making a good bill
even better. Is there further discussion on that amendment? If
no, all in favor say aye. The ayes have it. The amendment is
agreed to. Excuse me. Does anyone want to say no? If no, then
the ayes have it.
Are there other amendments? If no, then the vote is on the
bill, H.R. 1145 as amended. All those in favor will say aye,
all those opposed say, no. In the opinion of the Chair, the
ayes have it.
Before I recognize Dr. Baird, let me just quickly say thank
you to all those that have participated today, and let me also
say particularly for our newer Members, although today went
relatively smoothly, it wasn't because these were
inconsequential bills. Just to the contrary. They are very
important bills, there was a lot of work put into it, a lot of
consultation with the Minority, a variety of hearings
beforehand, and I think because of that it does go smoothly.
I want to also remind you that if you have not co-sponsored
the bills, you will have two weeks to do so. I would suggest if
you want to, do it and go home and tell them it is your bill
because they are two good one.
I now recognize Dr. Baird for a motion.
Mr. Baird. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee favorably
report H.R. 1145 as amended to the House with the
recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that
the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and
make necessary technical and conforming changes and that the
Chair take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the
House for consideration.
Chair Gordon. The question is on the motion to report the
bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion signify by saying
aye, opposed, no. The ayes have it, and the bill is favorably
reported. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid
upon the table. Members will have two subsequent calendar days
in which to submit supplemental, Minority, or additional views
on the measure.
Once again, I thank our Members for being here, and this
markup is concluded.
[Whereupon, at 11:15 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
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H.R. 1145, Section-by-Section Analysis, Amendment Roster
Section-by-Section Analysis of
H.R. 1145, National Water Research and
Development Initiative Act
Title: National Water Research and Development Initiative Act
Purpose: To improve the Federal Government's role in water research,
development, demonstration, data collection, education, and technology
transfer activities to address changes in water use, supply, and demand
in the United States.
Section 1: Short Title
The National Water Research and Development Initiative Act of 2009
Section 2: National Water Research and Development Initiative
Section 2 directs the President to implement a National Water
Research and Development Initiative to improve federal activities on
water, including: research, development, demonstration, data collection
and dissemination, education, and technology transfer. As part of the
Initiative, the President shall establish or designate an interagency
committee with representation from all federal agencies dealing with
water and the Office of Management and Budget. The Office of Science
and Technology Policy will chair the Committee.
The Committee is charged with developing a National Water
Availability Research and Assessment Plan, coordinating all federal
activities on water that include research, development, demonstration,
data collection and dissemination, education, and technology transfer,
and promoting cooperation among agencies with respect to water
research. The Committee is also responsible for facilitating technology
transfer, communication, and opportunities for exchange with non-
governmental organizations.
The President is directed to create a National Water Initiative
Coordination Office to provide technical and administrative support to
the Committee. The Office will disseminate information to the public
and serve as a point of contact for the Initiative.
The National Water Research and Assessment Plan establishes
priorities for federal water research and assessment and shall utilize
the recommendation from a 2007 Report issued by SWAQ (Subcommittee on
Water Availability and Quality of the National Science and Technology
Council) and recommendations by the National Academy of Sciences. This
section also identifies required elements of the Plan. The Plan lists a
number of water research outcomes to be achieved by the agencies
participating in the Initiative.
The Plan will be subject to a 90 day public comment period and must
be submitted to Congress within one year of enactment.
Section 2 also requires the President to establish or designate an
advisory committee including non-governmental experts to provide
guidance and recommendations to the interagency committee governing the
Initiative.
Section 3: Budget Coordination
Section 3 directs the President to provide guidance to each federal
agency in the Initiative with respect to the President's annual budget
request. The President is required to describe and list the items in
the request that are intended to achieve the outcomes of the Plan.
Section 4: Annual Report
Section 4 directs the President submit an annual report to Congress
describing the activities and results of the Initiative.