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); (B)coordinate all Federal research, development, demonstration, data collection and dissemination, education, and technology transfer activities pertaining to water; (C)ensure 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; and (D)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 through the office established in paragraph (4). (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 Committee shall consider and utilize recommendations and information 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

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. (4)Development of innovative technologies and tools to enhance water-use efficiency and tools to encourage public acceptance of such technologies. (5)Development of tools and processes to facilitate resolution of conflicts over water resources. (6)Improvement of understanding of water-related ecosystem services and ecosystem needs for water. (7)Improvement of hydrologic prediction models and their applications. (8)Analyses of the energy required to provide reliable water supplies and the water required to provide reliable energy supplies throughout the United States. (e)

Advisory Committee

The President shall establish, or designate, an advisory committee to advise the Interagency Committee established under subsection (b).