[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 1 (Thursday, January 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           ENERGY AND WATER RESEARCH INTEGRATION ACT OF 2019

                                  _____
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 3, 2019

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the 
Energy and Water Research Integration Act of 2019.
  I first want to thank my friend, Mr. Lucas, for joining me in 
introducing this legislation, which calls attention to the critical 
link between energy and water and instructs the Department of Energy to 
ensure due consideration of water issues in its research, development, 
and demonstration programs.
  As we all know, especially those of us who represent Texas, Oklahoma, 
and other southwestern and western states, water is a very valuable and 
at times rare commodity nowadays. We have experienced crippling 
droughts in recent years, so it is vital that we do as much as possible 
to use this commodity wisely. However, not many people are aware of the 
importance of water to energy generation and, similarly, the crucial 
role that energy plays in the delivery of safe, sanitary water to our 
constituents.
  The Energy and Water Research Integration Act is a proactive measure 
that takes into account recent studies produced by the Department of 
Energy and the Electric Power Research Institute, both of which have 
highlighted how closely connected energy production and water usage 
are. This bill encourages research into energy technologies that would 
improve and minimize the use of water in energy production, and also 
establishes a mechanism for federal agencies to work with state and 
local governments and other stakeholders to advance our understanding 
of what is known as the ``energy-water nexus.'' In addition, the bill 
requires a regularly updated strategic plan to guide these efforts. 
These provisions are important, positive steps towards using our 
limited resources in the most efficient and effective way possible.
  I would like to commend the Department of Energy for taking 
substantive action on this issue under the leadership of former 
Secretary Moniz and more recently under Secretary Perry. This bill will 
ensure that activities to address the energy-water nexus remain a 
priority within the Department, and provide additional tools to better 
guide these efforts well into the future.
  The legislation Mr. Lucas and I are introducing is a constructive, 
bipartisan measure and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. 
Working together, I hope that we can demonstrate a strong, sustained 
commitment to research and development in this vital area.

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