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A comprehensive clean energy bill released by Senate Democrats on September 22 proposes the creation of a pilot program to help communities and water utilities plan and demonstrate innovative technologies to increase energy and water efficiency.

Authored by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) the “American Energy Innovation Act” includes a series of policies aimed at reducing U.S. carbon emissions, increasing clean energy development, and holding domestic carbon emissions to no more than two percent annually through 2025.  The bill was introduced in advance of Pope Francis’ address to Congress, where climate change was anticipated to be among the topics discussed.

The Smart Energy and Water Efficiency pilot program included in the bill closely resembles a proposal of the same name offered earlier this year by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) as H.R. 3143.  The pilot program would award between three and five grants to municipalities or water utilities that propose innovative technology-based solutions to increase the energy and water efficiency of water, wastewater, and water reuse systems.  Grant applications would be evaluated by the Energy Department, and projects would have to be completed within five years.  The bill would authorize $15 million to support the program.

Several other water-related programs are present throughout the overall legislation.  For example, one section of the bill would reauthorize the Desalination Act with a focus on researching technologies to reduce energy consumption, and another would formally authorize EPA’s WaterSense program to promote water efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, and services.

The energy legislation has no chance of advancing through the Republican-controlled Senate, but Democrats have suggested the bill could serve as a template for the type of comprehensive energy measure the party would prioritize if it takes back control of the chamber following the 2016 elections.