The Senate this week is scheduled to take up a broad energy bill that includes provisions calling for research and development related to the energy-water nexus, and a new pilot program to boost the energy efficiency of water systems.
Set for debate on Tuesday, the “Energy Policy Modernization Act” (S. 2012) would make broad reforms to energy laws, with a focus on promoting the development of fossil fuels. But the bill also would create an interagency committee tasked with coordinating federal energy-water nexus research and development activities and issuing a strategic plan describing the government’s priorities and objectives in this area. Additionally, the bill would create a “Smart Energy and Water Efficiency Pilot Program” to offer grants to communities and utilities to implement “innovative and unique processes” to boost the energy efficiency of water treatment systems.
Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, lawmakers will consider legislation requiring the Treasury Department to increase public reporting on the status of the national debt.