H.R. 3598 Energy and Water Research Integration Act

The United States faces two related problems, production of energy and water supplies. Most processes used for producing energy require large amounts of water. Pumping water from aquifers, treating water to remove contaminants, and moving water supplies from the source to the point of use requires energy. Some processes now promoted as environmentally sound such as ethanol production use a great deal of water. A recently introduced Senate bill addresses these issues.


H.R. 3598 gives the Secretary of Energy the authority to assess energy research, development, and demonstration projects of the Department of Energy to determine which ones should integrate water considerations. It would promote energy production technologies that would minimize freshwater withdrawal and consumption, increase water use efficiency, and increase use of nontraditional water sources. It would also take into account the effects of climate on water supply and examine the relationship between energy used to provide water supplies and the water required to produce energy.

The bill calls for interagency coordination to avoid duplication of efforts. It also requires that the Department of Energy consult and coordinate with nongovernmental entities such as research and academic institutions and industry that have expertise in energy and water issues.