HR 1663 — Water Resources Research Amendments Act

Summary

Water Resources Research Amendments Act This bill amends the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 to: (1) declare that additional research is required into increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of new and existing treatment works through alternative approaches, including non-structural alternatives, decentralized approaches, energy use efficiency, water use efficiency, and actions to extract energy from wastewater; (2) require each water resources research and technology institute to arrange for research that fosters the exploration of new ideas that expand understanding of water resources (currently, of water-related phenomena); (3) direct the Department of the Interior to report to specified congressional committees annually on each institute's compliance with matching fund requirements and provisions permitting the use of funds only to reimburse direct cost expenditures incurred for the conduct of the water resources research program; and (4) authorize appropriations for such institutes through FY2023.

Bill Text

• Introduced Introduced in House Current html March 21, 2017

Compared against current U.S. Code AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends the Water Resources Research Act by updating grant authorizations, enhancing research priorities, and specifying reporting and evaluation requirements.

• 42 U.S.C. 10301

  (7) the Nation must provide programs to strengthen research and associated graduate education because the pool of scientists, engineers, and technicians trained in fields related to water resources constitutes an invaluable natural resource which should be increased, fully utilized, and regularly replenished; and → (7) additional research is required into increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of new and existing treatment works through alternative approaches, including-- (A) nonstructural alternatives; (B) decentralized approaches; (C) energy use efficiency; (D) water use efficiency; and (E) actions to extract energy from wastewater;

  This change adds a new research priority concerning innovative treatment methods and efficiencies, replacing a focus on training for the water resources workforce.

• 42 U.S.C. 10303(b)(1)

  water-related phenomena → water resources

  This change broadens the scope of research activities to focus more directly on water resources.

• 42 U.S.C. 10303(c)

  (c) From the → (c) Grants.-- (1) In general.--From the

  This change clarifies the structure of the grants section for better readability.

• 42 U.S.C. 10303(e)

  subsection (e) → (e) Evaluation of Water Resources Research Program.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a careful and detailed evaluation of each institute at least once every 3 years to determine-- (A) the quality and relevance of the water resources research of the institute; (B) the effectiveness of the institute at producing measured results and applied water supply research; and (C) whether the effectiveness of the institute as an institution for planning, conducting, and arranging for research warrants continued support under this section. (2) Prohibition on further support.--If, as a result of an evaluation under paragraph (1), the Secretary determines that an institute does not qualify for further support under this section, no further grants to the institute may be provided until the qualifications of the institute are reestablished to the satisfaction of the Secretary.

  This change modifies the evaluation timeline from every 5 years to every 3 years, enhancing the oversight of the institutes.

• 42 U.S.C. 10303(f)(1)

  $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011 → $7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023

  This change reduces the funding authorization, reflecting updated budgetary priorities for the specified years.

• 42 U.S.C. 10303(g)(1)

  $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011 → $1,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2023

  This change reduces the funding for interstate research problems, indicating a shift in fiscal capacity.

Action History

1. March 21, 2017

   Introduced in House

2. March 21, 2017

   Introduced in House

3. March 21, 2017

   Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

4. March 27, 2017

   Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans.

Sponsors

• Robert J. Wittman · Primary

Subjects