Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act
Summary
S. 3684 would renew and modernize the Department of Energy's water power research programs under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The bill would support research and development in hydropower, pumped storage, and marine energy technologies including wave, tidal, and current-based power systems. It would increase funding authorization from $186.6 million to $300 million for the 2026-2030 period and establish National Marine Energy Centers with access to regional test sites. The legislation would also expand workforce development initiatives, including educational programs, student research fellowships, and training in water power technologies, with particular emphasis on partnerships with tribal colleges and minority-serving institutions. The bill currently is under consideration by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
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