Bill · H.R. 7129· House(119-HR-7129)
Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act
- Introduced
- 1/16/2026
- Last activity
- 5/20/2026 — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- Sponsored by
- Suzanne Bonamici
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
What this bill would do
The Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act seeks to amend the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This bill focuses on reauthorizing various water power research, development, demonstration, and commercial application activities. It updates requirements for both hydropower and marine energy technologies. The legislation also includes provisions for workforce development and training. Additionally, it adjusts funding levels for upcoming fiscal years.
Yes· 3 of 14
Does this put more money into scientific research?+8
The bill increases funding for water power, marine energy, and hydropower research and development.
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?+7
The bill significantly increases authorized funding for hydropower and marine energy research and development.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically mentions collaborating with Tribal entities and Alaska Native Corporations.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Manufacturing and Job Growth: The bill aims to advance scalable, United States-based manufacturing of marine energy components through partnerships with industry and universities (Section 2, paragraph 1B).
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Workforce Development: There is a focus on supporting workforce development programs, training, student-led research, and education to grow the next generation of professionals in both the hydropower and marine energy sectors (Section 2, paragraph 2, subparagraph I; and Section 2, paragraph 4, subparagraph iv).
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Community Resilience: The bill supports the generation and storage of power to promote the resilience of waterside communities and critical infrastructure (Section 2, paragraph 3, subparagraph H, ii).
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Environmental and Economic Assessment: The bill directs studies to improve the hydropower licensing process by assessing a full range of potential environmental and economic impacts (Section 2, paragraph 2, subparagraph C).
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Increased Funding: The bill increases authorized funding to $300,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 (Section 2, paragraph 6).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Native Americans+5Good For Students+5Good For Business Owners+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Rural Residents+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Increases Renewable Energy Investment+7Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3Improves Public Transit+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+8Improves College Affordability+2
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2
- 5/20/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 1/16/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Nicholas BegichRepublican · Alaska