Bonamici, Begich Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Water Power

WASHINGTON, DC [1/21/26] - Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and Nick Begich (R-AK) introduced bipartisan legislation to bolster water power technologies.

The Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act, H.R. 7129, would modernize the Department of Energy's (DOE) water power research, development, and demonstration programs, including for marine energy, pumped storage, and hydropower technologies. Bonamici led the last reauthorization of these programs in 2020, when it was signed into law with bipartisan support.

"Water power technologies have tremendous potential to provide cheaper, cleaner, and more resilient energy," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "This legislation will spur innovation to leverage the power of waves, tides, and currents to create opportunities for more Oregonians and Americans to benefit from this promising energy source."

"Hydropower has long been a proven part of America's baseload energy mix," said Congressman Nick Begich. "This legislation will support the development of next-generation hydropower and marine energy technologies that can provide long-duration storage and critical grid services. By continuing to invest in innovation and performance validation, we're ensuring water power remains a dependable solution that works for Alaska and helps build a more reliable energy grid nationwide. I'm proud to work across the aisle to advance energy policies that make sense for Alaska and for the nation."

The Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act would:

1. Reauthorize DOE's Water Power Technologies Office research, development, demonstration, and commercialization programs for hydropower, pumped storage, and marine energy
2. Strengthen grid reliability and resilience by advancing technologies that provide long-duration energy storage, ancillary services, and flexible generation
3. Improve environmental performance of water power systems through research on fisheries, water quality, sediment movement, and cumulative impacts
4. Support domestic manufacturing, advanced materials, and additive manufacturing for water power components and supply chains
5. Expand marine energy research for resilient coastal and riverside communities, microgrids, desalination, disaster recovery, and critical infrastructure
6. Sustain and expand National Marine Energy Centers as regional hubs for testing, demonstration, and workforce development
7. Promote collaboration among national laboratories, universities, industry, Tribes, and federal agencies
8. Authorize $300 million annually through FY2030 to support hydropower and marine energy innovation nationwide

Companion legislation, S. 3684, is led in the Senate by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

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