Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act

Sponsor: Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic-OR)January 16, 2026

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Introduced

In Committee

Passed One Chamber

Passed Both Chambers

Signed into Law

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.

Boosts funding for water energy research and job training programs across the U.S.

This bill would set aside more money for research into energy from water, like rivers and oceans. It aims to develop new technologies and train workers for jobs in hydropower and marine energy. This would help power communities and make energy systems stronger. The changes would update an existing law from 2007.

What Would Change

Today, federal programs support water power research and development with certain funding levels and specific areas of focus. If this bill becomes law, it would renew permission for these programs and increase the allowed funding to $300,000,000 annually for five government budget years, from 2026 to 2030. It would also expand the types of research and development activities, including new efforts in U.S. manufacturing, cybersecurity, and workforce training for water energy jobs.

Key Provisions

Would allow for $300,000,000 each year from the government's budget years 2026 to 2030 for water power research and development. This includes $200,000,000 for marine energy and $100,000,000 for hydropower.
Expands marine energy research to include developing U.S.-based manufacturing, producing hydrogen and other fuels, and powering remote communities and critical infrastructure.
Expands hydropower research to include improving cybersecurity, studying ways to make the licensing process better, and developing methods to assess and improve environmental impacts.
Requires the Secretary of Energy to coordinate with other federal agencies and programs, like the National Sea Grant College Program, to use existing ocean networks.
Supports workforce development programs, training, student-led research, and education activities to prepare people for jobs in hydropower and marine energy.

View on Congress.gov

HR 7129 · 119th Congress · January 16, 2026 · AI Summary by gemini-2.5-flash · 8/10

Lobbying Activity

5 filings mentioned this bill

Top Lobbying Clients

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

$40K

1 filing

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

2 filings

NATIONAL HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION

2 filings

Top Lobbying Firms

1.OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY2 filings

2.NATIONAL HYDROPOWER ASSOCIATION2 filings

3.LEWIS-BURKE ASSOCIATES, LLC1 filing

Amounts reflect total quarterly lobbying spend reported to the Senate, not bill-specific spending. Source: Senate LDA filings.