S-2799 : Still Just a Bill

Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability Act of 2019 or the NEWS Act of 2019

This bill establishes requirements concerning the energy-water nexus, which means the links between (1) the water needed to produce fuels, electricity, and other forms of energy; and (2) the energy needed to transport, reclaim, and treat water and wastewater.

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of the Energy (DOE) and the Department of the Interior to establish a joint Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (NEWS) Office and Interagency Coordination Committee on NEWS to plan for and coordinate energy-water nexus research, development, and demonstration activities.

In addition, DOE must establish and carry out a smart energy and water efficiency management pilot program. Under the program, DOE must award grants to water authorities (i.e., authorities that provide water, wastewater, or water reuse services) for demonstrating unique, advanced, or innovative technology-based solutions that will

  • improve the net energy balance of water, wastewater, and water reuse systems;
  • support the implementation of innovative and unique processes and the installation of established, advanced automated systems that provide real-time data on energy and water; and
  • improve energy-water conservation and quality and predictive maintenance through technologies that utilize internet-connected technologies.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2020-01-07FloorBy Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 116-198.Senate
2019-12-17CalendarsPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 362.Senate
2019-12-17CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment. Without written report.Senate
2019-11-19CommitteeCommittee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.Senate
2019-11-06IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.Senate
2019-11-06IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Energy
See Subjects
  • Advanced technology and technological innovations
  • Congressional oversight
  • Department of Energy
  • Department of the Interior
  • Electric power generation and transmission
  • Energy efficiency and conservation
  • Energy research
  • Environmental technology
  • Executive agency funding and structure
  • Internet and video services
  • Internet, web applications, social media
  • Research administration and funding
  • Research and development
  • Solid waste and recycling
  • Water quality
  • Water use and supply

Related Bills

See Related Bills