FY2020 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill Includes Funding Increases for Key Agencies

The House Appropriations Committee recently released the draft FY2020 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, which provides funding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and programs at the Department of the Interior and Department of Energy (DOE) amongst others.

“Funding innovative programs at the Department of Energy and the jobs that comes from them, shoring up our energy and water infrastructure to bolster trade, and promoting a comprehensive approach to the challenges of one of our most precious resources, fresh water, have been among my highest priorities as Chairwoman,” House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Chairwoman Marcy Kaptur said.

The bill grants DOE a total of $37.1 billion for FY20. This is a $1.4 billion increase from FY19, and $5.6 billion more than the President’s budget request. Among the budget items for DOE the bill provides $2.65 billion for the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). This is $273 million more than FY19 awarded levels, and $2.3billion more than the President’s request.

The bill grants the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) a total of $425 million, a $50 million increase over FY19 levels. The President’s budget request proposed the elimination of this program completely. The DOE Office of Science receives $6.87 billion, which is a $285 million increase over FY19 levels, and $1.3 billion more than the President’s request.

The bill provides $1.3 billion for Nuclear Energy, an increase of $494 million over the request. The funding invests in research, development, and demonstration activities that develop the next generation of clean and safe reactors, further improve the safety and economic viability of our current reactor fleet and contribute to the nation’s long-term leadership in the global nuclear power industry. Funding is included to begin interim storage activities for spent nuclear fuel.

To view the full text of the bill, click here:
https://appropriations.house.gov/sites/democrats.appropriations.house.gov/files/FY2020%20E%26W%20Sub%20Markup%20Draft.pdf