Bill would raise water power research funding to $300 million yearly

What does this do?

HR 7129 renews and expands a 2007 federal research program for hydropower and marine energy, raising annual funding from $186.6 million to $300 million for 2026 through 2030. It adds new priorities such as domestic manufacturing, cybersecurity for dams, extreme-condition technology, and workforce training partnerships. It also broadens the criteria for selecting National Marine Energy Centers and changes DOE's congressional reporting from annual to every two years.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects the Department of Energy, national research labs, universities, and renewable energy companies. It could also affect coastal and river communities, tribal nations, and energy sector workers.

Why does it matter?

The changes would redirect research priorities toward manufacturing, cybersecurity, and workforce development, and reduce the frequency of DOE's progress reports to Congress.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $300M per year, 2026-2030
• up from $186.6M annually
• $200M marine, $100M hydropower