H.R. 7129In markupEnvironment & energy
Bill would raise water power research funding to $300 million yearly
Data as of July 11, 2026
HR 7129 would boost federal hydropower and marine energy research funding to $300 million a year from 2026-2030.45-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
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
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- House committee — You are here
- House vote
- Senate
- President's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
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Official title
Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act
- Introduced:
- January 16, 2026
- Latest action:
- May 20, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
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