Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act
Introduced January 16, 2026 · Last action May 20, 2026
Plain English Summary
This bill reauthorizes and expands the federal water power research program, increasing funding from $186.6 million to $300 million annually through 2030. It adds new research priorities including marine energy manufacturing, grid integration, workforce development, and extreme-weather marine systems testing.
Who benefits
Marine energy companies and hydropower developers seeking commercial advancement and cost reduction; U.S.-based composite and additive manufacturing firms; regional universities and tribal colleges receiving research funding and workforce development grants; maritime academies and higher education institutions; companies developing hydrogen and alternative fuel technologies; coastal communities and businesses near demonstration sites; workers and students entering hydropower and marine energy professions; technology firms specializing in grid integration, cybersecurity, and smart energy systems; desalination and aquaculture companies.
Who pays / loses
U.S. taxpayers who fund the $113.4 million annual increase in federal spending (from $186.6 million to $300 million); foreign marine energy manufacturers facing reduced competitiveness as U.S.-based production is prioritized; companies that previously performed hydropower research may compete for reauthorized funding under new priorities.
Fiscal note: $300 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, representing a $113.4 million annual increase over the prior authorization period (2021-2025).
Funding & Lobbying Interests
The bill benefits marine energy technology firms, composite and additive manufacturing companies, and hydropower developers who lobby for federal research investment. Universities receiving grants (particularly those with marine programs and in coastal regions with tidal resources) benefit from expanded workforce development and research funding. Companies developing grid integration technology, cybersecurity solutions, hydrogen production, desalination, and aquaculture systems gain from new research priorities. The sponsors (Rep. Bonamici, D-OR and Rep. Begich, D-AK) represent states with significant marine energy and hydropower potential. Sea grant institutions, maritime academies, and tribal colleges are direct beneficiaries of expanded workforce development funding.
Sponsor
Sponsor information not available.
Vote Record
No recorded votes.
Campaign Finance — Primary Sponsor
No campaign finance data available yet.
501(c)(4) disclosure: Contributions from 501(c)(4) "dark money" organizations are not required to be publicly disclosed and are not reflected in the figures above. Data sourced from FEC public disclosure filings.
Share this bill