WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today delivered the following opening statement at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on drought and the effect on energy and water management.

(Click for video of Murkowski’s opening statement) 

“Together, energy and water resources are the foundation of our nation’s economy and are essential to our nation’s future and international security.

“All forms of energy production, energy distribution, fuel extraction, and fuel refinement require water or affect water resources in some way. Every aspect of extraction, treatment, conveyance, and use of water, as well as the treatment of wastewater, is dependent on sufficient and reliable energy. Moreover, energy use by these systems is significant regionally, which is important to understand as we look at the implications of drought on a regional and local level.

“To improve the fundamental relationship between energy use and water use, we need a lot more information, both regarding water and energy. Specifically, I would like to:

• Identify all existing federal research authorities and activities that are currently authorized to address the interdependency of energy and water systems but are not actively doing so;

• Ensure that DOE, and the DOI have the authority to facilitate multi-agency efforts to develop energy and water interdependency R&D;

• Ensure that the DOE and DOI develop planning tools to avoid multi-use water conflicts and to ensure that energy and water interdependencies are coordinated.

• Authorize a coordinated research investment by multiple federal agencies in the development and implementation of certain energy-water technologies. These technologies should address the interdependency of energy and water systems and multi-purpose water and energy system planning. 

“It is my hope that we can proceed in the near future with legislation to address issues associated with water management and energy and fuel production.”

Archived video of the full hearing can be viewed at the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee website. 

###

Note: Please do not reply to this email. This mailbox is unattended.

For further information, please contact Robert Dillon or Megan Moskowitz.

Visit our website at http://www.energy.senate.gov/public/