▶ 0:12:12Good morning. The committee on science, space, and technology will now come to Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare recesses of the committee at any time. Pursuant to committee rule 2F and the House rule 11, recorded votes may be postponed.
▶ 0:12:31Today, we meet to consider HR 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026, HR 8790, the Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act, and HR the Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. Good morning and thank you all for being here for today's markup.
▶ 0:13:01This morning, the committee will consider three pieces of legislation focusing on advancing American research, innovation, infrastructure, and energy capabilities that are critical to our nation's future. First, we will consider the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. This legislation reauthorizes and modernizes Department of Transportation Research and Technology programs through fiscal year 2031.
▶ 0:13:28The bill addresses a broad range of transportation research priorities, including transportation statistics, university transportation research programs, rail safety research, reclaimed asphalt materials, and emerging roadway safety issues such as highintensity LED headlamps.
▶ 0:13:49It also works to improve coordination of transportation data and research activities across the department to help ensure more efficient and effective use of federal resources. Reliable transportation systems are essential to economic growth, public safety, and movement of people and goods across the country. Continued in investment in research and development helps ensure the United States remains prepared to meet the transportation challenges of the future.
▶ 0:14:19Next, the committee will consider the next generation geothermal research and development act. This bill builds on the Department of Energy's existing geothermal research efforts to support next generation geothermal technologies, including enhanced geothermal systems, closed loop geothermal systems, and supercritical geothermal energy.
▶ 0:14:42Geothermal energy has the potential to provide reliable Americanmade base load power in regions of the country where ge uh traditional geothermal development was once thought impossible. Advancements in drilling, subsurface mapping, and related research are creating new opportunities to expand this energy source while reinforcing domestic energy production and supporting critical mineral development.
▶ 0:15:09This legislation also improves coordination of geothermal research and data activities across the federal government, supports commercialization efforts, and promotes collaboration between the department of energy, national labs, universities, and the private sector. Finally, we will consider the water power research and development reauthorization act. This legislation reauthorizes research and development activities related to hydro power and marine energy technologies.
▶ 0:15:37The bill includes updates related to workforce development, advanced manufacturing, grid resilience, marine energy research, and hydropower operations. It also seeks to improve coordination between federal agencies, universities, industries, and regional research centers to support continued innovation and water power technologies.
▶ 0:15:59Taken together, these bills reflect the broad scope of this committee's jurisdiction and our responsibility to support scientific research and technological advancement uh that strengthen America's e economy, infrastructure, energy systems, and long-term competitiveness.
▶ 0:16:18I want to say how much I appreciate the bipartisan work that has gone into developing these measures and I welcome thoughtful amendments as we work to ensure each bill is as strong and effective as possible. And I would now like to recognize the ranking member for five minutes uh Miss Lorren for her opening
▶ 0:16:38Uh good morning chairman Babin and thank you for holding today's markup. I'd like to commend the chairman for his continued commitment to bipartisanship and I enthusiastically support all three bills before us today. I'm also happy to see the first Democratic member-led bill on the docket uh since June of last year.
▶ 0:16:57However, I do remain concerned about how few Democratic member bills have been brought up before the committee when we're now nearly 3/4 of the way through the 119th Congress. This is only the fourth Democratic member-led bill we are considering. Uh we have not enjoyed the same degree of reciprocity that has been the norm in this committee.
▶ 0:17:20I'm also concerned uh that many Democratic proposals have languished without feedback or co-sponsors when uh our staff and members have worked diligently and collaboratively all Congress to get good bipartisan agreement on most of the proposals that Republican members have sent our way for consideration. By my staff's estimate, at least seven draft bills have languished for a month or longer.
▶ 0:17:48Some of them all Congress, including uh some of my own bills. Many other bipartisan bills have been introduced, but not scheduled for Marco. So, I hope, Mr. Chairman, you can understand our frustration. Uh with that said, I will now move uh to discuss the bills before us. Uh the first bill of course is the surface transportation research and development act uh sponsored by representatives Fong and Sykes.
▶ 0:18:13Uh this bill authorizes surf surface transferation research development and demonstration programs at the department of transportation and represents the science committee's contribution to the larger surface transportation reauthorization being being led by the transportation and infrastructure committee.
▶ 0:18:33Uh specifically, the bill makes important updates to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, University Transportation Centers, the technology and innovation uh deployment program, and cooperative rail research programs. I also want to note that this bill will direct research into headlight brightness, an issue I think we can all agree is worth looking into. Uh there are a number of thoughtful and intelligent amendments on the roster that I plan uh to support, but be I move on.
▶ 0:19:02I would like to direct special thanks to a former tech fellow with the Democratic staff, Kevin Lee, who put a lot of time and effort into this bill. I would also like to note that the uh research into reuse of asphalt is a winwinwin. a win for uh the private sector that can more affordably uh pay with reused asphalt.
▶ 0:19:25a win for the environment because reuse of asphalt prevents dumping as well as uh re additional um generation of this and also when for localities who can spend less money and having research as to its viability will help everybody have certainty about moving forward. Uh the next bill on the roster is an expansion of one we originally considered last Congress.
▶ 0:19:53It's the next generation geothermal research development act uh sponsored by representatives herrian and selenus. The purpose of this bill is to unlock geothermal energy resources from geographic restraints and supercharge its potential output.
▶ 0:20:09Advances in advanced geothermal, closed loop geothermal and geothermal systems operating in superc critical conditions could result in geothermal technologies being deployed virtually anywhere in the United States, producing an estimated 90 gawatt of electricity. As compared with the current 16 gawatt worldwide, the possibilities are remarkable and the opportunity undeniable. The United States is facing twin crises of affordability and climate change.
▶ 0:20:38The proliferation of carbon-f free geothermal energy could be employed to ameliate this situation instead of blindly exacerbating it which seems to be uh the uh approach of the current administration. I want to thank representatives heran and Selenus for their collaborative efforts on this important bill. The last bill of course is the water power research and development reauthorization act uh sponsored by representatives Bonamichi and Begitch. Hydro power is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy.
▶ 0:21:08Uh uh in addition to providing carbon-f free electricity, it plays a critical role in providing lowcost energy, maintaining grid reliability and supporting energy storage. However, much of the nation's hydro power infrastructure is aging and emerging technologies such as marine energy and pump storage remain underdeveloped despite their significant potential to strengthen energy reliance and reliability.
▶ 0:21:33The bill provides updated guidance for DOE's research, development, demonstration, and commercialization programs in hydro power, marine energy, and pump storage technologies. I want to thank the sponsors for their leadership on this bill. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I thank you and yield back.
▶ 0:21:51Gentleoman yields back. Uh if other members are invited to submit opening statements into the record, I would allow I would like to now take a point of privilege uh and take just a moment to recognize the passing of our former uh member of this committee uh Mr. Bill Posey from Florida who represented the uh space coast of Florida for many many many years. He served on this committee uh for all those years as well.
▶ 0:22:21He was a dear friend. He was a mentor to me. Uh his wife Katie and my wife were a very very best of friends. And uh as a as a matter of fact, they lived right across the hall from us for the first four or five terms that I have served here in the house. And so you can imagine we were always borrowing from each other for milk or whatever.
▶ 0:22:45and I'll always cherish the time that we uh we spent with him, not only here in DC, but down in his his district as well. Uh he had a wonderful district. Uh everything he he represented there was what we're all about in this in this committee. He will be deeply missed and our prayers are with him and Katie and his two daughters and uh his his the rest of his family.
▶ 0:23:11So we uh we just want to uh uh just express our sense of [clears throat] loss in this this good man who sat right here for many years. So now we'll go on.
▶ 0:23:23Mr. Chairman, if I may just say thank you for bringing that to our attention and the committee Democrats join you in mourning his loss and thanking uh his family for allowing him to serve and be away from them for these many years as a very productive member of our committee. And with that we yield back.
▶ 0:23:40Yes, ma'am. Thank you so very much. Uh, okay. Consideration of HR 8748. Um, pursuant to notice, I now call up the Service Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. Uh, will the clerk report the bill?
▶ 0:24:01HR 8748 offered by Mr. Fong of
▶ 0:24:06Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point. Uh, does any member wish to be recognized to speak? Mr. Fong, you are now recognized. Gentleman from California.
▶ 0:24:18Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise today in strong support of my bill the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. I want to thank uh, Representative Sykes for her partnership. Uh, America's transportation system is entering a new era. From emerging vehicle technologies to growing infrastructure demands, the challenges we face are evolving rapidly. And Congress must ensure our policies evolve with them.
▶ 0:24:42If we want safer roads, stronger supply chains, and infrastructure built to last, we must invest in innovation, research, and better datadriven decision-making. This bipartisan legislation keeps the Department of Transportation focused on the future by reauthorizing critical research and development programs and improving coordination across the department's research, technology, and data initiatives. It strengthens partnerships with universities, researchers, and innovators to help develop smarter transportation solutions for the challenges ahead.
▶ 0:25:11The bill also addresses emerging safety concerns, including studying the impacts of new vehicle lighting technologies while advancing research into stronger, more durable road and rail materials that can better withstand the demands of the modern economy. America has always led the world by building, innovating, and investing in the future. This bill helps ensure our transportation system remains safe, resilient, and globally competitive for generations to come. I urge my colle colleagues to support this common sense forward-looking legislation and I yield back.
▶ 0:25:42yields. Now I'd like to recognize the gentleoman from Ohio, Miss Sykes.
▶ 0:25:46Thank you, Chairman Babin and ranking member for holding today's markup. I am pleased to be the Democratic co-lead for HR 8748, the Surface Transportation Research and Development Act of 2026. And I would also like to thank my co-lead, Representative Fong, for his partnership on this legislation. Everyday Americans across the nation depend on transportation infrastructure to get to school and work, essential goods and services, and connect with our friends and family.
▶ 0:26:13Whether we live in rural suburban or urban communities, whether we depend on a car or public transportation, we can all relate to the woes of outdated and aging transportation infrastructure. Even while we invest in repairing current infrastructure, we must also research in the development and research to innovate on the technologies and systems that will make transportation safer, more equitable, more efficient, and more sustain sustainable well into the future.
▶ 0:26:38And we must do so in partnership with state governments, universities, labor unions, the private sector, and the many other non-federal stakeholders in our transportation system. The Surface Transportation Research and Development Act authorizes the Department of Transportation surface transportation research development and demonstration programs through fiscal year 2031. The legislation supports long-term high-risisk renovation across many modes of surface transportation innovation.
▶ 0:27:05[clears throat] It ensures funding is available to all tiers of the university transportation centers program and other critical transportation and innovation programs. It addresses coordination and privacy challenges with data collection and statistical analysis conducted across the Department of Transportation. And it ensures we are tackling emerging opportunities and challenges in transportation, including the promotion of reclaimed pavement and headlight brightness.
▶ 0:27:30This legislation also takes important steps to advance safety across our transportation system, including uh and one that is especially important to me uh and the people of Ohio, and that is rail safety. It has been over three years since the tragic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and Congress has yet to pass a single reform or piece of legislation to address the concerns steamlining from this derailment. Although that might change this week, fingers crossed, at least in uh the transportation committee.
▶ 0:27:58HR8748 would take a small step forward by reauthorizing the rail cooperative research program which conducts applied research on problems important to freight inner city and comm community commuter rail operators. The bill directly this bill directs the research program to tackle the challenges related to freight rail safety and transportation of hazardous materials to prevent the next East Palestine tragedy before it happens.
▶ 0:28:24And from the many people who I have met on the ground in East Palestine, one of their primary concerns was making sure that their tragic issues were not done in vain and that we were doing what we could to prevent this from ever happening in another American city. So, I'm very grateful to be able to help deliver on that promise. While research is important, I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation.
▶ 0:28:45I call on my colleagues to continue to support passing broader rail safety reform, corporate accountability, and legislation to protect labor and public interest representation and safety decision-making. I have introduced the bipartisan legislation to address these issues and more, including the reducing accident in locomotive act, also known as the rail act, and welcome anyone who would like to join us in moving it forward.
▶ 0:29:09We are also considering the surface transportation and transportation infrastructure committee and I was pleased to see several provisions on rail safety included and I look forward to strengthening these in the transportation and infrastructure markup tomorrow. With respect to what we can achieve here on the science committee, I thank Representative Fog and chairman and ranking in the chairman and ranking member for working with me to ensure rail safety is included in this bill where we are that we are considering today.
▶ 0:29:35These and other investments in transportation research, development, and demonstration in this legislation are necessary to support a safe, resilient, equitable, and sustainable transportation future. As a member of both the science-based technology and transportation infrastructure committees, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both committees to advance the priorities outlined for this bill for transportation innovation.
▶ 0:29:57And finally, I'd like to thank my colleagues from both sides for your very thoughtful and thoughtful amendments that were that we will consider today that will only improve the underlying bill and the goals and purpose of this legislation. Thank you again and I hope that everyone is willing to support the amendments and the bill and I yield back.
▶ 0:30:17Gentleoman yields back. If there is no further discussion on the underlying bill, we will proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster. The first amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Obernoli of California. The clerk shall report Obernalty, amendment 066, amendment to HR 8748 offered by Mr. Obernulti of California.
▶ 0:30:40Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Obernoldi of California for 5 minutes to explain his amendment.
▶ 0:30:47Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman. We all know that electric vehicle technology is evolving extremely rapidly. But unfortunately, our safety protocols have not kept pace with this evolution. This poses a unique challenge to our first responders who are used to dealing with traditional combustion engine vehicles. For EVs, batteries are often damaged in accidents, which exposes the passengers and emergency personnel to hazardous chemicals, electric shocks, and battery fires.
▶ 0:31:15These fires are not only unusually hot, but they also can spontaneously reignite hours after they are extinguished. And I think every first responder has experienced that. EVs bring new opportunities from green transit to lowering emissions, but they also present new dangers for first responders to tackle. As more Americans transition to EVs, it is essential that we give firefighters and other emergency personnel the tools that they need to keep people out of harm's way.
▶ 0:31:46This amendment does just that. It takes the first steps for helping emergency responders prepare for EV fires by directing the Secretary of Transportation to establish the electric vehicle fire response working group to review and establish guidance and best practices for responding to electric vehicle fires.
▶ 0:32:04This multidisciplinary working group will be compo comprised of experts directly involved in roadside EV fire response including towing and towing and recovery professionals who are frequently directed to clear EVs from active roadways following fires or crashes, fire service and emergency response personnel including both career and volunteer responders.
▶ 0:32:26research, training, and standards organizations with expertise in EV fire risks and responses, federal safety agencies, and manufacturers of electric vehicles and EV batteries. The effort will represent a coordinated, expert-driven federal effort to improve roadside EV fire response, strengthen responder safety, and ensure that best practices keep pace with rapidly charge changing vehicle technologies amid increased EV adoption.
▶ 0:32:55As many of my colleagues know on this DIS, there is a lack of standard safety protocol for first responders when extinguishing electric vehicle fires, which creates unnecessary risk of injury and long-term health effects. Today, data and guidance on this topic is fragmented and inconsistent with best practices very widely uh varying across jurisdictions and lessons learned from incidents often not systematically shared between jurisdictions.
▶ 0:33:24Tow and recovery operators as well as first responders face heightened risks without consistent nationally informed guidance to ensure safe operations of the impacted vehicles. Congress can close these gaps by creating a central forum for collaboration, information sharing, and continuous improvement without imposing [snorts] mandates of new requirements on manufacturers, states, and local My amendment and the electric vehicle fire response working group will bring together the experts who are on the front
▶ 0:33:54lines from tow and recovery operators to first responders to develop clear consistent guidance that will keep them safe. By improving coordination and sharing best practices, we can better protect those who respond to these dangerous incidents while ensuring our infrastructure adapts to these new emerging technologies. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you, Mr. Chairman gentleman yields
▶ 0:34:19Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:34:21Uh I want to thank Mr. for his this is a good amendment. Electric vehicles have a lot of great benefits, but uh the roadside incidents involving vehicle fires are, as he's noted, very dangerous. And this amendment would establish a working group to support tracking those incidents and establish best practices and guidance.
▶ 0:34:40And this would really uh improve our understanding of the current state of roadside EV fires and enable us to more efficiently communicate about best practices to keep our emergency responders and the public safe. So we support this amendment. I encourage the committee to do so and I yield back.
▶ 0:34:58Gentlewoman yields back. [clears throat] Is there any further discussion on the If there is no further discussion on the amendment. The question is on adoption of Obernolulti amendment 066. All those in favor say I. I. All oppose say no. The opinion of the chair the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Riley of New York.
▶ 0:35:27The clerk shall report Riley, amendment 055.
▶ 0:35:31Amendment to HR 8748, offered by Mr. Riley of New York.
▶ 0:35:35Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Riley of New York for 5 minutes to explain his amendment.
▶ 0:35:42Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate it. Um, so NAFTA was a disaster across upstate New York and letting China into the WTO was one of the dumbest things the politicians ever did. And we saw it across my district as I was growing up. We had plants closed down, jobs shipped overseas where the labor uh was cheaper and the profits were higher.
▶ 0:36:06And when you hollow out an industrial base like that just to make a buck, it's no wonder that you start to fall behind adversaries like China. when it comes to our manufacturing capacity. So when I came to Congress, I said I'd work with anyone from any party to bring good manufacturing jobs home, which we need to do for national security and also to rebuild the middle class in this country. And that's what we're working to do in upstate New York.
▶ 0:36:31I was proud to work with some of my colleagues here across the aisle to restore funding for the manufacturing extension partnership, which provides support to small and midsize manufacturers. uh worked [snorts] across the aisle on the match act to stop exporting advanced uh semiconductors to China. [snorts] Uh recently worked with my colleagues across the aisle to secure $5 million in defense funding for Menllo's advanced power distribution systems for naval platforms, hoping we can bring some good manufacturing jobs to Tomkins County.
▶ 0:37:01And [snorts] earlier this month, I joined my neighbors at BAE at the Hiron campus in Endicott to cut the ribbon on a new state-of-the-art factory that is going to employ over 130 people in good paying jobs, making the most high-tech and cutting edge electric propulsion systems for transit and aviation. But to do this work well, we need a pipeline of trained workers.
▶ 0:37:24As transit agencies adopt electric propulsion systems, vehicle electrification, predictive maintenance technologies, and advanced cyber security tools, we need technicians and operators trained to maintain and operate these next generation fleets. BAE is already doing this with Bingmpington University and Boseies creating technical pipelines to prepare students for good jobs that need to be filled.
▶ 0:37:49And my amendment supports those efforts by directing the Federal Transit Administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to strengthen America's transit workforce and prepare workers for the technologies shaping the future of transit. FTA will look at how we can better leverage existing workforce development resources, including university transportation centers and public private training partnerships to build that talent pipeline.
▶ 0:38:15And [snorts] this amendment is especially important for smaller and rural transit systems so they can successfully deploy and maintain advanced transit technologies as well. So I urge all my colleagues uh to support this amendment so we can strengthen America's transit workforce. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:38:32Thank [clears throat] you. Gentleman yields back. Is there further discussion on this amendment? If there is no further discussion on the amendment, the question is on adoption of Riley amendment 055. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. Next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Sykes of Ohio. The clerk shall report Sykes, amendment 116.
▶ 0:39:00Amendment to HR 8748, offered by Miss Sykes of Ohio.
▶ 0:39:04Thank you. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Sykes of Ohio for five minutes to explain her
▶ 0:39:12Thank you, Mr. Chair. You may have heard the phrase that Ohio is the heart of it all, and our highway system highlights this perfectly. We are within a day's drive of 60% of the United States and Canadian populations. In 2022 alone, vehicles traveled more than 110,000 miles through Ohio, making us the seventh in the nation for miles traveled and number one in the Midwest.
▶ 0:39:34Whether it's coming home, coming to visit, enjoying a enjoying a drive through our state, I am committed to ensuring that our roadways are safe for every single person. And while we take uh great pride in this distinguished um these distinguished statistics, excuse me, there's also a dark side. Tragically, Ohio ranks among the top 10 states for the number of calls made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
▶ 0:40:00Nationally, roadway vehicles are the most common form of transportation for trafficking victims. Many states, including Ohio, recognize the importance of combating trafficking on our roadways, but there is still a lot we don't know about human trafficking and much more to be done. The bipartisan infrastructure investments and jobs act directed the Department of Transportation to convene experts and conduct a study every three years on human trafficking.
▶ 0:40:23One of the recommendations from the report is for the transportation research board to increase research on human trafficking, including the impact on underrepresented and underststudied industries and how we can better leverage and harmonize existing data collection. My amendment would codify this recommendation directing the Department of Transportation to expand the scope and scale of human trafficking research, identify gaps in existing human trafficking research, and identify ways in which we can streamline the data collection process.
▶ 0:40:51Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has identified over 200,000 victims nationwide, and there are likely many more. Understanding how trafficking how traffickers are moving their victims is essential to preventing and stopping human trafficking. As a representative from the great state of Ohio, I want to be a part of this solution, and I am glad that this amendment will help add a piece to that puzzle. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this amendment so we can create a safer transportation system for all.
▶ 0:41:21Thank you, Mr. Chair. I yield back.
▶ 0:41:23Gentleoman yields back. Uh any further discussion this amendment? Uh hearing none. Uh the question is on adoption of Sykes amendment 116. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair eyes have it. The amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Webster of Florida. The clerk shall report Webster, amendment 037.
▶ 0:41:52Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Mr. Webster of Florida.
▶ 0:41:56Thank you. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Webster of Florida for five minutes to explain the
▶ 0:42:05Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And uh the amendment directs Department of Transportation to uh study and develop a strategy to modernize digital infrastructure used in trans transportation planning, engineering and regulatory reform. By uh promoting uh vendorneutral digital systems, agencies can reduce delays in projects reviews and improve coordination.
▶ 0:42:33Uh it uh it will also assure congressional oversight of digital infrastructure and modernization efforts. I urge my colleagues support the amendment and I yield back.
▶ 0:42:48Mr. Chairman,
▶ 0:42:49thank you very much. Gentleman yields back. Uh any further discussion on the
▶ 0:42:54Mr. Chairman?
▶ 0:42:54Yes, ma'am.
▶ 0:42:55I I just like to thank Mr. Weber for this amendment. Uh I think the creation of a study to analyze and improve the dig digital infrastructure uh is warranted and I am confident that we'll also include cyber security analysis which is a large risk to our infrastructure. So I support the amendment and urge the committee to do so and yield back.
▶ 0:43:17If there's no further gentleoman yields back no further discussion on this amendment. The question is on the adoption of Webster amendment 037. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Whitesides of California. Clerk shall report Whitides amendment 052.
▶ 0:43:49Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Mr. Whitides of California. Add
▶ 0:43:54without objection. The amendment is is uh considered as red. I recognize Representative Whitesides of California for 5 minutes to explain the amendment.
▶ 0:44:02Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
▶ 0:44:03Yes, sir.
▶ 0:44:04Uh and ranking member Lorren. I also want to thank the bill's sponsors, Representatives Fong and Sykes, for working to ensure our surface transportation research keeps pace with modern innovation. As someone whose career is focused on translating advanced engineering into real world applications, I know innovation cannot stop at the laboratory door. The underlying bill correctly updates our transit systems, but we must continuously fuel the pipeline with next generation ideas.
▶ 0:44:30My amendment explicitly tasks the Department of Transportation with carrying out long-term exploratory advanced research. The goal is simple, to develop transformational high horizon solutions that improve the lifespan, efficiency, and safety of our nation's transit corridors. This amendment mandates that the department award these funds through open, competitive grants and cooperative agreements. It brings the best minds to the table by opening these opportunities directly to universities and nonprofit research organizations in the Analopee Valley and Santa Clarita.
▶ 0:45:00Our aerospace and engineering talent is unmatched. The same advanced modeling, material science, and computer simulations used to build cutting edge aircraft are exactly what we need to design the ultra durable transit systems of tomorrow. This amendment strengthens federal labs like the Turner Fairbank Center while opening a competitive pipeline for our local researchers, innovators, and universities to secure federal dollars and solve complex national infrastructure challenges.
▶ 0:45:25Crucially, this amendment instructs the Department of Transportation to collaborate directly with the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. We cannot afford to have federal agencies working in isolated vacuum chambers. We must leverage our premier national research hubs together. This is a common sense addition prioritizing long-term safety, rigorous scientific competition, and regional economic potential. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:45:52Gentleman yields back. Um, is there any further discussion on the amendment? Hearing none, the question is on adoption of Whitesides amendment 052. All those in favor say I. I. All those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is an amendment offered by Representative Whitides of California.
▶ 0:46:21Clerk shall report Whitesides amendment
▶ 0:46:25Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Mr. Whitesides of California.
▶ 0:46:30Thank you. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read and I recognize Representative Whitesides of California for five minutes to explain his amendment.
▶ 0:46:38Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I rise to offer a common sense amendment to tackle an escalating crisis hitting our national infrastructure. The devastating impact of wildfires. Under current law, the Department of Transportation studies how our roads handle extreme events and weather. But remarkably, wildfires aren't on the list. Fire isn't just bad weather. It behaves differently, destroys infrastructure differently, and demands unique engineering solutions. We can't protect our communities if federal research treats wildfires like a secondary afterthought.
▶ 0:47:06This amendment fixes that blind spot. It explicitly adds wildfire as a distinct category within the DOT's highway R&D program. By naming this threat directly, we open the door for the DOT to invest in next generation life-saving technologies. We're talking about developing fireproof coating so intense heat doesn't warp and collapse our bridges and embedding tough heatresistant sensors right into the asphalt to beam live danger alerts straight to first responders.
▶ 0:47:33This isn't theoretical for my constituents in California's 27th district. We know this threat firsthand. Just last year in January 2025, devastating fires upended lives and compromised our local transit safety. And as many people know, there are fires right now in uh Southern California that are threatening our communities. Across California, wildfires routinely shut down critical mountain corridors, stranding families and blocking first responders.
▶ 0:47:59With this amendment, we can build the predictive AI needed to dynamically route traffic away from fast-moving blazes and deploy autonomous drone fleets to safely scan bridges for structurally structural integrity minutes after a fire passes. Proactive techdriven engineering research isn't a luxury. It's a matter of basic public safety. We have to build our roads to survive the modern environment. I urge a yes vote on this amendment and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 0:48:25Gentleman yields back. Any further uh discussion on this amendment? Hearing none, the question is on adoption of whitesides amendment 053. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:48:35I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Selenus of Oregon. Uh the clerk shall report Selenus. Amendment 093. Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Miss Selenus of Oregon. Add at the
▶ 0:48:58objection. The amendment is considered as read and I now recognize Representative Selenus of Oregon for five minutes to explain our amendment.
▶ 0:49:06Thank you, Mr. Chairman. My amendment would establish a task force to address the issue of 6 PPD in our ecosystem. This is an essential chemical used in tires to ensure their durability and safety. However, as tires wear down, 6 PPD can run off into waterways where it is toxic for fish. In particular, it's deadly to cohost salmon and harms our fishing industry.
▶ 0:49:30This is a critical issue in the Pacific Northwest where our tribes, our fisheries, and our recreation industry rely on salmon for their substance subsistence and livelihoods. Unfortunately, there is no practical and safe alternative to 6 PPD at this time.
▶ 0:49:45This amendment adop adapted from Representative Strickland's 6PD task force act would bring the relevant stakeholders together to identify short-term solutions to mitigate the impact of 6PD and long-term solutions to develop and adopt a safer alternative in the future. I want to thank Congresswoman Strickland for bringing together tire manufacturers, environmental advocates, and state and tribal partners to develop this legislation.
▶ 0:50:11This amendment would just help move this work forward, creating a formal task force to coordinate efforts on six PPD research and mitigation. I'm deeply disappointed that there is no path forward for this common sense amendment today. Mr. Chairman, I would appreciate an opportunity to work with you to find a path forward as this surface transportation package moves to the floor. And with that, I will withdraw the amendment and I yield back.
▶ 0:50:37Gentleoman yields back. The amendment is withdrawn. And as an avid salmon fisherman myself, uh I I assure you that we will be glad to work with you. Okay. All right. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Ross of North Carolina. Uh the clerk shall report Ross, amendment 075.
▶ 0:50:59Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Miss Ross of North Carolina.
▶ 0:51:03Thank you. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Ross from North Carolina for 5 minutes to explain her
▶ 0:51:11Thank you, Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lofgrren for holding this markup on all of these important bills. I'm pleased to offer this amendment, a piece of Representative Cohen and my bill, the Stop Underrides Act 2.0. An underride crash occurs when a car slides underneath a large truck during an accident.
▶ 0:51:36A car's safety features are useless in an underride crash because the passenger compartment slides under the truck's tra cab or trailer. Passengers in these crashes, if they survive, usually experience severe head and neck injuries. Unfortunately, data on these crashes is spotty at best.
▶ 0:52:00Law enforcement officers and first responders often aren't trained to report underride crashes as such. And if we don't know how many of these crashes are occurring, it's even harder to begin to take steps to reduce and prevent them. It's clear that we need a fuller picture of how many Americans are killed or seriously injured in underride crashes. And I this happened to the daughters of one of my constituents.
▶ 0:52:28She brought this to my attention at a town hall. This amendment will require the Department of Transportation to study and report on the prevalence of underride crashes and the impacts they have on road users. I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment and the underlying bill and I yield back.
▶ 0:52:48Gentle lady yields back. Uh are there any other comments on this amendment? Hearing none. The question is on adoption of Ross amendment 075. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:53:03Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. This amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Fushi of North Carolina. The clerk shall report Fushi. Amendment 062. Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Miss Fushi of North Carolina.
▶ 0:53:26Thank you. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Fushi of North Carolina for five minutes to explain her
▶ 0:53:34Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am proud to offer this amendment which I worked on with my colleague, Congressman Max Miller. As the lead sponsors of the Impact Act and Impact Act 2.0, O we have been focused on strengthening American manufacturing and advancing innovation in cement, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials we rely on every day to build our roads, bridges, and critical infrastructure.
▶ 0:54:02In my home state of North Carolina and across the country, families and businesses depend on strong, affordable infrastructure built with materials that are reliable, cost-effective, and cleaner to produce. This amendment helps states test, validate, and use innovative building materials with greater confidence.
▶ 0:54:23It supports the development of standards, specifications, and risk sharing models so states can more easily purchase low emissions construction materials. It also supports real world testing and deployment including lab evaluation, fieldscale construction and pilot scale pavement testing using existing state facilities and test tracks.
▶ 0:54:50That matters because states contractors and producers need confidence that new materials will perform safely and coste effectively before they are used at scale. These are practical steps to improve the affordability of building materials and infrastructure, strengthen our domestic supply chain, reduce emissions, and support goodpaying jobs here at home.
▶ 0:55:15This bipartisan amendment gives states more tools to build stronger, cleaner, and more affordable infrastructure. I thank Congressman Miller for his partnership on this effort. And additionally, I thank Reps Fong and Sykes for their work on the underlying bill. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. I yield back the balance of my time, and I ask my colleagues to support this amendment.
▶ 0:55:41Gentle lady yields back and like to recognize the ranking member.
▶ 0:55:45Thank you, Mr. I want to thank Miss Fushi for this very important amendment. Um globally cement facilities account for 8% of carbon dioxide emissions about onethird of all power plant emissions and demand for cement is expected to increase by 12% by the middle of this century. This amendment is so important.
▶ 0:56:10We already know that the technology exists uh to create concrete that actually absorbs CO2 and has um compressive strength that exceeds uh traditional methods of uh of concrete or um uh cement. What we don't have is a building code structure that allows for that to proceed in an orderly way. this amendment will help that.
▶ 0:56:40We also don't have a structure to allow that to proceed at scale. So this is a super important amendment and I don't think it needs to be added in. I think it's included in the broad skept of the amendment. But it is possible that because of the comprehensive strength of this type of cement that actually absorbs CO2, it may be a safer material uh for use in earthquake country. And that is something I would look forward to hearing about.
▶ 0:57:09So with that, I thank the gentle lady for the amendment and urge adoption of the amendment.
▶ 0:57:16Ranking member yields back. [clears throat] Uh is there any further discussion on this amendment? Hearing none. Uh the question is on the adoption of Fushi amendment 062. All those in favor say I.
▶ 0:57:29Those opposed say no. And the on the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it. The amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Bonamichi of Oregon. The clerk shall report Bonamichi amendment 099.
▶ 0:57:52Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Miss Bonamichi of Oregon.
▶ 0:57:56Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Bonamichi of Oregon for five minutes to explain the amendment.
▶ 0:58:03Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. Before I do that, I want to join in the condolences about the passing of our colleague Bill Posey with whom I had the honor of serving for many years. We also worked together on ocean and estuary health. He was one of the co-chairs of the esttoary caucus. And I also had the pleasure of traveling to not just to his district, but when we were there, he invited us to his home and he was just a a kind man and I know we will miss him and I send condolences uh to his family.
▶ 0:58:29Um, so on the uh amendment, thank you uh Chairman Babbin and Ranking Member Lofrren for your leadership on this bill and for supporting innovation in the transportation sector. My amendment would authorize the transit vehicle innovation deployment program at the Federal Transit Administration. This program has a successful record of helping transit agencies test and deploy next generation technologies.
▶ 0:58:53It's enjoyed bipartisan support for years by supporting advanced propulsion systems, safer vehicle platforms, improved charging systems, and hydrogen fuel cell buses. This program helps improve passenger safety, strengthen US supply chains, and support workers. This program would scale the innovative work already uh underway in my home state of Oregon, for example.
▶ 0:59:16Trimeat, the transit provider serving the Portland region, is now deploying hydrogen fuel cell buses along the 87 82nd Avenue corridor. These vehicles will be able to operate longer routes, improve air quality, and reduce costs for daily commuters. These innovations help reduce pollution in heavily traveled communities and also support construction and manufacturing jobs.
▶ 0:59:38By creating demand for domesticallymade component and fueling infrastructure, it positions the US to compete in a global transportation market that increasingly demands clean and advanced transit technologies. Hydrogen also offers operational advantages for transit systems. Battery electric buses work in many applications, but fuel cells provide longer range, faster refueling, and greater flexibility for long routes and in cold climates.
▶ 1:00:05That reliability is essential especially for rural and regional transit and it also supports emergency management preparedness and resilience for safe transportation. Importantly, this program's consoria model helps align research and development projects with industry needs and it's proven its ability to deliver timely timely results.
▶ 1:00:26It convenes nonprofit organizations, transit and emergency management agencies, research testing centers, and industry to develop standards, provide workforce training, and leverage private co-investment to work flexibly. Projects are assessed with a rigorous industry standard screening to evaluate scalability. And because the program employs a short life cycle model, projects are deployed within 18 months of receiving an award.
▶ 1:00:52This program's innovative projects have advanced collision avoidance systems, precision bus movement, operator assault reduction, and automated safety tools that are designed to reduce crashes and improve maintenance operations. The transit vehicle innovation deployment program provides reliable, centralized, and standardized data for transit agencies to compare life cycle maintenance costs for fleet planning, and then they make smarter budget choices. Transit workers deserve safe vehicles and riders deserve safe systems.
▶ 1:01:23Modernizing aging fleets with technologies that reduce risks gives confidence to riders and their that their commute will be safer and affordable. Countries around the world continue to invest in advanced transit manufacturing. So by authorizing the transit vehicle innovation deployment program, more workers can build American transit technology, more riders can compete commute with clean air and more promising systems quickly bridge from research from uh research to commercialization.
▶ 1:01:51So this program will close that gap and give transit agencies tools to test, validate and scale the new systems to lower risks and costs and also improve performance and avoid expensive procurement errors. As the US seeks to lead in transportation technology, this amendment will support the research and development to innovate transit, one of the highest volume modes of transportation. So I urge all my colleagues to support this straightforward amendment and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:02:16Gentleoman yields back. Any further discussion on this amendment? Hearing none, the question is on adoption of Bonamichi amendment 099. All those in favor say I.
▶ 1:02:27I. Those opposed say no. the opinion of the chair. The eyes have it and the amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by representative Subramanyam of Virginia. The clerk shall report Subramanyan. Amendment 117. Amendment to HR 8748 offered by Mr. Subramanyam of Virginia.
▶ 1:02:55Add at the end the following study on toll pricing. Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Subarman of Virginia for five minutes to explain his amendment.
▶ 1:03:06Uh thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um continuing the theme of reducing costs for daily commuters. Uh this amendment simply uh asks uh uh us to do a study on the uh pricing scheme of private toll roads and investigate excessive pricing there and give us some ideas on how we can lower costs for community commuters. Uh my district has a private toll road uh where if you drive just one mile, you'll have to pay $5.50 each way. So it's $11 for two miles.
▶ 1:03:34And it was because of a lack of oversight, uh a lack of um uh looking ahead as far as policy. Uh and and so there we we were able to fix that in the general assembly when I was there. But this is happening all over the country. often times these private toll roads are owned by foreign companies who don't particularly care how they impact commuters or or how the pricing puts pressure on local governments and so I just want to do a little study on on what we can do to help fix this across the country. Thank you and I yield back.
▶ 1:04:02Gentleman yields back. Any further discussion on this amendment? Hearing none, the question is on the adoption of Submanyam amendment 117. All those in favor say I. I.
▶ 1:04:17Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and the amendment is adopted.
▶ 1:04:26Let's see. There are no additional amendments on the amendment roster. Are there any further amendments? Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present. I move that the committee report HR 8748 the surface transportation research and development act of 2026 as amended to the house with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved. Question is on favorably reporting HR8748 as amended to the house.
▶ 1:04:56All those in favor say I.
▶ 1:04:58I. All those opposed say nay.
▶ 1:05:01The eyes have it. The bill as amended is ordered favorably reported. Without objection, their motion to consider is laid on the table. You bet. Okay. Consideration of HR8790. Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR8790, the Next Generation Geothermal Research and Development Act. The clerk will report the bill, please. offered by Mr.
▶ 1:05:31Paragan of North
▶ 1:05:32Thank you. Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point. Does any member wish to be recognized to speak on the underlying bill? Mr. Herrian.
▶ 1:05:43Well, thank you, Chairman Babin, and thank you, Ranking Member Lafrren. And I want to say a special thanks to my colleague across the aisle, Repelinus, uh, for all of your help on this bipartisan legislation. America has an enormous source of clean, reliable base load power sitting right underneath our feet. And we are barely scratching the surface of what it can do. It's estimated that next generation geothermal has the potential to deliver 90 gawatts of power to the United States alone.
▶ 1:06:14And it could not come at a more consequential time. Congress is beginning to reckon with the fact that we simply do not have enough power to meet the rising demand for electricity. Getting more electrons on the grid and doing that quickly is fundamentally vital vital to securing an economically prosperous future for the next generation of Americans.
▶ 1:06:37This bill puts the Department of Energy to work solving the engineering challenges standing between us and the abundant energy resources that next generation geothermal technologies can deliver by engaging in public private partnerships that actually get results. We can unlock this energy source and power America's economic future. I'd like to again thank my colleague Rep.
▶ 1:07:02Selenus for her work on this bill and I urge all members to support this bipartisan legislation. Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 1:07:09Gentleman yields back. Anyone else would like to?
▶ 1:07:13Yes. Yes, ma'am.
▶ 1:07:14Uh, thank you, Chair Babin and Ranking Member Lofrren, and thank you to Congressman Harrian for co-leading the geothermal and um energy efforts with me. Oregonians are really passionate about addressing this climate crisis and our state has very ambitious clean energy targets and thanks to incredible technological improvements in recent years, wind and solar are now some of the cheapest sources of power and they will continue to play an essential and grow growing role in our energy mix.
▶ 1:07:42However, these technologies provide intermittent power. Their output can be weather dependent and they require back stops to ensure the reliability and resiliencies that consumers need. The effects of climate change exacerbate these challenges. In Oregon, winter ice storms, wildfires, and drought increasingly present challenges to delivering that clean, affordable, and reliable power.
▶ 1:08:05As energy costs continue to rise, driven by aging infrastructure, rising fuel costs, and those same climate-driven disasters, we need more tools to ensure that we can deliver the reliability that consumers depend on. Geothermal energy is a technology that promises to deliver clean 247 power. It will play an important role in the transition to a reliable clean energy future. And I'm proud to support this legislation to accelerate the development of nextgen geothermal technologies.
▶ 1:08:34Oregon is already a leader in this space, producing the fifth most geothermal electricity in the US. Oregon Institute of Technology opened Oregon's first geothermal power plant at their Clamoth Falls campus. And for 60 years, the school has heated buildings and supplied hot water with geothermal energy. Now, Oregon is leading the charge on nextgen geothermal technologies. Newberry volcano in central Oregon is a hot spot, and forgive the pun, for geothermal research and development.
▶ 1:09:05Multiple companies are piloting commercial scale power plants and demonstrating new technologies that will allow geothermal to operate in extreme heat conditions. Mastering these super hot applications will increase the power output of a system many times over and allow geothermal to play a much larger role in the country's energy mix across broad geographies.
▶ 1:09:28More research is needed to better understand and map the availability of that subsurface heat across the country as well as to develop the engineering techniques and materials needed to drill deeper and maintain wells at extreme temperatures. Our bill will support new geothermal research, development, demonstration, and commercialization efforts at DOE to over overcome these challenges.
▶ 1:09:51Next generation geothermal energy will be a critical tool in the fight against climate change, providing clean, reliable energy with a smaller footprint than other power sources. So, I look forward to advancing this legislation to clear a path for broad adoption of nextgen geothermal power. And again, I thank my uh colleague, Congressman Herrian, for co-leading this, and I look forward um to supporting this bill. I yield back.
▶ 1:10:18The lady yields back. I [clears throat] now recognize myself to speak in support of this bill as well. I'm very pleased to support HR8790, the next generation geothermal research and development act. And I would like to thank Representatives Herrian and Miss Selenus uh for their work on this legislation.
▶ 1:10:35And this bill will enhance public private partnerships, will help uh accelerate the deployment of base load next generation geothermal power at a time when the United States needs all the energy that it can produce. With that, I yield back the balance of my time. Is there any further discussion on the underlying bill? Hearing none, we will proceed with the amendments in the order listed on the roster.
▶ 1:11:04The first amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Herrian of North Carolina. The clerk will report Harrian amendment 058.
▶ 1:11:13Amendment to HR 8790 offered by Mr. Herrian of North Carolina.
▶ 1:11:17Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. And I now recognize Representative Herrian of North Carolina for 5 minutes to explain his amendment.
▶ 1:11:25Well, thank you, Chairman Babin and Ranking Member Lafrren. My amendment would direct the Department of Energy to include superc critical geothermal conditions within its forge sites and R&D programs. Geothermal experts estimate that supercritical geothermal wells could produce 5 to 10 times the energy that conventional geothermal wells do.
▶ 1:11:47By eliminating the technical feasibility loophole, we can push the DOE to unlock and tap this incredible energy source. The future of next generation geothermal, like any frontier energy source, carries inherent risks. But the DOE's mandate is to push the boundaries of what is possible. And we will never know what supercritical geothermal can deliver if we never try. I'd like to thank my colleague Rep.
▶ 1:12:15Selenus for her support of this bipartisan amendment and on the overall bill. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back.
▶ 1:12:21Gentleman yields back. Any other discussion on this amendment? Miscellinus, you're recognized.
▶ 1:12:26Thank you. And again, thank you to Congressman Herrian for this amendment. And it does represent a bipartisan agreement on technical corrections to ensure the bill achieves its intended purpose of pushing the envelope on geothermal technology. So I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and I yield back.
▶ 1:12:42Gentleoman yields back. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none, the question is on adoption of Aragan amendment 058. All those in favor say I.
▶ 1:12:52I. Those opposed say no. In the opinion of the chair, the eyes have it and this amendment is adopted. The next amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by Representative Vanep Eps of Tennessee. The clerk shall report Vaneps amendment 117.
▶ 1:13:10Amendment to HR 8790 offered by Mr. Vanep Eps of Tennessee.
▶ 1:13:15Without objection, the amendment is considered as read. I recognize Representative Van Eps of Tennessee for five minutes to explain the amendment.
▶ 1:13:22Thank you, Mr. Chairman. House Republicans have worked hard during this Congress to deliver on the president's agenda to unleash American energy dominance by removing regulatory barriers, streamlining licenses and permits for energy projects, and detaching from foreign dependence. I rise in strong support of Representative Herrian's bill to accelerate the commercialization of cuttingedge geothermal projects to meet America's energy needs.
▶ 1:13:50Representative Herrian has championed numerous legislation across nuclear, natural gas, and now geothermal energy, helping to secure America's leadership in energy dominance. in calling the energy secretary to issue grants for innovative geothermal projects. This bill directs federal spending toward public private partnerships that address America's ever growing energy demands. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment for purposes of discussion.
▶ 1:14:17My amendment directs the secretary's grant prioritization to consider commercial geothermal projects that would power highloadad factor facilities. High load factor facilities such as semiconductor fabrication plants, steel mills, and wastewater treatment facilities all need consistent base load power to sustain operations. Rising energy demands are also hitting close to home in Tennessee's 7th district, home to a Google data center, a new critical mineral smelter in Fort Campbell.
▶ 1:14:48As investment in these large facilities grow in my district and across the country, it is essential that taxpayer dollars are supporting renewable energy projects that are directed toward meeting a substantive need, which is what which is what my amendment seeks to advance. I appreciate the chairman and ranking members willingness to work with us on this issue. While there are differing views on how to address energy demands for high load facilities, I appreciate the engagement from committee members and intend to withdraw the amendment at this time.
▶ 1:15:18Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back. Gentleman yields back. Thank you. The the amendment is withdrawn and uh we certainly be glad to work with you. Okay. there are no additional amendments on the amendment roster. Are there any further amendments? Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present.
▶ 1:15:40I move that the committee report HR8790, the next generation geothermal research and development act as amended to the house with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved. The question is on favorably reporting HR8790 is amended to the house. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say nay. The eyes have it and the bill is amended as ordered favorably reported.
▶ 1:16:04Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the Pursuant to notice, I now call up HR 7129, the Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act. The clerk will report the bill, please.
▶ 1:16:24HR 7129, offered by Miss Bonamichi of
▶ 1:16:28Without objection, the bill is considered as read and open for amendment at any point. Does any member wish to be recognized to speak? Miss Bonamichi from Oregon, you're
▶ 1:16:38Well, thank you very much, Chair Babin, and thank you to Ranking Member Lofrren uh for uh both of you for bringing this bill up today and also to Congressman Begitch for his partnership on this bill. The ocean contains enormous untapped energy potential. Marine energy uses power from moving water, including waves, tides, and currents to produce reliable base load electricity.
▶ 1:17:00The Department of Energy estimates that marine energy resources could eventually power more than 22 million homes and support resilient coastal infrastructure, offshore operations, desalination, remote communities, and national security. According to the National Lab of the Rockies, total US marine energy resources are estimated to be 2300 terowatt hours per year.
▶ 1:17:24As a representative for Oregon's North Coast, I've seen how visionary scientists can successfully partner with federal programs to harness the power of waves, tides, and currents. Just seven miles off the coast of Newport, Oregon, workers, engineers, researchers, fishermen, local leaders, and federal scientists have spent more than a decade building Packwave, one of the most advanced wave energy research facilities in the world.
▶ 1:17:50This project has evolved from theory, design, and planning to operations because of sustained support from the water power technology office. Construction crews completed subc cable installation last year. The utility connection and monitoring facility is prepared for full-scale operations as the first grid connected pre-permitted wave energy test facility in the continental United States. This milestone took decades of support and coordination.
▶ 1:18:19Oregon State University led the effort. Noah's Pacific Marine Environmental Lab provided scientific expertise in ocean observation capabilities. Local governments in Newport and Lincoln County helped sustain community support and infrastructure planning.
▶ 1:18:34And the Department of Energy's water powers technology office provided long-term Researchers at institutions across the Pacific Northwest West helped solve engineering and environmental monitoring challenges to bring Packwave to life. This project exemplifies federal research partnerships that can deliver the next generation of grids scale energy.
▶ 1:18:58PCWave story proves that growing this sector will require testing infrastructure, long-term research partnerships, and demonstration projects that reduce risk for private investment. It also requires federal leadership willing to stay engaged long enough to move promising technologies from prototype to deployment. The water powers technologies office provides that long-term partnership to fuel innovation. It's positioned the US to be a global leader in wave title and hydropower technology.
▶ 1:19:26It supports advanced manufacturing research, grid environmental monitoring, cyber security and solutions to deploy marine energy in harsh ocean environments. Water power, including marine energy, hydropower and pump storage, plays a critical role in grid reliability, lowering energy costs, which is something everybody needs right now, uh, and supporting domestic manufacturing. Marine energy potential could have produced 57% of all US electricity generated in 2021.
▶ 1:19:57Hydropower is a proven base load electricity resource, accounting for 6.2% of total US electricity produced in 2024. And pumped storage is the largest source of utility scale energy storage in the country with a total capacity of 23 gawatts. So as our grid strains and energy costs increase, it's essential to strengthen the water power technologies office that brings these technologies to scale.
▶ 1:20:21So, this bipartisan bill will reauthorize and modernize critical research activities at the Water Powers Technology Office by strengthening domestic manufacturing and supply chains, expanding work workforce development and university partnerships, and directing research into emerging energy technologies. The bill will strengthen grid reliability and resilience. Extreme weather events, spiking energy demand, and cyber security risk are straining our already vulnerable grid and raising America's electricity costs.
▶ 1:20:52At at the same time, this bill will direct research into advanced technologies that provide longduration energy storage and flexible generation. It will expand research opportunities for coastal and riverside communities to develop solutions for the urgent challenges they face, including through micro grid deployment, dissalination, disaster recovery, and lifeline infrastructure. These projects need regional experts to help bring developers, federal scientists, and communities together to complete them.
▶ 1:21:20This bill sustains and expands the national marine energy centers as regional hubs for testing, demonstration, and workforce development. So federal investments support local priorities. Additionally, the bill will improve the water powers office research on fisheries, water quality, and sediment movement to understand the environmental effects of energy deployment and inform responsible testing as new energy technologies pivot from testing to grids scale.
▶ 1:21:46The water powers technology office supports workforce opportunities beyond the energy sector, including in construction, equipment manufacturing, and shipyard operations. So again, I want to thank Representative Begage for co-leading this important legislation and the chair and ranking member for bringing it to the committee. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill and I yield back the balance of my time.
▶ 1:22:06Gentle lady yields back. If there's no further discussion on on the underlying
▶ 1:22:12oh I'm sorry, didn't see you. Mr. Meny, you're recognized from Texas.
▶ 1:22:15Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I want to thank ranking member Lofrren and Representative Bonamichi uh for this important bill. Our society relies on water to survive. But in Texas right now, we are running out of it. Our state just told us that it needs $174 billion over the next 50 years just to keep the taps running. That number was $80 billion just four years ago. So it more than doubled.
▶ 1:22:40This bill, the Water Power Research and Development Reauthorization Act, starts to answer that call. It invests $300 million a year in the clean water smart energy sources Texas desperately needs. Hydro power, marine energy, and pump storage. That's an investment that in Texas cannot wait. Data centers are pouring into Texas. Hundreds of them. AI is driving demand for computing power like we have never seen.
▶ 1:23:07All of that computing needs electricity and water and a lot of it. The power plants feeding these facilities, coal plants, natural gas plants, use hundreds of gallons of water for every megawatt hour they generate. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin say that by 2040, data centers could consume more than more water than the entire oil and gas industry in Texas. More than 65% of Texas was in drought last week. Corpus Christi is months away from a water emergency.
▶ 1:23:36And my constituents in Houston get drought warnings every summer and higher water bills every year. Every one of these plants that I've mentioned pulls hundreds of gallons of waters from rivers and aquifers that Texas families depend on. This bill lays the foundation for the alternative. Hydro power, marine energy, and pump storage generate electricity without burning through our water supply. This bill funds the research and development that brings those technologies to scale and gets them on the grid.
▶ 1:24:04That means every megawatt hour we generate from water power is a megawatt hour we do not have to pull from a coal or gas plant. And in Texas, that is hundreds of gallons of water saved every single time. Clean energy is water smart energy for Houston, for Texas, for every family that just wants to turn on the tap and know that something will come out. I fully support this bill and I urge my colleagues to do so as well. I yield
▶ 1:24:27Gentleman yields back. [clears throat] Any further discussion? Hearing none, we will proceed with amendments in the order listed on the roster. The first amendment on the roster is the amendment offered by the chair. The clerk shall report Babin amendment 01.
▶ 1:24:43Amendment to HR 7129 offered by Mr. Babin of Texas.
▶ 1:24:47Without objection, the amendment is considered as read and I recognize myself for five minutes to explain this My amendment makes a few changes to the bill responding to communications and feedback from members of the committee. The amendment authorizes the current appropriated levels for marine energy and hydropower research development and demonstration activities for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
▶ 1:25:14I want to thank representatives Bonamichi and Begitch for working with us on this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment and I yield back the balance of my time. Would anyone else would like to seek recognition on this? Okay. No further discussion on the amendment. The question is on adoption of Babin amendment O1. Those in favor say I.
▶ 1:25:38Those opposed say no. The opinion of the chair the eyes have it. The amendment is There are no additional amendments on the U amendment roster. Are there any further amendments? Hearing none, a reporting quorum being present, I move that the committee report HR 7129, the water power research and development reauthorization act is amended to the house with the recommendation that the bill be favorably approved.
▶ 1:26:09The question is on favorably reporting HR7129 as amendment is amended to the house. All those in favor say I. I. Those opposed say no. The eyes have it and the bill as amended is ordered favorably reported. Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid on the table. Without objection, I ask that staff be authorized to make any necessary technical and conforming changes to the bill. So ordered.
▶ 1:26:40Members will have two calendar days to submit supplemental minority or additional views on this measure. With no further business before the committee, the committee stands Thank you.