Legislation invests $46.4 billion in Energy and Water Development programs, an increase of $1.8 billion from fiscal year 2019, addressing climate change, improving infrastructure, and upholding our commitment to strengthening national security.
WASHINGTON — The House Appropriations Committee today released the draft fiscal year 2020 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies funding bill, which will be considered in subcommittee on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The legislation funds the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior programs, the Department of Energy, and other related agencies.
In total, the legislation includes $46.4 billion in funding to spur energy innovation that will increase economic prosperity while working to mitigate and adapt to climate change, improve the nation’s water infrastructure, and strengthen national security. This represents an increase of $1.8 billion, or 4 percent, above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level. The bill includes $23.3 billion for non-defense activities, an increase of
$1.1 billion above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level, and $23.1 billion for defense spending, an increase of $673 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Bill Summary:
Department of Energy – The bill provides a total of $37.1 billion for the Department, an increase of $1.4 billion above the fiscal year 2019 level and $5.6 billion above the President’s budget request.
Environmental Management – The bill provides $7.175 billion, equal to the fiscal year 2019 level and an increase of $706 million above the President’s budget request. This funding is used for nuclear waste cleanup at 16 sites across the country.
- Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup – $308 million, an increase of $61 million above the request.
- Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning – $873 million, an increase of $32 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $158 million above the budget request.
- Defense Environmental Cleanup – $5.994 billion, an increase of $487 million above the request.
National Nuclear Security Administration –The bill provides $15.9 billion for DOE’s nuclear security programs, an increase of $665.7 million above the fiscal year 2019 level. This funding will maintain a safe, secure, and credible nuclear deterrent while addressing the threat of nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
- Weapons Activities – $11.76 billion, an increase of $661 million above the fiscal year 2019 level to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent.
- Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation – $2.07 billion, an increase of $145 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $82 million above the request. This funding secures nuclear material both globally and domestically. Funding is included to advance the Surplus Plutonium Disposition project.
- Naval Nuclear Reactors – $1.63 billion, which is $160 million below the fiscal year 2019 level, to continue safe and reliable operation of the Navy’s nuclear-powered fleet and consistent with planned reductions as projects near completion.
- Federal Salaries and Expenses– $430 million, an increase of $20 million above the fiscal year 2019 level, to strengthen federal oversight and program and project management.
Nuclear Energy – The bill provides $1.3 billion, an increase of $494 million over the request. The funding invests in research, development, and demonstration activities that develop the next generation of clean and safe reactors, further improve the safety and economic viability of our current reactor fleet and contribute to the nation’s long-term leadership in the global nuclear power
industry. Funding is included to begin interim storage activities for spent nuclear fuel.
Science – The bill provides $6.87 billion, an increase of $285 million above the fiscal year 2019 level and $1.3 billion above the request. The Office of Science funds basic science research in physics, biology, chemistry, and other science disciplines to expand scientific understanding and secure the nation’s global leadership in energy innovation.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission – The bill provides a net appropriation of $130 million, which is $95,000 below the fiscal year 2019 level. This funds regulatory activities to ensure the safe use of nuclear reactors and radioactive materials while protecting people and the environment.
Read full House Appropriations Committee press release here. View the bill text here. Watch the Energy and Water Subcommittee markup tomorrow, May 15th at 12:00 PM ET here.
ECA will continue to provide analysis on FY 2020 appropriations as more information is made available.
