[Senate Report 112-189]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
Calendar No. 465
112th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 112-189
======================================================================
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH AMENDMENTS ACT
OF 2012
_______
July 19, 2012.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mrs. Boxer, from the Committee on Environment and Public Works,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany S. 2104]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Environment and Public Works, to which was
referred a bill (S. 2104) to amend the Water Resources Research
Act of 1984 to reauthorize grants for and require applied water
supply research regarding the water resources research and
technology institutes established under that Act, having
considered the same, reports favorably thereon without
amendment and recommends that the bill do pass.
General Statement and Background
The Water Resources Research Act of 1964 (P.L. 88-379)
provided for the establishment of a Water Resources Research
Institute at the land grant college in each of the fifty states
and U.S. territories. The institutes were charged with (1)
arranging for competent research that addresses water problems
or expands understanding of water and water-related phenomena,
(2) aiding the entry of new research scientists into the water
resources fields, (3) helping to train future water scientists
and engineers, and (4) getting results of sponsored research to
water managers and the public. The program is administered by
the U.S. Geological Survey as the Water Resources Research Act
Program under the general guidance of the Secretary of the
Interior.
The Water Resources Research Act of 1984 reauthorized
appropriations for the program; it has since been reauthorized
in the 101st, 104th, 106th, and 109th Congresses. The most
recent authorization expired in FY2011.
The Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2012
authorizes $7,500,000 per year for grants to each institute to
fund research that fosters: (a) improvements in water supply
reliability; (b) the exploration of new ideas that address
water problems or expand understanding of water and water-
related phenomena; (c) the entry of new scientists, engineers
and technicians into water resources field; and the
dissemination of research to water managers and the public.
Grants must be matched by two-to-one with non-federal funding.
In FY 2010, Congress appropriated approximately $5,500,000 for
this grant program resulting in a $92,335 base grant for each
institute.
The Water Resources Research Amendments Act further
authorizes a national competitive grant program to address
regional water issues that is authorized at $1,500,000 per
year. In FY 2010 approximately $1,000,000 was appropriated.
These competitive grants must be matched one-to-one with non-
federal funding.
Objectives of the Legislation
The Water Resources Research Amendments Act reauthorizes
the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, which provides grant
funding to 54 established Water Resources Research Institutes
in each state, territory and the District of Columbia for
applied water supply research. It also adds an additional focus
research related to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency
of new and existing treatment works through alternative
approaches and expands the existing program reporting
requirement to include status reporting on the grant funding
matches.
Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
This section provides that the Act may be cited as the
Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2012''.
Section 2. Water Resources Research Act amendments
Subsection (a) amends 42 U.S.C. 10301 to declare that
additional research is required into water-related alternative
technologies, including: (1) nonstructural alternatives; (2)
decentralized approaches; (3) water use efficiency; and (4)
actions to reduce energy consumption or extract energy from
wastewater.
Subsection (b) amends 42 U.S.C. 10303(b)(1) to clarify the
scope of research to be performed by the funded institutes.
Subsection (c) amends 42 U.S.C. 10303(c) to require the
Secretary of the Interior to report annually to the Committee
on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on the Budget
of the United States Senate, and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure and Committee on the Budget
of the United States House of Representatives, on the whether
each funding recipient complied with the federal funding
matching requirement during the preceding year.
Subsection (d) amends 42 U.S.C. 10303(e) to require the
Secretary to conduct a careful and detailed evaluation of the
quality, relevance and effectiveness of the research of each
institute at least once every five years. If the evaluation
concludes that an institute is not relevant or effective, no
further grants to the institute may be provided until the
qualifications of the institute are reestablished to the
satisfaction of the Secretary.
Subsection (e) amends 42 U.S.C. 10303(f)(1) to authorize
appropriations of $7,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012
through 2017.
Subsection (f) amends 42 U.S.C. 10303(g)(1) to authorize
appropriations of $1,500,000 for each of the fiscal years 2012
through 2017 for research focused on water problems of
interstate nature.
Legislative History
The Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2012 (S.
2104) was introduced by Senator Cardin on February 14, 2012 and
is co-sponsored by Senators Boxer, Inhofe, Sessions, Boozman
and Tom Udall. The bill was received, read twice and referred
to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. The Committee
met to consider S. 2104 on June 21, 2012. The bill was ordered
favorably reported by voice vote.
Similar legislation (S. 3363) was approved by the
Environment and Public Works Committee in the 111th Congress.
The Water Resources Research Act was first authorized in 1964,
and was most recently authorized in 2006 in Public Law 109-471,
the Water Resources Research Act Amendments of 2006. The
current authorization expired in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011.
Hearings
No committee hearings were held on S. 2104.
Rollcall Votes
The Committee on Environment and Public Works met to
consider S. 2104 on June 21, 2012. The bill was ordered
favorably reported by voice vote. No rollcall votes were taken.
Regulatory Impact Statement
In compliance with section 11(b) of rule XXVI of the
Standing Rules of the Senate, the committee finds that S. 2104
does not create any additional regulatory burdens, nor will it
cause any adverse impact on the personal privacy of
individuals.
Mandates Assessment
In compliance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
(Public Law 104-4), the committee notes that the Congressional
Budget Office found, ``S. 2104 contains no intergovernmental or
private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act (UMRA) and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments.''
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
July 2, 2012.
Hon. Barbara Boxer,
Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works,
U.S. Senate, Washington, DC.
Dear Madam Chairman: The Congressional Budget Office has
prepared the enclosed cost estimate for S. 2104, the Water
Resources Research Amendments Act of 2012.
If you wish further details on this estimate, we will be
pleased to provide them. The CBO staff contact is Jeff LaFave.
Sincerely,
Douglas W. Elmendorf.
Enclosure.
S. 2104--Water Resources Research Amendments Act of 2012
Summary: S. 2104 would reauthorize grants from the U.S.
Geological Survey to colleges and universities to support
research related to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency
of new and existing water treatment systems. This legislation
would authorize the appropriation of $7.5 million a year over
the 2013-2017 period for such grants. In addition, S. 2104
would authorize the appropriation of $1.5 million annually over
the 2013-2017 period for the Secretary of the Interior to fund
additional research and to synthesize the results of research
conducted by colleges and universities on interstate water
issues.
Assuming appropriation of the authorized funds, CBO
estimates that implementing S. 2104 would cost $42 million over
the 2013-2017 period. Enacting S. 2104 would not affect direct
spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do
not apply.
S. 2104 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of S. 2104 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 300
(natural resources and environment).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-------------------------------------------------------
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2013-2017
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Research Grants:
Authorized Level.................................... 8 8 8 8 8 38
Estimated Outlays................................... 6 7 8 8 8 35
Funding for Additional Research:
Authorization Level................................. 2 2 2 2 2 8
Estimated Outlays................................... 1 2 2 2 2 7
Total Changes:
Authorization Levela.......................... 9 9 9 9 9 45
Estimated Outlays............................. 7 8 9 9 9 42
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Components may not sum to totals because of rounding.
aThe United States Geological Survey received a $7 million appropriation in 2012 for the Water Resources
Research Act Program.
Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO assumes that S.
2104 will be enacted near the end of fiscal year 2012 and that
the specified amounts will be appropriated for each year
starting in 2013. Estimated outlays are based on historical
spending patterns for those activities.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: S. 2104
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA. The bill would benefit institutes of higher
education that participate as research and technology centers
under the Water Resources Act of 1984. Any costs to those
entities would be incurred voluntarily as a condition of
receiving federal assistance.
Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Jeff LaFave; Impact on
state, local, and tribal governments: Melissa Merrell; Impact
on the private sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
Changes in Existing Law
In compliance with section 12 of rule XXVI of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, changes in existing law made by the bill
as reported are shown as follows: Existing law proposed to be
omitted is enclosed in [black brackets], new matter is printed
in italic, existing law in which no change is proposed is shown
in roman:
* * * * * * *
PL 98-242
Sec. 101. This Act may be cited as the ``Water Resources
Research Act of 1984''.
Sec. 102. The Congress finds and declares that--
(1) the existence of an adequate supply of water of
good quality for the production of materials and energy
for the Nation's needs and for the efficient use of the
Nation's energy and water resources is essential to
national economic stability and growth, and to the
well-being of the people;
(2) the management of water resources is closely
related to maintaining environmental quality,
productivity of natural resources and agricultural
systems, and social well-being;
(3) there is an increasing threat of impairment to
the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater
resources;
(4) the Nation's capabilities for technological
assessment and planning and for policy formulation for
water resources must be strengthened at the Federal,
State, and local governmental levels;
(5) there should be a continuing national investment
in water and related research and technology
commensurate with growing national needs;
(6) it is necessary to provide for the research and
development of technology for the conversion of saline
and other impaired waters to a quality suitable for
municipal, industrial, agricultural, recreational, and
other beneficial uses;
(7) additional research is required into increasing
the effectiveness and efficiency of new and existing
treatment works through alternative approaches,
including--
(A) nonstructural alternatives;
(B) decentralized approaches;
(C) water use efficiency; and
(D) actions to reduce energy consumption or
extract energy from wastewater;
[(7)](8) the Nation must provide programs to
strengthen research and associated graduate education
because the pool of scientists, engineers, and
technicians trained in fields related to water
resources constitutes an invaluable natural resource
which should be increased, fully utilized, and
regularly replenished; [and]
[(8)](9) long-term planning and policy development
are essential to ensure the availability of an abundant
supply of high quality water for domestic and other
uses; and
[(9)](10) the States must have the research and
problem-solving capacity necessary to effectively
manage their water resources.
* * * * * * *
Sec. 104. (a) Establishment; designation of site by State
legislature or Governor.--Subject to the approval of the
Secretary of the Interior (hereafter in this chapter referred
to as the ``Secretary'') under this section, one water
resources research and technology institute, center, or
equivalent agency (hereafter in this chapter referred to as the
``institute'') may be established in each State (as used in
this chapter, the term ``State'' includes the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Mariana Islands
and the Federated States of Micronesia) at a college or
university which was established in accordance with the Act
approved July 2, 1862 (12 Stat. 503) [7 U.S.C.A. Sec. 301 et
seq.], or at some other institution designated by act of the
legislature of the State concerned. If there is more than one
such college or university in a State established in accordance
with such Act of July 2, 1862, the institute in such State
shall, in the absence of a designation to the contrary by act
of the legislature of the State, be established at the one such
college or university designated by the Governor of the State.
Two or more States may cooperate in the establishment of a
single institute or regional institute, in which event the sums
otherwise allocated to institutes in each of the cooperating
States shall be paid to such single or regional institute.
(b) Scope of research; other activities; cooperation and
coordination.--Each institute shall--
(1) plan, conduct, or otherwise arrange for competent
applied and peer reviewed research that fosters--
(A) improvements in water supply reliability;
(B) the exploration of new ideas that--
(i) address water problems; or
(ii) expand understanding of water
and [water-related phenomena]water
resources;
(C) the entry of new research scientists,
engineers, and technicians into water resources
fields; and
(D) the dissemination of research results to
water managers and the public[.]; and
* * * * * * *
(c) Grants; matching funds.--
[From the](1) In general.--From the sums appropriated
pursuant to subsection (f) of this section, the
Secretary shall make grants to each institute to be
matched on a basis of no less than 2 non-Federal
dollars for every 1 Federal dollar, such sums to be
used only for the reimbursement of the direct cost
expenditures incurred for the conduct of the water
resources research program.
(2) Report.--Not later than December 31 of each
fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the
Committee on Environment and Public Works of the
Senate, the Committee on the Budget of the Senate, the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives, and the Committee on the
Budget of the House of Representatives a report
regarding the compliance of each funding recipient with
this subsection for the immediately preceding fiscal
year.
[(e) Evaluation of water resources research program.--The
Secretary shall conduct a careful and detailed evaluation of
each institute at least once every 3 years to determine that
the quality and relevance of its water resources research and
its effectiveness at producing measured results and applied
water supply research as an institution for planning,
conducting, and arranging for research warrants its continued
support under this section. If, as a result of any such
evaluation, the Secretary determines that an institute does not
qualify for further support under this section, then no further
grants to the institute may be made until the institute's
qualifications are reestablished to the satisfaction of the
Secretary.]
(e) Evaluation of Water Resources Research Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a
careful and detailed evaluation of each institute at
least once every 5 years to determine--
(A) the quality and relevance of the water
resources research of the institute;
(B) the effectiveness of the institute at
producing measured results and applied water
supply research; and
(C) whether the effectiveness of the
institute as an institution for planning,
conducting, and arranging for research warrants
continued support under this section.
(2) Prohibition on further support.--If, as a result
of an evaluation under paragraph (1), the Secretary
determines that an institute does not qualify for
further support under this section, no further grants
to the institute may be provided until the
qualifications of the institute are reestablished to
the satisfaction of the Secretary.
(f) Authorization of appropriations in general.--
(1) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this section, to remain available until expended,
[$12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007 through
2011]$7,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2012 through
2017.
(g) Additional appropriations where research focused on water
problems of interstate nature.--
(1) There is further authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary of the Interior the sum of [$6,000,000
for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2011]$1,500,000
for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2017 only for
reimbursement of the direct cost expenses of additional
research or synthesis of the results of research by
institutes which focuses on water problems and issues
of a regional or interstate nature beyond those of
concern only to a single State and which relate to
specific program priorities identified jointly by the
Secretary and the institutes. Such funds when
appropriated shall be matched on a not less than
dollar-for-dollar basis by funds made available to
institutes or groups of institutes, by States or other
non-Federal sources. Funds made available under this
subsection shall remain available until expended.
* * * * * * *