The Subcommittee on Water and Power is responsible for matters concerning America’s water resources, federal irrigation projects, generation of electric power from federal water projects and interstate water issues.
Republicans on the Subcommittee are devoted to promoting low-cost, clean, renewable and emissions-free hydroelectricity generated by federal dams and reservoirs. We are also working to improve federal government regulations to ensure projects are less expensive, more transparent and not delayed by unnecessary red tape.
Did You Know?
- Hydropower accounts for approximately 56% of all current renewable energy sources in the United States.
- The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for over 47,000 miles of canals, laterals, drains, pipelines, and tunnels in the western United States.
- Today's hydropower turbines are capable of converting more than 90% of available energy into electricity, which is more efficient than any other form of generation.
- 10 trillion gallons of water are produced by Reclamation for municipal, residential and industrial use.
- 10 million acres of farmland are irrigated by Bureau of Reclamation Projects.
- 60% of the nation’s vegetables and 25% of the nation’s fruit and nuts are produced using water delivered through Bureau of Reclamation projects.
- One out of five western farmers utilized water delivered through Bureau of Reclamation projects.
The Subcommittee on Water and Power consists of 14 Members, 8 Republicans and 6 Democrats.
Jurisdiction of the Subcommittee
- Generation and marketing of electric power from Federal water projects by Federally chartered or Federal regional power marketing authorities.
- All measures and matters concerning water resources planning conducted pursuant to the Water Resources Planning Act, water resource research and development programs and saline water research and development.
- Compacts relating to the use and apportionment of interstate waters, water rights and major interbasin water or power movement programs.
- All measures and matters pertaining to irrigation and reclamation projects and other water resources development and recycling programs, including policies and procedures.
- Indian water rights and settlements.
- Cooperative efforts to encourage, enhance and improve international programs for the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources otherwise within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.
- General and continuing oversight and investigative authority over activities, policies and programs within the jurisdiction of the Subcommittee.