Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

Changes from December 8, 2020 to March 25, 2021

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Energy and Water Development:
~~December 8, 2020~~March 25, 2021
FY2021 Appropriations
Mark Holt
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill provides funding
Specialist in Energy Policy Specialist in Energy Policy
for civil works projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); the Department of the for civil works projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); the Department of the

Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Central Utah Project (CUP); the Department Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Central Utah Project (CUP); the Department
Corrie E. Clark
of Energy (DOE); the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); the Appalachian Regional of Energy (DOE); the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); the Appalachian Regional
Analyst in Energy Policy Analyst in Energy Policy
Commission (ARC); and several other independent agencies. DOE typically accounts for about Commission (ARC); and several other independent agencies. DOE typically accounts for about

80% of the bill’s funding. 80% of the bill’s funding.
Overall Funding Totals

President Trump submitted his FY2021 budget proposal to Congress on February 10, 2020. The budget requests for agencies President Trump submitted his FY2021 budget proposal to Congress on February 10, 2020. The budget requests for agencies
included in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill included in the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill ~~total~~totaled $42.559 billion, including budget offsets. This was $42.559 billion, including budget offsets. This was
$5.764$5.764 billion (12%) below the FY2020 enacted Energy and Water Development total of $48.324 billion, not including billion (12%) below the FY2020 enacted Energy and Water Development total of $48.324 billion, not including
supplemental appropriations. The House Appropriations Committee approved its FY2021 Energy and Water Development supplemental appropriations. The House Appropriations Committee approved its FY2021 Energy and Water Development
appropriations bill July 13, 2020 (H.R. 7613, H.Rept. 116-449).appropriations bill July 13, 2020 (H.R. 7613, H.Rept. 116-449). The Energy and Water bill was included as Division C in the The Energy and Water bill was included as Division C in the
second FY2021 consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 7617),second FY2021 consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 7617), passed by the House July 31, 2020. The House-passed bill passed by the House July 31, 2020. The House-passed bill
would would ~~provide~~have provided total non-emergency energy and water development funding of $49.601 billion, including offsets. This total non-emergency energy and water development funding of $49.601 billion, including offsets. This is
was $1.278 billion (3%) above the FY2020 enacted level and $7.042 billion (17%) above the request. $1.278 billion (3%) above the FY2020 enacted level and $7.042 billion (17%) above the request. ~~In addition, the bill includes~~
~~$44.050 billion in emergency FY2021 energy and water appropriations (described below), for a total of $93.651 billion. The~~
The Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee released a draft FY2021 Energy and Water bill and explanatory statement Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee released a draft FY2021 Energy and Water bill and explanatory statement
on November 10, 2020 (https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-advance-on November 10, 2020 (https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-advance-
process-produce-bipartisan-results), process-produce-bipartisan-results), ~~without scheduled subcommittee or committee markups. The Senate draft includes~~
which included $51.864 billion for Energy and Water Development programs—$9.305 billion above the budget request and $3.540 billion $51.864 billion for Energy and Water Development programs—$9.305 billion above the budget request and $3.540 billion
~~above the FY2020 enacted appropriation, excluding emergency appropriations.~~
~~DOE would receive $35.732 billion under the Administration’s FY2021 budget request (excluding offsets)—a decrease of~~
~~$2.925 billion (8%) from the FY2020 enacted level. The House-passed bill includes $40.864 billion for DOE, up 6% from~~
~~FY2020, excluding emergency funding. The draft Senate bill includes $42.041 billion for DOE, an increase of $6.309 billion~~
~~(18%) from the request, $1.178 billion (3%) over the House-passed bill, and $3.384 billion (9%) over the FY2020 enacted~~
~~level. The two water agencies in the bill would see funding cuts under the FY2021 budget request. USACE would decline~~
~~from $7.650 billion in FY2020 to $5.966 billion in FY2020 (down $1.684 billion, or 22%). Reclamation (separately from~~
~~CUP) would be reduced from $1.660 billion in FY2020 to $1.128 billion in FY2021 (down $532 million, or 32%). The~~
~~House-passed bill includes reductions of $21 million (0.3%) for USACE and $30 million (2%) for Reclamation from their~~
~~FY2020 enacted levels, excluding emergency supplementals. The draft Senate bill would provide $7.722 billion for USACE,~~
~~$93 million (1%) above the House level. For Reclamation, the draft Senate bill would provide $1.670 billion, $40 million~~
~~(2%) above the House level.~~
~~Emergency Funding~~
~~Title VI of the House-passed bill includes $44.05 billion in emergency FY2021 funding—nearly doubling the bill’s total~~
~~appropriations. These “additional infrastructure investments” are~~above the FY2020 enacted appropriation, excluding emergency appropriations. FY2021 Energy and Water Development funding was enacted by Division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), signed by the President on December 27, 2020. The enacted Energy and Water appropriations totaled $49.525 billion, $1.201 billion (2%) above the FY2020 enacted level, excluding emergency appropriations and scorekeeping adjustments. Energy and Water Development Appropriations, FY2020 Enacted Through FY2021 Enacted Dol ars in mil ions (and % change from 2020 enacted) FY2021 Senate FY2020 FY2021 FY2021 Majority FY2021 Agency Enacted Request House Draft Enacted Corps of Engineers 7,650 5,966 (-22%) 7,629 (0%) 7,722 (+1%) 7,796 (+2%) Bureau of Reclamation/CUP 1,680 1,138 (-32%) 1,655 (-1%) 1,690 (+1%) 1,691 (+1%) Department of Energy 38,657 35,732 (-8%) 40,864 (+6%) 42,041 (+9%) 39,627 (+3%) Independent Agencies 407 333 (-18%) 389 (-5%) 413 (+1%) 414 (+2%) Rescissions -71 -610 -935 -2 -3 Total 48,324 42,559 (-12%) 49,601 (+3%) 51,864 (+7%) 49,525 (+2%) Source: P.L. 116-260 and Explanatory Statement on H.R. 133, H.Rept. 116-449, Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement on FY2021 Energy and Water Development Appropriations. Notes: CUP=Central Utah Project Completion Account. Enacted amounts do not include subsequent emergency supplemental appropriations. FY2021 House levels exclude emergency appropriations and certain offsets. Emergency Funding Title VI of the House-passed bill included $44.05 billion in emergency FY2021 funding—nearly doubling the bill’s total appropriations to $93.651 billion. These “additional infrastructure investments” were intended “to support the economic recovery from the intended “to support the economic recovery from the
coronavirus pandemic,” according to the House Appropriations Committee report. USACE coronavirus pandemic,” according to the House Appropriations Committee report. USACE ~~would~~was to receive $17.0 billion, receive $17.0 billion,
Reclamation Reclamation ~~would receive~~ $3.0 billion, and DOE $3.0 billion, and DOE ~~would receive $24.050 billion. The largest amounts of the DOE~~
~~emergency funding would go to EERE ($8.330 billion), Science (6.250 billion), Defense Environmental Cleanup ($2.685~~
~~billion), Electricity ($3.350 billion), Nuclear Energy ($1.250 billion), and Fossil Energy ($1.250 billion). The draft Senate~~
~~bill does not include emergency appropriations for Energy and Water Development programs.~~
~~Major Issues~~
~~Major FY2021 Energy and Water Development funding issues include~~$24.050 billion. Neither the draft Senate bill nor the enacted measure included additional emergency appropriations for Energy and Water Development programs as passed by the House. Congressional Research Service Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Major Issues Major Energy and Water Development provisions in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included the establishment of a national uranium reserve (at half the requested amount), funding for renewable energy grid integration and storage, funding for artificial intelligence and quantum information science initiatives, a nearly 25% increase in nuclear weapons activities, and the first funding for the Southwest Border Regional Commission. Trump Administration proposals to limit funding for water Administration proposals to limit funding for water
projects, reduce energy R&D funding, eliminate weatherization grants for low-income households, projects, reduce energy R&D funding, eliminate weatherization grants for low-income households, ~~establish a national~~
~~uranium reserve, and substantially increase DOE nuclear weapons activities; emergency supplemental funding included in the~~
~~House-passed bill; and a Senate majority draft proposal for renewable energy grid integration~~and end DOE loan and loan guarantee programs were not adopted. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

Introduction and Overview
The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations The Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies appropriations ~~bill~~ bil includes funding includes funding
for civil works projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in Title I; the Department for civil works projects of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in Title I; the Department
of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Central Utah Project (CUP), in Title of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Central Utah Project (CUP), in Title
II; the Department of Energy (DOE), in Title III; and a number of independent agencies, II; the Department of Energy (DOE), in Title III; and a number of independent agencies,
including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Appalachian Regional Commission including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC), in Title IV.(ARC), in Title IV. Figure 1 compares the major components of the Energy and Water compares the major components of the Energy and Water
Development appropriations Development appropriations ~~bill from FY2019 through the FY2021 House-passed and Senate~~
~~Appropriations Committee draft levels~~bil from FY2020 through FY2021. .
Figure 1. Funding for Major Components of Energy and Water Development
Appropriations Bill, ~~FY2019~~FY2020 through FY2021 ~~Consideration~~
(excluding emergency supplementals) (excluding emergency supplementals)

Sources: H.R. 133 Explanatory Statement; Senate Appropriations CommitteeSenate Appropriations Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft Explanatory Statement for Energy and Water draft Explanatory Statement for Energy and Water
~~Development~~ Development and Related Agenciesand Related Agencies Appropriations Bil ,Appropriations Bil , 2021;2021; H.R. 7617;H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449;H.Rept. 116-449; Explanatory Explanatory
Statement for DivisionStatement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102;S.Rept. 116-102; S. 2470;S. 2470; H.R. 2740; FY2021 Budget H.R. 2740; FY2021 Budget
Appendix; and agency budget justifications.Appendix; and agency budget justifications. Includes some adjustments; seeIncludes some adjustments; see tables 4-7 for details. tables 4-7 for details.
Notes: FY2021 DOE request total does not include asset sales FY2021 DOE request total does not include asset sales and certain other offsets. Enacted amounts do and certain other offsets. Enacted amounts do
not include subsequent emergencynot include subsequent emergency supplemental appropriations. CUP = Central Utah Project Completion supplemental appropriations. CUP = Central Utah Project Completion
Account. FY2021 House levelsAccount. FY2021 House levels exclude emergencyexclude emergency appropriations and certain offsets. appropriations and certain offsets.
President Trump submitted his FY2021 budget request to Congress on February 10, 2020. The President Trump submitted his FY2021 budget request to Congress on February 10, 2020. The
budget requests for agencies included in the Energy and Water Development appropriations budget requests for agencies included in the Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~
~~total~~bil totaled $42.559 $42.559 ~~billion,~~ bil ion, including budget offsets. This was $5.764 including budget offsets. This was $5.764 ~~billion~~bil ion (12%) below the (12%) below the FY2020 FY2020
enacted Energy and Water Development total of $48.324 enacted Energy and Water Development total of $48.324 ~~billion~~bil ion, not including supplemental , not including supplemental
appropriations.1 The House Appropriations Committee approved its FY2021 appropriations.1 The House Appropriations Committee approved its FY2021 ~~Energy and Water~~

1 Most figures for the FY2020 enacted appropriations and FY2021 Administration1 Most figures for the FY2020 enacted appropriations and FY2021 Administration Request are taken from the House Request are taken from the House
Appropriations Committee report on the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Appropriations Committee report on the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations ~~Bill,~~
Bil , 2021 (H.Rept. 116-449), July 15, 2020, 2021 (H.Rept. 116-449), July 15, 2020, ~~and~~ the Senate the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft FY2021 explanatory Appropriations Committee majority draft FY2021 explanatory
~~statement, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/EWRept.pdf. House-passed figures are taken from~~
~~H.R. 7617 and the committee report. Figures for some subaccounts not shown in the House Appropriations Committee~~
statement, Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

Energy and Water Development appropriations Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil July 13, 2020 (H.R. 7613, H.Rept. 116-449). The Energy and July 13, 2020 (H.R. 7613, H.Rept. 116-449). The Energy and
Water Water ~~bill~~ bil was included as Division C in the second FY2021 consolidated appropriations was included as Division C in the second FY2021 consolidated appropriations ~~bill~~
bil (H.R. 7617), passed by the House on July 31, 2020. The House-passed (H.R. 7617), passed by the House on July 31, 2020. The House-passed ~~bill would provide~~bil would have provided total total
non-emergency energy and water development funding of $49.601 non-emergency energy and water development funding of $49.601 ~~billion,~~ bil ion, including offsets. This including offsets. This
is $1.278 is $1.278 ~~billion~~bil ion (3%) above the FY2020 enacted level and $7.042 (3%) above the FY2020 enacted level and $7.042 ~~billion~~ bil ion (17%) above the (17%) above the
request. In addition, the House request. In addition, the House ~~bill includes $44.050 billion in~~ bil included $44.050 bil ion in emergency FY2021 energy and emergency FY2021 energy and
water appropriations (described below), for a total of $93.651 water appropriations (described below), for a total of $93.651 ~~billion~~ bil ion. .
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby released draft Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Richard Shelby released draft ~~bills~~bil s and explanatory and explanatory
statements for statements for ~~all~~ al 12 regular FY2021 appropriations 12 regular FY2021 appropriations ~~bills~~bil s on November 10, 2020, on November 10, 2020, ~~with no~~
~~scheduled~~ but no subcommittee or committee markupssubcommittee or committee markups were held. The release of the draft . The release of the draft ~~bills~~bil s was intended to was intended to
further negotiations on annual appropriations between the House and the Senate.2 (Hereinafter, further negotiations on annual appropriations between the House and the Senate.2 (Hereinafter,
the draft of the Energy and Water Development appropriations the draft of the Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil and explanatory statement are and explanatory statement are
referred to as “the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft referred to as “the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~bil ” and “Senate ” and “Senate
Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement.”) The committee majority’s Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement.”) The committee majority’s
draft draft ~~bill~~ bil and explanatory statement for Energy and Water Development appropriations would and explanatory statement for Energy and Water Development appropriations would
~~provide~~have provided a total of $51.864 a total of $51.864 ~~billion~~bil ion, including offsets, according to the comparative statement of , including offsets, according to the comparative statement of
new budget authority that is in the explanatory statement. This is $3.540 new budget authority that is in the explanatory statement. This is $3.540 ~~billion~~bil ion (7%) above the (7%) above the
FY2020 enacted level, $9.305 FY2020 enacted level, $9.305 ~~billion~~bil ion (22%) above the request, and $2.262 (22%) above the request, and $2.262 ~~billion~~bil ion (5%) above the (5%) above the
House-passed level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations.House-passed level, excluding emergency supplemental appropriations.
~~Administration Request~~
~~DOE would receive $35.732 billion~~ FY2021 Energy and Water Development funding was enacted by Division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260), signed by the President on December 27, 2020. The enacted Energy and Water appropriations totaled $49.525 bil ion—$1.201 bil ion (2%) above the FY2020 enacted level, $6.966 bil ion (16%) above the Administration request, $77 mil ion (0%) below the House-passed level, and $2.339 bil ion (5%) below the Senate majority draft, excluding emergency appropriations and scorekeeping adjustments. (Detailed energy and water development appropriations tables for the enacted measure can be found in the Explanatory Statement, at https://www.congress.gov/116/crec/2020/12/21/CREC-2020-12-21.pdf-bk4.) Administration Request DOE would have received $35.732 bil ion under the Administration’s FY2021 budget request under the Administration’s FY2021 budget request
(excluding offsets)—a decrease of $2.925 (excluding offsets)—a decrease of $2.925 ~~billion~~bil ion (8%) from the FY2020 enacted level. The (8%) from the FY2020 enacted level. The
FY2021 request for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) FY2021 request for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) iswas $720 $720 ~~million~~mil ion, which is , which is
$2.070 $2.070 ~~billion~~bil ion (74%) below the FY2020 enacted level. This (74%) below the FY2020 enacted level. This ~~includes~~included elimination elimination of grants for home weatherization assistance and state energy programs. Nuclear Energy Research and https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/EWRept.pdf, and the Explanatory Statement for H.R. 133, https://www.congress.gov/116/crec/2020/12/21/CREC-2020-12-21.pdf-bk4. House-passed figures are taken from H.R. 7617 and the committee report. Figures for some subaccounts not shown in the House Appropriations Committee report are taken from the DOE FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, February 2020, https://www.energy.gov/cfo/ downloads/fy-2021-budget-justification. 2 Senate Appropriations Committee, “ Committee Releases FY21 Bills in Effort to Advance Process, Produce Bipartisan Results,” November 10, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results. See also the statement from Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patrick Leahy, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/senate-approps-vice-chair-leahy-statement-on-the-release-of-the-fy-2021-senate-appropriations-bills-. Congressional Research Service 2 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~of grants for~~
~~home weatherization assistance and state energy programs. Nuclear Energy Research and~~
Development (R&D) would Development (R&D) would ~~drop~~have dropped from $1.493 from $1.493 ~~billion~~bil ion in FY2020 to $1.180 in FY2020 to $1.180 ~~billion in~~ bil ion in FY2021 FY2021
(21%), and Fossil Energy R&D would (21%), and Fossil Energy R&D would behave been reduced from $750 reduced from $750 ~~million~~mil ion to $731 to $731 ~~million~~ mil ion (3%). (3%).
DOE’s Office of Science, which funds a wide range of research, would DOE’s Office of Science, which funds a wide range of research, would ~~receive $5.838 billion,~~
~~down $1.162 billion~~have received $5.838 bil ion, down $1.162 bil ion (17%) from the FY2020 enacted level. Funding for the Advanced Research (17%) from the FY2020 enacted level. Funding for the Advanced Research
Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E), which received $425 Projects Agency—Energy (ARPA-E), which received $425 ~~million~~mil ion in FY2020, would in FY2020, would be
have been eliminated and $311 eliminated and $311 ~~million~~ mil ion in prior-year funding rescinded. in prior-year funding rescinded. Environmental Management (waste Environmental Management (waste
management and cleanup) management and cleanup) ~~would~~was to decline from $7.455 decline from $7.455 ~~billion~~ bil ion in FY2020 to $6.066 in FY2020 to $6.066 ~~billion~~bil ion in in
FY2021 (down $1.390 FY2021 (down $1.390 ~~billion~~bil ion, or 19%). , or 19%).
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the DOE agency responsible for defense- The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the DOE agency responsible for defense-
related nuclear activities, related nuclear activities, ~~would~~was to be increased from $16.705 be increased from $16.705 ~~billion~~bil ion in FY2020 to $19.771 in FY2020 to $19.771 ~~billion~~bil ion
in FY2021 (up $3.066 in FY2021 (up $3.066 ~~billion, or 18%)~~bil ion, or 18%) by the Administration request. Also proposed for increases . Also proposed for increases ~~are~~were DOE’s Office of DOE’s Office of
Electricity (up $5 Electricity (up $5 ~~million~~mil ion, or 3%) and the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy , or 3%) and the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Security, and
Emergency Response (up $29 Emergency Response (up $29 ~~million, or 18%).~~

~~report are taken from the DOE FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, February 2020, https://www.energy.gov/~~
~~cfo/downloads/fy-2021-budget-justification.~~
~~2 Senate Appropriations Committee, “Committee Releases FY21 Bills in Effort to Advance Process, Produce Bipartisan~~
~~Results,” November 10, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/committee-releases-fy21-bills-in-effort-to-~~
~~advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results. See also the statement from Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair~~
~~Patrick Leahy, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/minority/senate-approps-vice-chair-leahy-statement-on-~~
~~the-release-of-the-fy-2021-senate-appropriations-bills-.~~

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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

mil ion, or 18%). The two major water agencies in the Energy and Water Development appropriations The two major water agencies in the Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil would would
~~see~~have seen funding reductions under the FY2021 budget request. USACE would funding reductions under the FY2021 budget request. USACE would ~~decline~~ have declined from $7.650 from $7.650
~~billion~~bil ion in FY2020 to $5.966 in FY2020 to $5.966 ~~billion~~bil ion in FY2021 (down $1.684 in FY2021 (down $1.684 ~~billion~~bil ion, or 22%). , or 22%). Reclamation Reclamation
(separately from CUP) would (separately from CUP) would behave been reduced from $1.660 reduced from $1.660 ~~billion~~bil ion in FY2020 to in FY2020 to $1.128 $1.128 ~~billion in~~
bil ion in FY2021 (down $532 FY2021 (down $532 ~~million~~mil ion, or 32%). , or 32%).
Among the independent agencies funded by the Among the independent agencies funded by the ~~bill~~bil , the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) , the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
~~would~~ was to receive an increase in total appropriations from $856 receive an increase in total appropriations from $856 ~~million~~mil ion in FY2020 to $863 in FY2020 to $863 ~~million~~ mil ion in in
FY2021 (up $8 FY2021 (up $8 ~~million~~mil ion, or 1%). NRC’s budget is mostly offset by nuclear industry fees, which , or 1%). NRC’s budget is mostly offset by nuclear industry fees, which
may vary from year to year; the agency’s net appropriation may vary from year to year; the agency’s net appropriation ~~would~~was proposed to decline from $128 decline from $128 ~~million in~~
mil ion in FY2020 to $123 FY2020 to $123 ~~million~~ mil ion in FY2021 (down $5 in FY2021 (down $5 ~~million~~mil ion, or 4%). Funding for the Appalachian , or 4%). Funding for the Appalachian
Regional Commission would Regional Commission would ~~decrease~~have decreased from $175 from $175 ~~million~~mil ion in FY2020 to $165 in FY2020 to $165 ~~million~~ mil ion in FY2021 in FY2021
(down $10 (down $10 ~~million~~mil ion, or 6%). Deeper percentage reductions in appropriations were proposed for , or 6%). Deeper percentage reductions in appropriations were proposed for
~~smaller~~smal er regional authorities in the regional authorities in the ~~bill:~~ bil : Denali Commission (-51%), Delta Regional Authority (-Denali Commission (-51%), Delta Regional Authority (-
92%), Northern Border Regional Commission (-97%), and Southeast 92%), Northern Border Regional Commission (-97%), and Southeast Crescent Regional Crescent Regional
Commission (-100%). Commission (-100%).
House-Passed Bill
The House-passed The House-passed ~~bill would~~bil would have largely largely ~~reverse~~reversed the funding reductions proposed by the the funding reductions proposed by the
Administration and Administration and ~~reduce~~reduced the Administration’s proposed increases for DOE defense programs. the Administration’s proposed increases for DOE defense programs.
DOE appropriations in the House DOE appropriations in the House ~~bill total~~bil totaled $40.864 $40.864 ~~billion~~ bil ion (excluding emergency funding), up (excluding emergency funding), up
$2.207 $2.207 ~~billion~~ bil ion (6%) from FY2020. From the enacted FY2020 levels, funding for EERE would (6%) from FY2020. From the enacted FY2020 levels, funding for EERE would
~~increase by $60 million~~ have increased by $60 mil ion (2%), Science would (2%), Science would ~~rise $55 million~~have risen $55 mil ion (1%), ARPA-E would (1%), ARPA-E would ~~increase~~have increased by by
~~$10 million~~ $10 mil ion (2%), and loan programs (2%), and loan programs ~~would~~were to continue unchanged. Nuclear Energy R&D would continue unchanged. Nuclear Energy R&D would be
have been reduced by $58 reduced by $58 ~~million~~mil ion (4%), less than the $313 (4%), less than the $313 ~~million~~mil ion reduction reduction sought by the Administration. sought by the Administration.
~~The bill would reduce~~The bil would have reduced Fossil R&D by $4 Fossil R&D by $4 ~~million~~ mil ion less than the reduction proposed by the less than the reduction proposed by the
Administration. The House Administration. The House ~~bill would reduce~~bil would have reduced the ~~the~~ Administration’s proposed $3.066 Administration’s proposed $3.066 ~~billion~~bil ion (18%) (18%)
increase for NNSA to $1.333 increase for NNSA to $1.333 ~~billion~~bil ion (8%). (8%).
The Administration’s proposed FY2021 funding reductions for water development agencies The Administration’s proposed FY2021 funding reductions for water development agencies
would would behave been largely reversed under the House-passed largely reversed under the House-passed ~~bill~~bil : regular (non-emergency) appropriations : regular (non-emergency) appropriations
~~for Reclamation would decrease by $30 million (2%) and for USACE would decline~~would have decreased by $30 mil ion (2%) for Reclamation and by $21 mil ion (a ~~by $21~~
~~million (a~~ fraction of a percent) fraction of a percent) for USACE from their FY2020 enacted levels. For independent agencies from their FY2020 enacted levels. For independent agencies
funded by the funded by the ~~bill, the House bill would reverse~~bil , the House bil would have reversed the proposed reductions, mostly the proposed reductions, mostly ~~calling~~cal ing for ~~for~~ level level
funding or slight increases. The primary exception funding or slight increases. The primary exception iswas the Delta Regional Authority, which would the Delta Regional Authority, which would
behave been reduced by $15 reduced by $15 ~~million~~mil ion (50%) from its FY2020 funding level (compared with (50%) from its FY2020 funding level (compared with Congressional Research Service 3 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations the 92% the 92%
reduction sought by the Administration). The House reduction sought by the Administration). The House ~~bill also includes~~bil also included first-time funding first-time funding of of
$250,000 for the Southwest Border Regional Commission. $250,000 for the Southwest Border Regional Commission.
Senate Committee Majority Draft
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~ bil and explanatory statement would and explanatory statement would
have provided~~provide~~ $42.041 $42.041 ~~billion~~ bil ion for DOE, $6.309 for DOE, $6.309 ~~billion~~bil ion (18%) above the request and $1.178 (18%) above the request and $1.178 ~~billion~~ bil ion (3%) (3%)
above the House-passed level, excluding emergency supplementals. Compared with the House-above the House-passed level, excluding emergency supplementals. Compared with the House-
passed levels, total funding for DOE energy programs would passed levels, total funding for DOE energy programs would ~~be $206 million~~have been $206 mil ion (1%) ~~(1%)~~ higher under higher under
the Senate draft, and defense programs would the Senate draft, and defense programs would ~~be $968 million~~have been $968 mil ion (4%) higher. (4%) higher.
For the water agencies, the Senate committee majority draft would For the water agencies, the Senate committee majority draft would ~~provide $7.722 billion for~~
have provided $7.722 bil ion for USACE, $1.756 (29%) above the request and $93 USACE, $1.756 (29%) above the request and $93 ~~million~~mil ion (1%) above the House-passed level, (1%) above the House-passed level,
excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. Reclamation would excluding emergency supplemental appropriations. Reclamation would ~~receive $1.670 billion,~~
~~$542 million~~ have received $1.670 bil ion, $542 mil ion (48%) above the request and $40 (48%) above the request and $40 ~~million~~mil ion (2%) above the House-passed (2%) above the House-passed level. ~~level.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

Independent agencies would Independent agencies would ~~receive $413 million, $80 million~~ have received $413 mil ion, $80 mil ion (24%) above the request and $24 (24%) above the request and $24
~~million~~ mil ion (6%) above the total approved by the House. The Senate draft (6%) above the total approved by the House. The Senate draft ~~does~~did not not include startup include startup
funding for the Southwest Border Regional Commission.funding for the Southwest Border Regional Commission.
Emergency Funding
In addition to the regular appropriations described above, Title VI of the House-passed In addition to the regular appropriations described above, Title VI of the House-passed ~~bill~~
~~includes~~bil included $44.050 $44.050 ~~billion~~bil ion in emergency FY2021 funding—nearly doubling the in emergency FY2021 funding—nearly doubling the ~~bill~~bil ’s total ’s total
appropriations. These “additional infrastructure investments” appropriations. These “additional infrastructure investments” ~~are~~were intended “to support the intended “to support the
economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” according to the House Appropriations economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” according to the House Appropriations
Committee report. USACE would Committee report. USACE would ~~receive $17.0 billion~~have received $17.0 bil ion, Reclamation would , Reclamation would ~~receive $3.0 billion,~~
have received $3.0 bil ion, and DOE would and DOE would ~~receive~~have received $24.050 $24.050 ~~billion~~bil ion. The emergency spending in Title VI . The emergency spending in Title VI is was outside the outside the
annual budget caps described below. Noannual budget caps described below. No such additional emergency spending for energy and water development emergency spending for energy and water development
programs programs iswas included in the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft included in the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~bil or in the enacted FY2021 energy and water development funding in P.L. 116- 240.3 .3
The largest amounts of the DOE emergency funding would The largest amounts of the DOE emergency funding would gohave gone to EERE ($8.330 to EERE ($8.330 ~~billion~~bil ion), of which ), of which
~~$3.250 billion would be~~$3.250 bil ion was for weatherization (energy efficiency) improvements to low-income for weatherization (energy efficiency) improvements to low-income
housing, $2.250 housing, $2.250 ~~billion would be~~bil ion was for energy efficiency and conservation block grants, and $1.025 for energy efficiency and conservation block grants, and $1.025
~~billion would be~~bil ion was for electric vehicle infrastructure. Science would for electric vehicle infrastructure. Science would ~~receive $6.250 billion in~~
have received $6.250 bil ion in emergency appropriations for upgrades to scientific research facilities. Other DOE programs emergency appropriations for upgrades to scientific research facilities. Other DOE programs
~~receiving~~that were to receive the largest amount of emergency funding the largest amount of emergency funding ~~include~~included Defense Environmental Cleanup Defense Environmental Cleanup
($2.685 ($2.685 ~~billion~~bil ion), Electricity, for grid modernization ($3.350 ), Electricity, for grid modernization ($3.350 ~~billion~~bil ion), Nuclear Energy ), Nuclear Energy ($1.250 ($1.250
~~billion~~bil ion), and Fossil Energy ($1.250 ), and Fossil Energy ($1.250 ~~billion~~bil ion). ).
USACE’s emergency appropriations USACE’s emergency appropriations ~~include $10.0 billion~~included $10.0 bil ion for construction and $5.0 for construction and $5.0 ~~billion~~bil ion for for
operation and maintenance. Limitations on USACEoperation and maintenance. Limitations on USACE construction projects in various existing construction projects in various existing
statutes would statutes would behave been waived. Emergency funding for Reclamation waived. Emergency funding for Reclamation ~~includes $300 million~~included $300 mil ion for for
WaterSMART grants for water efficiency and infrastructure improvements, $605 WaterSMART grants for water efficiency and infrastructure improvements, $605 ~~million~~mil ion for for
Indian Water Rights Settlements, and at least $700 Indian Water Rights Settlements, and at least $700 ~~million~~ mil ion for various efforts in California for various efforts in California
associated with the California Bay-Delta Restoration Act, the Central associated with the California Bay-Delta Restoration Act, the Central ~~Valley~~ Val ey Project Improvement Project Improvement
Act, and the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement. Act, and the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement.
3 Senate Appropriations Committee majority explanatory statement, p. 1, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/EWRept.pdf. Congressional Research Service 4 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations The House bil specified ~~The House bill specifies~~ that funds “designated in this Act by the Congress as being for an that funds “designated in this Act by the Congress as being for an
emergency requirement” emergency requirement” ~~will~~would have become available only if the President “subsequently so become available only if the President “subsequently so ~~designates~~
~~all~~ designates al such amounts and transmits such designations to the Congress” (Section 4). Enacted Measure Division D of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) provided $39.627 bil ion for DOE, which is $970 mil ion (3%) above the FY2020 enacted level, $3.895 bil ion (11%) above the Administration request, $1.237 bil ion (3%) below the House level, and $2.414 bil ion (6%) below the Senate majority draft level. DOE energy programs received $12.445 bil ion for FY2021, $2.189 bil ion (15%) below the FY2020 enacted level, with the reduction resulting almost entirely from rescissions of unused loan and loan guarantee funding. NNSA received $19.732 bil ion for FY2021, $3.028 billion (18%) above the FY2020 enacted level. USACE received $7.796 bil ion for FY2021, $146 mil ion (2%) above the FY2020 amount. The Bureau of Reclamation received $1.670 bil ion, $10 mil ion (1%) more than in FY2020. Independent agencies were appropriated a net total of $414 mil ion for FY2021, an increase of $7 mil ion (2%) from FY2020. Initial funding of $250,000 was provided for the Southwest Border Regional Commission. In contrast to the House-passed bil , no additional emergency appropriations for energy and water development programs were included in the enacted FY2021 funding measure. ~~such amounts and transmits such designations to the Congress” (Section 4).~~
Earlier-Year Funding
FY2020 funding was enacted in the FY2020 Energy and Water Development and Related FY2020 funding was enacted in the FY2020 Energy and Water Development and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act on December 19, 2019, as Division C of the Further Continuing Agencies Appropriations Act on December 19, 2019, as Division C of the Further Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2020, which was signed by the President on December 20, 2019 (P.L. 116-Appropriations Act, 2020, which was signed by the President on December 20, 2019 (P.L. 116-
94). The enacted measure provided $48.324 94). The enacted measure provided $48.324 ~~billion~~bil ion for Energy and Water programs (including for Energy and Water programs (including
rescissions), $3.663 rescissions), $3.663 ~~billion~~bil ion (8%) above the FY2019 funding level (excluding emergency (8%) above the FY2019 funding level (excluding emergency
supplemental appropriations) and $10.368 supplemental appropriations) and $10.368 ~~billion~~bil ion (27%) above the Administration request. (27%) above the Administration request.
Funding tables and other details are provided in the Funding tables and other details are provided in the ~~Explanatory Statement~~explanatory statement submitted with the submitted with the
Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020.4~~Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020.4~~

~~3 Senate Appropriations Committee majority explanatory statement, p. 1, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/~~
~~media/doc/EWRept.pdf.~~
~~4 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Committee Print of the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of~~
~~Representatives, on H.R. 1865/P.L. 116-94, Legislative Text and Explanatory Statement, January 2020,~~
~~https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT-116HPRT38679/pdf/CPRT-116HPRT38679.pdf.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

Figures for FY2019 exclude emergency supplemental appropriations totaling $17.419 Figures for FY2019 exclude emergency supplemental appropriations totaling $17.419 ~~billion~~bil ion
provided to USACEprovided to USACE and DOE for natural disaster response by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 and DOE for natural disaster response by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018
(P.L. 115-123), signed February 9, 2018. Similarly, the discussion and amounts in this report do (P.L. 115-123), signed February 9, 2018. Similarly, the discussion and amounts in this report do
not reflect the emergency supplemental appropriations provided in the Additionalnot reflect the emergency supplemental appropriations provided in the Additional Supplemental Supplemental
Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-20) for USACE ($3.258 Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-20) for USACE ($3.258 ~~billion~~bil ion) and ) and
Reclamation ($16 Reclamation ($16 ~~million~~mil ion) or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related supplemental ) or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related supplemental
appropriations (e.g., P.L. 116-136). For more details, see CRS In Focus IF11435, appropriations (e.g., P.L. 116-136). For more details, see CRS In Focus IF11435, Supplemental
Appropriations for Army Corps Flood Response and Recovery, by Nicole T. Carter and Anna E. , by Nicole T. Carter and Anna E.
Normand, and CRS Report R45708, Normand, and CRS Report R45708, Energy and Water Development: FY2020 Appropriations, by , by
Mark Holt and Corrie E. Clark. Mark Holt and Corrie E. Clark.
Budgetary Limits
Congressional consideration of the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations Congressional consideration of the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil is is
affected by certain procedural and statutory budget enforcement requirements. These consist affected by certain procedural and statutory budget enforcement requirements. These consist
4 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Committee Print of the Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House o f Representatives, on H.R. 1865/P.L. 116-94, Legislative T ext and Explanatory Statement, January 2 020, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT -116HPRT38679/pdf/CPRT -116HPRT38679.pdf. Congressional Research Service 5 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations primarily of procedural limits on discretionary spending (spending provided in annual primarily of procedural limits on discretionary spending (spending provided in annual
appropriations acts) established in a budget resolution or through some other means, and appropriations acts) established in a budget resolution or through some other means, and
~~allocations~~al ocations of this amount that apply to spending under the jurisdiction of each appropriations of this amount that apply to spending under the jurisdiction of each appropriations
subcommittee. subcommittee.
Statutory budget enforcement is currently derived from the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA; Statutory budget enforcement is currently derived from the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA;
P.L. 112-25). The BCA established separate limits on defense and nondefense discretionary P.L. 112-25). The BCA established separate limits on defense and nondefense discretionary
spending. These limits are in effect from FY2012 through FY2021 and are primarily enforced by spending. These limits are in effect from FY2012 through FY2021 and are primarily enforced by
an automatic spending reduction process an automatic spending reduction process ~~called~~cal ed sequestration, in which a breach of a spending sequestration, in which a breach of a spending
limit would trigger across-the-board cuts, known as a sequester, within that spending category. limit would trigger across-the-board cuts, known as a sequester, within that spending category.
The BCA’s statutory discretionary spending limits were increased for FY2020 and FY2021 by The BCA’s statutory discretionary spending limits were increased for FY2020 and FY2021 by
the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (BBAthe Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 (BBA 2019, P.L. 116-37, H.R. 3877), signed by the President 2019, P.L. 116-37, H.R. 3877), signed by the President
August 2, 2019. For FY2021, BBAAugust 2, 2019. For FY2021, BBA 2019 sets discretionary spending limits of $671.5 2019 sets discretionary spending limits of $671.5 ~~billion~~bil ion for for
defense funding and $626.5 defense funding and $626.5 ~~billion~~ bil ion for nondefense funding (the Energy and Water Development for nondefense funding (the Energy and Water Development
Appropriations Appropriations ~~bill~~ bil includes both). P.L. 116-136 (§14003) altered the accounting of certain harbor includes both). P.L. 116-136 (§14003) altered the accounting of certain harbor
maintenance spending toward the discretionary spending limits. maintenance spending toward the discretionary spending limits. From the FY2021 discretionary From the FY2021 discretionary
spending limit, the House Appropriations Committee on July 13, 2020, spending limit, the House Appropriations Committee on July 13, 2020, ~~allocated~~al ocated $49.607 $49.607 ~~billion~~
bil ion to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee (H.Rept. 116-443).5 That to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee (H.Rept. 116-443).5 That
limit limit ~~does~~did not apply to the emergency appropriations in the House-passed FY2021 consolidated not apply to the emergency appropriations in the House-passed FY2021 consolidated
funding funding ~~bills~~bil s. The Senate Appropriations Committee . The Senate Appropriations Committee majority posted draft FY2021 subcommittee majority posted draft FY2021 subcommittee
~~allocations~~al ocations on November 10, 2020, including $51.752 on November 10, 2020, including $51.752 ~~billion~~bil ion for energy and water development, for energy and water development,
which is consistent with the text within the explanatory statement but different from the which is consistent with the text within the explanatory statement but different from the
comparative statement of new budget authority at the end of the explanatory statement.6 comparative statement of new budget authority at the end of the explanatory statement.6 The enacted Energy and Water Development appropriations measure for FY2021 totaled $49.525 bil ion, excluding scorekeeping adjustments. (For ~~(For~~
more more information, see CRS Insight IN11148, information, see CRS Insight IN11148, The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019: Changes to the
BCA and Debt Limit, by Grant A. Driessen and Megan S. Lynch, and CRS Report R44874, , by Grant A. Driessen and Megan S. Lynch, and CRS Report R44874, The
Budget Control Act: Frequently Asked Questions, by Grant A. Driessen and Megan S. Lynch.) , by Grant A. Driessen and Megan S. Lynch.)

~~5 The House and Senate Appropriations Committees make subcommittee allocations pursuant to Section 302(b) of the~~
~~Congressional Budget Act of 1974 ( P.L. 93-344).~~
~~6 Senate Appropriations Committee majority, 2021 Original Senate Allocation, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/~~
~~imo/media/doc/FY21%20302(b)%20Subcommittee%20Allocations.pdf.~~
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~~Funding Issues and Initiatives~~
~~Several issues have drawn~~ Funding Issues and Initiatives Several issues drew particular attention during congressional consideration of Energy and particular attention during congressional consideration of Energy and
Water Development appropriations for FY2021. The issues described in this section—listed Water Development appropriations for FY2021. The issues described in this section—listed
approximately in the order the affected agencies appear in the Energy and Water Development approximately in the order the affected agencies appear in the Energy and Water Development
~~bill~~bil —were selected based on total funding involved, percentage of proposed increases or —were selected based on total funding involved, percentage of proposed increases or
decreases, amount of congressional debate engendered, and potential impact on broader public decreases, amount of congressional debate engendered, and potential impact on broader public
policy considerations. Substantial controversy arose during House markups and floor debate policy considerations. Substantial controversy arose during House markups and floor debate
about the about the ~~bill~~bil ’s $44.050 ’s $44.050 ~~billion~~bil ion in emergency spending under Title VI (Division C) in response to in emergency spending under Title VI (Division C) in response to
the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak; the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak; ~~discussion of specific programs targeted with emergency~~
~~funding is included in the issue areas below~~those provisions were dropped, but the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included $900 bil ion of emergency COVID relief in Divisions M and N. (For information on COVID effects, see CRS Insight . (For information on COVID effects, see CRS Insight
IN11300, IN11300, COVID-19: Potential Impacts on the Electric Power Sector, by Ashley J. Lawson.), by Ashley J. Lawson.)
5 T he House and Senate Appropriations Committees make subcommittee allocations pursuant to Section 302(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344). 6 Senate Appropriations Committee majority, 2021 Original Senate Allocation, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/FY21%20302(b)%20Subcommittee%20Allocations.pdf. Congressional Research Service 6 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Army Corps of Engineers and Reclamation Budgets
For USACE, the Trump Administration requested $5.966 For USACE, the Trump Administration requested $5.966 ~~billion~~bil ion for FY2021, which is $1.684 for FY2021, which is $1.684
~~billion~~ bil ion (22%) below the FY2020 appropriation. The request (22%) below the FY2020 appropriation. The request ~~includes~~included no funding for initiating new no funding for initiating new
studies and construction projects (referred to as studies and construction projects (referred to as new starts). The FY2021 request would ). The FY2021 request would ~~limit~~
have limited funding for ongoing navigation and flood risk-reduction construction projects to those whose funding for ongoing navigation and flood risk-reduction construction projects to those whose
benefits are at least 2.5 times their costs, or projects that address safety concerns. Many benefits are at least 2.5 times their costs, or projects that address safety concerns. Many
~~congressionally~~congressional y authorized USACE authorized USACE projects do not meet that standard. The House-passed energy projects do not meet that standard. The House-passed energy
and water funding measure for FY2021 provided $7.629 and water funding measure for FY2021 provided $7.629 ~~billion~~bil ion for USACE, plus $17.0 for USACE, plus $17.0 ~~billion~~ bil ion in in
emergency appropriations, and emergency appropriations, and ~~includes~~included funds for seven new starts for studies and seven new funds for seven new starts for studies and seven new
starts for construction projects.7 The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft starts for construction projects.7 The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~ bil for for
FY2021 would FY2021 would ~~provide $7.722 billion~~ have provided $7.722 bil ion for USACE and for USACE and ~~includes~~included funds for nine new starts funds for nine new starts for for
studies and seven new starts for construction projects. studies and seven new starts for construction projects.
The Trump Administration also The Trump Administration also ~~seeks~~sought to transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action to transfer the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action
Program (FUSRAP) from USACE to DOE, a proposal included in prior budget requests that Program (FUSRAP) from USACE to DOE, a proposal included in prior budget requests that
Congress has not approved. For Reclamation (not including CUP), the FY2021 request would Congress has not approved. For Reclamation (not including CUP), the FY2021 request would
~~reduce~~ have reduced funding by $532 funding by $532 ~~million~~ mil ion (32%) from the FY2020 level, to $1.128 (32%) from the FY2020 level, to $1.128 ~~billion.~~ bil ion. The House-The House-
passed passed ~~bill includes $1.630 billion~~ bil included $1.630 bil ion for Reclamation, while the Senate Appropriations for Reclamation, while the Senate Appropriations Committee Committee
majority draft would majority draft would ~~provide $1.670 billion~~have provided $1.670 bil ion. .
The Trump Administration did not request FY2021 funding for USACE’s Water Infrastructure The Trump Administration did not request FY2021 funding for USACE’s Water Infrastructure
Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Congress authorized USACE’s WIFIA in 2014 Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. Congress authorized USACE’s WIFIA in 2014
(Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121).8 USACE through WIFIA is authorized to provide credit (Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121).8 USACE through WIFIA is authorized to provide credit
assistance in the form of secured or direct loans for a range of water resource projects.9 H.Rept. assistance in the form of secured or direct loans for a range of water resource projects.9 H.Rept.
116-449 indicated support for USACE’s activities to develop its WIFIA, and in staying informed 116-449 indicated support for USACE’s activities to develop its WIFIA, and in staying informed

about its development;10 no appropriations were provided specifical y for USACE’s WIFIA in H.R. 7617. The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft included a new USACE account for the agency’s WIFIA and would have appropriated $25 mil ion to the new account.11 The draft bil would have required $22.8 mil ion of the funds to be used for WIFIA assistance to nonfederal 7 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies 7 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, p. 16.Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, p. 16.. For more on environmental For more on environmental ~~infrastructure~~infrast ructure authorities, see CRS authorities, see CRS In In
FocusFocus IF11184, IF11184, ~~Army~~Arm y Corps of Engineers: ~~Environmental~~Environm ental Infrastructure Assistance, by Anna E. Normand. , by Anna E. Normand.
8 USACE8 USACE has elected to call its WIFIA program the Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP); this has elected to call its WIFIA program the Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP); this
report refers to it as WIFIA, to remain consistent with legislative text.report refers to it as WIFIA, to remain consistent with legislative text.
9 USACE’s 9 USACE’s WIFIA is authorized to assist eligibleWIFIA is authorized to assist eligible projects that have the following purposes: reduction of riverine or projects that have the following purposes: reduction of riverine or
coastal storm flood damage;coastal storm flood damage; restoration of aquatic ecosystems; improvement of the inland and intracoastal waterways restoration of aquatic ecosystems; improvement of the inland and intracoastal waterways
navigation system; improvement of navigation of a coastal inland harbor of the United States, includingnavigation system; improvement of navigation of a coastal inland harbor of the United States, including channel channel
deepening and construction of associated general navigation features; or a combination of purposes that are supported deepening and construction of associated general navigation features; or a combination of purposes that are supported
by the USACE’sby the USACE’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WIFIA programs. (For more information, see 33 and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WIFIA programs. (For more information, see 33
U.S.C.U.S.C. §3905.) USACE§3905.) USACE has clarified that dam and levee safety projects fall within WIFIA’s eligiblehas clarified that dam and levee safety projects fall within WIFIA’s eligible ~~project purposes.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

~~about its development;10 no appropriations were provided specifically for USACE’s WIFIA in~~
~~H.R. 7617. The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft would create a new USACE~~
~~account for the agency’s WIFIA and would appropriate $25 million to the new account.11 The~~
~~draft bill would provide $22.8 million of the funds to be used for WIFIA assistance to nonfederal~~
~~dam owners for dam safety projects,12 and $2.2 million~~ project purposes. 10 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, p. 73. In the report, the committee included language that would direct the USACE to brief the committee on the budget scoring challenges related to USACE’s WIFIA program. Some of the scoring challenges relate to the scoring of federal projects and projects related to federal assets. 11 T he authorization of appropriations for USACE’s WIFIA expired in FY2019 (see 33 U.S.C. §3912). In contrast to the Environmental Protection Agency’s WIFIA program, which was also authorized in 2014 and provided its first WIFIA assistance in 2018, USACE’s WIFIA program has been under development (using USACE General Expenses appropriations), but was not operational as of the start of FY2021 . Congressional Research Service 7 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations dam owners for dam safety projects,12 and $2.2 mil ion for USACE administrative expenses to carry out the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, created a new account for USACE’s WIFIA program, as recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft, and appropriated $14.2 mil ion to it. Of the total, $12.2 mil ion is specifical y for nonfederal dam owners for dam safety projects, with the remaining $2 mil ion for USACE administrative expenses to for USACE administrative expenses to
~~carry out the program.~~ carry out the program. Total FY2021 enacted appropriations for USACE were $7.80 bil ion (31% above the FY2021 request and 2% above the FY2020 enacted amount). The Administration’s proposed transfer of the FUSRAP radiological site cleanup program to DOE was not approved. Following enactment of the FY2021 appropriations measure, USACE issued its Work Plan for FY2021 programs, projects, and activities on January 19, 2021.13 For more details, see CRS In Focus IF11462, For more details, see CRS In Focus IF11462, Army Corps of Engineers:
FY2021 Appropriations, by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter, CRS In Focus IF11465, , by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter, CRS In Focus IF11465,
Bureau of Reclamation: FY2021 Appropriations, by Charles V. Stern, CRS Report R46320, , by Charles V. Stern, CRS Report R46320, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers: Annual Appropriations Process and Issues for Congress, by Anna E. , by Anna E.
Normand and Nicole T. Carter, and CRS In Focus IF11193, Normand and Nicole T. Carter, and CRS In Focus IF11193, WIFIA Program: Background and
Recent Developments, by Elena H. Humphreys. , by Elena H. Humphreys.
Power Marketing Administration Proposals
DOE’s FY2021 budget request DOE’s FY2021 budget request ~~includes~~included three spending proposals three spending proposals , none of which were enacted, related to the Power Marketing related to the Power Marketing
Administrations (PMAs)—Administrations (PMAs)—~~Bonneville~~ Bonnevil e Power Administration (BPA), Southeastern Power Power Administration (BPA), Southeastern Power
Administration (SEPA), Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), and Western Area Power Administration (SEPA), Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), and Western Area Power
Administration (WAPA). PMAs Administration (WAPA). PMAs ~~sell~~ sel the power generated by various federal dams. The the power generated by various federal dams. The
Trump Administration proposed to divest the assets of the three PMAs Administration proposed to divest the assets of the three PMAs that own transmission that own transmission
infrastructure: BPA, SWPA, and WAPA.infrastructure: BPA, SWPA, and WAPA.1314 These assets consist of thousands of miles of high These assets consist of thousands of miles of high
voltage transmission lines and hundreds of power substations. The budget request projected that voltage transmission lines and hundreds of power substations. The budget request projected that
mandatory spending savings from the sale of these assets would total approximately $4.1 mandatory spending savings from the sale of these assets would total approximately $4.1 ~~billion~~
bil ion over a 10-year period.over a 10-year period.1415 The budget request proposed to repeal the borrowing authority for The budget request proposed to repeal the borrowing authority for
WAPA’s Transmission Infrastructure Program, which facilitates the WAPA’s Transmission Infrastructure Program, which facilitates the delivery of renewable energy delivery of renewable energy
~~resources.~~
~~The FY2021 budget also proposed eliminating the statutory requirement that PMAs limit rates to~~
~~amounts necessary to recover only construction, operations, and maintenance costs. The budget~~
~~proposed that the PMAs instead transition to a market-based approach to setting rates. The~~

~~10 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies~~
~~Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, p. 73. In the report, the committee included language that would direct the~~
~~USACE to brief the committee on the budget scoring challenges related to USACE’s WIFIA program. Some of the~~
~~scoring challenges relate to the scoring of federal projects and projects related to federal assets.~~
~~11 The authorization of appropriations for USACE’s WIFIA expired in FY2019 (see 33 U.S.C. §3912). In contrast to~~
~~the Environmental Protection Agency’s WIFIA program, which was also authorized in 2014 and provided its first~~
~~WIFIA assistance in 2018, USACE’s WIFIA program has been under development (using USACE General Expenses~~
~~appropriations), but was not operational as of the start of FY2021.~~
~~12 That~~resources. 12 T hat is, although the WIFIA authority provides for USACE is, although the WIFIA authority provides for USACE to assist a range of water resource projects, the draft bill to assist a range of water resource projects, the draft bill
wouldwould ~~limit~~ have limited the FY2021 WIFIA assistance to nonfederal dam safety. the FY2021 WIFIA assistance to nonfederal dam safety. ~~The~~T he draft explanatory statement accompanying the draft explanatory statement accompanying the
~~bill provides~~bill provided additional direction to USACE additional direction to USACE on development of the program, including the on development of the program, including the ~~types of eligible~~ ty pes of eligible projects. projects.
For more information, see Senate Committee on Appropriations majority draft explanatory statement, November 10, For more information, see Senate Committee on Appropriations majority draft explanatory statement, November 10,
2020, p. 59. 2020, p. 59.
13 13 ~~This proposal was also included in the~~USACE, “ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Releases Work Plan for Fiscal 2021 Civil Works Appropriations,” January 19, 2021, https://www.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/News-Release-Article-Vie w/Article/2476138/us-army-corps-of-engineers-releases-work-plan-for-fiscal-2021-civil-works-appro/. 14 T his proposal was also included in the T rump Administration’s Administration’s Delivering Government Solutions in the 21st Century:
Reform Plan and Reorganization ~~Recommendations~~Recom m endations, June 21, 2018, pp. 66-67, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-, June 21, 2018, pp. 66-67, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-
content/uploads/2018/06/Governmentcontent/uploads/2018/06/Government -Reform-and-Reorg-Plan.pdf. -Reform-and-Reorg-Plan.pdf. ~~Total~~T otal 10-year savings were estimated at $9.5 10-year savings were estimated at $9.5
billion, possibly includingbillion, possibly including the proposed cancellation of WAPA borrowing authority. Mandatory spending is provided the proposed cancellation of WAPA borrowing authority. Mandatory spending is provided
by permanent law outsideby permanent law outside the annual appropriations process; for details, see CBO, “the annual appropriations process; for details, see CBO, “ What is the difference between What is the difference between
mandatory and discretionary spending?,” https://www.cbo.gov/content/whatmandatory and discretionary spending?,” https://www.cbo.gov/content/what -difference-between-mandatory-and--difference-between-mandatory-and-
discretionary-spending. discretionary-spending.
1415 Office of Management and Budget, Office of Management and Budget, A Budget for America’s Future: Major Savings and Reforms, Fiscal Year 2021, , Fiscal Year 2021,
p. 138, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/msar_fy21.pdf. p. 138, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/msar_fy21.pdf.
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Appropriations The FY2021 budget also proposed eliminating the statutory requirement that PMAs limit rates to amounts necessary to recover only construction, operations, and maintenance costs. The budget proposed that the PMAs instead transition to a market-based approach to setting rates. The Administration estimated that this proposal would yield $7.4 Administration estimated that this proposal would yield $7.4 ~~billion~~ bil ion in new revenues over 10 in new revenues over 10
years.years.1516 The budget also The budget also ~~called~~cal ed for repealing $3.25 for repealing $3.25 ~~billion~~ bil ion in borrowing authority provided to in borrowing authority provided to
WAPA for transmission projects enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of WAPA for transmission projects enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009 (P.L. 111-5). The proposal was estimated to save $500 2009 (P.L. 111-5). The proposal was estimated to save $500 ~~million~~mil ion over 10 years. over 10 years.16
17 The Administration The Administration ~~has~~had made made ~~all~~ al of these proposals in previous years. To take effect, they would of these proposals in previous years. To take effect, they would
~~need~~ have needed to be enacted in authorizing legislation, and no congressional action to be enacted in authorizing legislation, and no congressional action ~~has been~~was taken on taken on them~~them~~
~~to date~~. The proposals . The proposals ~~have been~~were opposed by groups such as the American Public Power opposed by groups such as the American Public Power
Association and the National Rural Electrical Cooperative Association, and they have been the Association and the National Rural Electrical Cooperative Association, and they have been the
subject of opposition letters to the Administration from several subject of opposition letters to the Administration from several ~~regionally~~regional y based bipartisan groups based bipartisan groups
of Members of Congress. PMA reforms have been supported by some policy research institutes, of Members of Congress. PMA reforms have been supported by some policy research institutes,
such as the Heritage Foundation. such as the Heritage Foundation.
For further information, see CRS Report R45548, For further information, see CRS Report R45548, The Power Marketing Administrations:
Background and Current Issues, by Richard J. , by Richard J. ~~Campbell.~~
Campbel . Proposed Termination of Energy Efficiency Grants
The FY2021 budget request proposed to terminate both the DOE Weatherization Assistance The FY2021 budget request proposed to terminate both the DOE Weatherization Assistance
Program and the State Energy Program (SEP)Program and the State Energy Program (SEP), but Congress continued to fund the programs in FY2021. The Weatherization Assistance Program provides . The Weatherization Assistance Program provides
formula grants to states to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income housing units to formula grants to states to fund energy efficiency improvements for low-income housing units to
reduce their energy costs and save energy. The SEP provides grants and technical assistance to reduce their energy costs and save energy. The SEP provides grants and technical assistance to
states for planning and implementation of their energy programs. Both the weatherization and states for planning and implementation of their energy programs. Both the weatherization and
SEP programs are under SEP programs are under DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). The
weatherization program received $305 weatherization program received $305 ~~million~~ mil ion and SEP received $63 and SEP received $63 ~~million~~ mil ion for FY2020, after for FY2020, after
also having been proposed for eliminationalso having been proposed for elimination in that year’s budget request, as in that year’s budget request, as ~~well~~ wel as in FY2019 and as in FY2019 and
FY2018. According to DOE, the proposed elimination of the grant programs FY2018. According to DOE, the proposed elimination of the grant programs iswas “due to a “due to a
departmental shift in focus departmental shift in focus away from deployment activities and towards early-stage R&D.”away from deployment activities and towards early-stage R&D.”17
18 The House-passed The House-passed ~~bill includes~~bil included funding for energy efficiency grants within Title III and Title VI. funding for energy efficiency grants within Title III and Title VI.
Within Title III, the Within Title III, the ~~bill provides for small~~ bil provided for smal increases in weatherization and SEP grants over their increases in weatherization and SEP grants over their
FY2020 enacted levels. Title VI of the FY2020 enacted levels. Title VI of the ~~bill would provide~~bil would have provided emergency supplemental emergency supplemental funding: funding:
$3.250 $3.250 ~~billion~~ bil ion for weatherization grants, $730 for weatherization grants, $730 ~~million~~mil ion for SEP grants, and $2.250 for SEP grants, and $2.250 ~~billion for~~
bil ion for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBGs). The EECBG program, which is Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBGs). The EECBG program, which is
authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA, P.L. 110-140), was funded at authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA, P.L. 110-140), was funded at
$3.2 $3.2 ~~billion~~ bil ion under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, P.L. 111-5). ARRAunder the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA, P.L. 111-5). ARRA also also
provided supplemental funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program ($5 provided supplemental funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program ($5 ~~billion~~bil ion) and SEP ) and SEP
($3.1 ($3.1 ~~billion~~bil ion). ).
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~ bil and explanatory statement and explanatory statement ~~include small~~
included smal funding increases for energy efficiency grants: $305 funding increases for energy efficiency grants: $305 ~~million~~mil ion for weatherization grants and for weatherization grants and $62.5 $62.5
~~million~~ mil ion for SEP grants. The FY2021 enacted funding measure provided $315 mil ion for 16 Ibid., p. 139. 17 Ibid., p. 140. 18~~for SEP grants.~~

~~15 Ibid., p. 139.~~
~~16 Ibid., p. 140.~~
17 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request,Request, ~~Budget~~ Budget in Brief, p. 20, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/in Brief, p. 20, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/
02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -in-brief_0.pdf. -in-brief_0.pdf.
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Appropriations weatherization grants and $62.5 mil ion for SEP grants, with none of the emergency supplemental funding passed by the House. Proposed Reductions in Energy R&D
Appropriations for applied R&D on energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy (NE), Appropriations for applied R&D on energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear energy (NE),
and fossil energy (FE) would and fossil energy (FE) would behave been reduced from $ reduced from $~~5.021 billion~~4.650 bil ion in FY2020 to $2.670 in FY2020 to $2.670 ~~billion (47%)~~
bil ion (43%) under the Administration’s FY2021 budget request.under the Administration’s FY2021 budget request.1819 Major proposed reductions Major proposed reductions ~~include~~included
bioenergy technologies (-83%), vehicle technologies (-81%), natural gas technologies (-71%), bioenergy technologies (-83%), vehicle technologies (-81%), natural gas technologies (-71%),
advanced manufacturing (-75%), building technologies (-79%), wind energy (-79%), solar energy advanced manufacturing (-75%), building technologies (-79%), wind energy (-79%), solar energy
(-76%), geothermal technologies (-76%), and nuclear fuel cycle R&D (-39%), although some (-76%), geothermal technologies (-76%), and nuclear fuel cycle R&D (-39%), although some
programs would programs would behave been increased, such as energy storage (+49%) and advanced coal energy systems increased, such as energy storage (+49%) and advanced coal energy systems
(+115%). The House voted to maintain nearly level funding for energy R&D, and, in addition, to (+115%). The House voted to maintain nearly level funding for energy R&D, and, in addition, to
provide approximately $2.9 provide approximately $2.9 ~~billion~~ bil ion in emergency funding (Title VI) for energy research, in emergency funding (Title VI) for energy research,
demonstration, and commercialization projects. The Senate Appropriations Committee demonstration, and commercialization projects. The Senate Appropriations Committee majority majority
~~draft bill would maintain~~draft bil included nearly level funding for energy R&D. nearly level funding for energy R&D.
Enacted FY2021 appropriations for energy R&D totaled $4.743 bil ion, 2% above the FY2020 enacted level. The Administration said its proposed reductions would The Administration said its proposed reductions would have primarily primarily ~~affect~~affected the later stages of energy the later stages of energy
research, which tend to be the most costly. “The Budget focuses DOE resources toward early-research, which tend to be the most costly. “The Budget focuses DOE resources toward early-
stage R&D, where the Federal role is strongest, and reflects an increased reliance on the private stage R&D, where the Federal role is strongest, and reflects an increased reliance on the private
sector to fund later-stage research, development, commercialization, and deployment of energy sector to fund later-stage research, development, commercialization, and deployment of energy
technologies,” according to the FY2021 DOE request.technologies,” according to the FY2021 DOE request.1920 However, the explanatory statement for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, said, “The Department is directed to maintain a diverse portfolio of early-, mid-, and latestage research, development, and market ~~However, the House Appropriations~~
~~Committee responded, “The Committee rejects this short-sighted and limited approach, which~~
~~will ensure that technology advancements will remain in early-stage form and are unlikely to~~
~~integrate the results of this early-stage research into the nation’s energy system.”20 The House~~
~~Appropriations Committee also stated that “the Department shall not fund projects within EERE,~~
~~OE, NE, and FE, that do not demonstrate potential for emissions reductions or improved~~
~~environmental performance.”21 The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory~~
~~statement also responded, “The Committee directs the Department to support a comprehensive~~
~~strategy that includes early-, mid-, and later-stage research, development and market~~
transformation activities in each applied energy research and development program office.”transformation activities in each applied energy research and development program office.”22
The Administration The Administration ~~has~~had also proposed similar reductions in previous years but they proposed similar reductions in previous years but they ~~have not been~~
were not approved by Congress. approved by Congress.
Renewable Energy Grid Integration and Storage Initiatives
~~The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft bill and explanatory statement would~~
~~establish a new a funding line of $40 million~~ The explanatory statement for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $40 mil ion in crosscutting funding for Renewable Energy Grid Integration, which for Renewable Energy Grid Integration, which
would “facilitate the oversight of grid integration activitieswould “facilitate the oversight of grid integration activities” among DOE’s ~~among renewable energy~~
~~technologies,” including~~ solar, wind, water power, and geothermal R&D programs. Within solar, wind, water power, and geothermal R&D programs. Within
~~available funds, the majority draft report recommends $10 million for~~ available funds, the explanatory statement provided $10 mil ion for “development and “development and
demonstration of an ‘energyshed’ management system that addresses a discrete geographic area demonstration of an ‘energyshed’ management system that addresses a discrete geographic area

~~18 Additional energy activities that are not included in this total~~in which renewable sources currently provide a large portion of electric energy needs, where grid capacity constraints result in curtailment of renewable generation, and with very substantial existing deployment of interactive smart meters.” Similar language was included in the Senate Appropriations Committee draft.21 DOE was directed by the explanatory statement to develop “a crosscutting research and development roadmap and implementation plan” to “be focused on reducing costs and improving the performance of a diverse set of grid-scale storage technologies to meet industry needs, improve reliability and environmental performance of the electricity grid, and reduce greenhouse 19 Additional energy activities that are not included in this tot al include state energy efficiency and weatherization include state energy efficiency and weatherization
grants, energy security programs, and electricity programs. grants, energy security programs, and electricity programs. ~~The~~T he Office of Science and ARPA Office of Science and ARPA -E are not included. -E are not included.
1920 DOE, DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, Budget in Brief, p. 17, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/, p. 17, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/
02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -in-brief_0.pdf. 21 Senate Appropriations Commit tee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 92. Congressional Research Service 10 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations gas emissions.” Both the House committee report and Senate committee draft explanatory statement also supported crosscutting energy storage activities. Nuclear Waste Management Funding The Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget request did~~-in-brief_0.pdf.~~
~~20 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies~~
~~Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, July 15, 2020, p. 93.~~
~~21 The acronyms refer to the following offices: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Electricity (OE),~~
~~Nuclear Energy (NE), and Fossil Energy (FE). House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water~~
~~Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, July 15, 2020, p. 97.~~
~~22 Senate Committee on Appropriations majority draft explanatory statement, November 10, 2020, p. 76.~~
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~~in which renewable sources currently provide a large portion of electric energy needs, where grid~~
~~capacity constraints result in curtailment of renewable generation, and with very substantial~~
~~existing deployment of interactive smart meters.”23~~
~~Both the House committee report and Senate draft explanatory statement support crosscutting~~
~~energy storage activities. Among the efforts, the Senate draft explanatory statement also urged~~
~~DOE and the national laboratories to “to have a stronger collaboration with National Aeronautics~~
~~and Space Administration to develop an energy storage roadmap that address challenges for~~
~~mobility such as electric air flight.”24 The House committee report stated support for “continued~~
~~work on electric air flight through its national laboratories and with the National Aeronautical~~
~~Space Administration (NASA).”25~~
~~Nuclear Waste Management~~
~~The Administration’s FY2021 budget request does~~ not include new funding for a proposed not include new funding for a proposed
underground nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV, after the Administration’s funding underground nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV, after the Administration’s funding
requests for the repository were not approved by Congress in the previous three fiscal years. requests for the repository were not approved by Congress in the previous three fiscal years.
Those requests had included funding for DOE to pursue an NRC license for the repository and for Those requests had included funding for DOE to pursue an NRC license for the repository and for
NRC to consider DOE’s license application. Although no FY2021 funding was requested for NRC to consider DOE’s license application. Although no FY2021 funding was requested for
licensing and developing Yucca Mountain, the Administrationlicensing and developing Yucca Mountain, the Administration sought $27.5 sought $27.5 ~~million~~mil ion to develop to develop
nuclear waste central interim storage capacity. “Funding is primarily dedicated to performing nuclear waste central interim storage capacity. “Funding is primarily dedicated to performing
activities that would lay the groundwork necessary to ensure near-term deployment of interim activities that would lay the groundwork necessary to ensure near-term deployment of interim
storage to ensure safe and effective consolidation and temporary storage of nuclear waste,” storage to ensure safe and effective consolidation and temporary storage of nuclear waste,”
according to DOE’s budget justification. Funding for the program according to DOE’s budget justification. Funding for the program ~~would~~was to come from the Nuclear come from the Nuclear
Waste Fund, which holds fees and interest paid by the nuclear power industry for waste Waste Fund, which holds fees and interest paid by the nuclear power industry for waste
management.management.2622 The House approved the Administration’s request but specified that only $7.5 The House approved the Administration’s request but specified that only $7.5
~~million~~ mil ion come from the Nuclear Waste Fund. come from the Nuclear Waste Fund.
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill also includes $27.5 million~~ bil also included $27.5 mil ion (but within (but within
Nuclear Energy rather than as a separate account) for the development of consolidated interim Nuclear Energy rather than as a separate account) for the development of consolidated interim
nuclear spent fuel storage facilities. Up to $10 nuclear spent fuel storage facilities. Up to $10 ~~million~~ mil ion of that amount could of that amount could behave been used to contract used to contract
for spent fuel management, including storage by a private company. The Senate draft for spent fuel management, including storage by a private company. The Senate draft also included~~also~~
~~includes~~ an authorization (Sec. 306) for DOE to conduct a pilot program for interim spent an authorization (Sec. 306) for DOE to conduct a pilot program for interim spent nuclear nuclear
fuel storage at a site selected with the consent of the host state, local governments, and Indian fuel storage at a site selected with the consent of the host state, local governments, and Indian
tribes. Similar language tribes. Similar language ~~has~~had been included in previous Senate Appropriations Committee been included in previous Senate Appropriations Committee Energy Energy
and Water Development appropriations and Water Development appropriations ~~bills~~bil s but not enacted. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 provided $27.5 mil ion for Nuclear Waste Disposal, of which $20 mil ion was directed to be used for interim storage and $7.5 mil ion (from the Nuclear Waste Fund) for Nuclear Waste Fund oversight activities. The Senate draft proposal for an interim storage pilot program was not enacted. ~~but not enacted.~~ For more background, see CRS For more background, see CRS
Report Report RL33461, RL33461, Civilian Nuclear Waste Disposal, by Mark Holt. , by Mark Holt.
Advanced Reactor Demonstrations
A new, $230 A new, $230 ~~million~~mil ion sub-account for an Advanced sub-account for an Advanced ~~Reactors~~Reactor Demonstration Program within the Demonstration Program within the
DOE Nuclear Energy account was included in the DOE Nuclear Energy account was included in the ~~Explanatory Statement~~explanatory statement for the FY2020 enacted for the FY2020 enacted
appropriations measure. Of that funding, $160 appropriations measure. Of that funding, $160 ~~million~~mil ion was provided for DOE to begin two was provided for DOE to begin two
advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects, with a cost-share of at least 50% from advanced nuclear reactor demonstration projects, with a cost-share of at least 50% from

~~23 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 92.~~
~~24 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 78.~~
~~25 House report, p. 101.~~
~~26 DOE, Budget in Brief, February 2020, p. 38, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-~~
~~budget-in-brief_0.pdf.~~
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~~nonfederal sources. Another $30 million was provided for grants to reduce the technical risk of~~
~~two-to-five additional reactor demonstration proposals, with a nonfederal cost-share of at least~~
~~20%. DOE announced awards totaling $160 million for two advanced reactor demonstrations on~~
~~October 13, 2020—a molten salt reactor and a high-temperature gas reactor.27 The FY2021 DOE~~
~~request includes no further funding for reactor demonstrations but would provide $20 million to~~
~~continue R&D related to the program. The budget request would formally~~nonfederal sources. Another $30 mil ion was provided for grants to reduce the technical risk of two-to-five additional reactor demonstration proposals, with a nonfederal cost-share of at least 20%. DOE announced awards totaling $160 mil ion for two advanced reactor demonstrations on October 13, 2020—a molten salt reactor and a high-temperature gas reactor.23 The FY2021 DOE 22 DOE, Budget in Brief, February 2020, p. 38, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-in-brief_0.pdf. 23 DOE, Office of Nuclear Energy, “U.S. Department of Energy Announces $160 Million in First Awards under Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program,” news release, October 13, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/us-department -energy-announces-160-million-first-awards-under-advanced-reactor. Congressional Research Service 11 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations request included no further funding for reactor demonstrations but cal ed for $20 mil ion to continue R&D related to the program. The budget request proposed to formal y establish the Versatile establish the Versatile
Test Reactor (VTR) as a DOE construction project and more than quadruple its funding to $295 Test Reactor (VTR) as a DOE construction project and more than quadruple its funding to $295
~~million~~mil ion. The VTR would be a new reactor to provide fast (high energy) neutrons for testing . The VTR would be a new reactor to provide fast (high energy) neutrons for testing
advanced reactor fuels and materials. DOE estimates the project’s total construction cost advanced reactor fuels and materials. DOE estimates the project’s total construction cost at at
between $3 between $3 ~~billion and $6 billion~~bil ion and $6 bil ion, with completion ranging from 2026 to 2030., with completion ranging from 2026 to 2030.28
24 The House approved $240 The House approved $240 ~~million~~ mil ion for Advanced Reactor Demonstrations in FY2021, $10 for Advanced Reactor Demonstrations in FY2021, $10 ~~million~~mil ion
above the FY2020 enacted amount. However, the House-passed above the FY2020 enacted amount. However, the House-passed ~~bill~~ bil reduced VTR construction reduced VTR construction
funding from the requested amount to $65 funding from the requested amount to $65 ~~million~~mil ion, the same as the FY2020 appropriation for , the same as the FY2020 appropriation for
preconstruction activities. preconstruction activities.
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~report recommends $280 million for~~
explanatory statement recommended $280 mil ion for Advance Reactor Demonstrations “to ensure that the program can continue in an accelerated Advance Reactor Demonstrations “to ensure that the program can continue in an accelerated
manner.” The Senate majority draft manner.” The Senate majority draft ~~includes $45 million~~ included $45 mil ion for the VTR, while noting, “The for the VTR, while noting, “The
Committee is concerned that the Department is proceeding with plans for the VTR without Committee is concerned that the Department is proceeding with plans for the VTR without
having secured commitments from private companies or foreign governments for monetary and having secured commitments from private companies or foreign governments for monetary and
in-kind contributions.”in-kind contributions.”29
~~Proposed Uranium Reserve~~
~~The FY2021 budget request for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy includes $150 million to~~
~~establish a Uranium Reserve. Under this initiative, DOE would~~25 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $250 mil ion for the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. That amount includes $80 mil ion apiece for two cost-shared demonstration projects, $40 mil ion for cost-shared grants to reduce the technological risk of future demonstrations, $30 mil ion for the National Reactor Demonstration Center, $15 mil ion for regulatory development, and $5 mil ion for nonproliferation safeguards. The VTR project was appropriated $45 mil ion, with a requirement in the explanatory statement that DOE give the Appropriations Committees “a plan for executing the Versatile Test Reactor project via a public- private partnership with an option for a payment-for-milestones approach.” Establishment of Uranium Reserve The FY2021 budget request for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy included $150 mil ion to establish a Uranium Reserve. This initiative cal ed for DOE to purchase uranium from domestic purchase uranium from domestic
uranium producers and have it converted to uranium hexafluoride (a necessary step in making uranium producers and have it converted to uranium hexafluoride (a necessary step in making
nuclear reactor fuel) by a domestic conversion facility. nuclear reactor fuel) by a domestic conversion facility. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $75 mil ion for the Uranium Reserve. According to DOE, this stockpile of According to DOE, this stockpile of
uranium would be availableuranium would be available for nuclear power operators in the event of a civilianfor nuclear power operators in the event of a civilian nuclear fuel nuclear fuel
market disruption and provide a source of U.S.-origin uranium for defense purposes. market disruption and provide a source of U.S.-origin uranium for defense purposes.
“Establishing a reserve is an urgent step needed in response to an overreliance on imported “Establishing a reserve is an urgent step needed in response to an overreliance on imported
uranium product that has undermined U.S. energy security and uranium product that has undermined U.S. energy security and impacted U.S. fuel supply impacted U.S. fuel supply
capabilities,” according to the DOE budget justification. However, the justification notes that, for capabilities,” according to the DOE budget justification. However, the justification notes that, for
the newly stockpiled uranium, “no immediate national security need has been identified.”the newly stockpiled uranium, “no immediate national security need has been identified.”3026 The The
proposed government purchases are also intended to address “near-proposed government purchases are also intended to address “near-term chal enges~~term challenges~~ to the to the
~~production and conversion of domestic uranium,” which are currently under economic stress,~~
~~according to the justification. “Subsequent support will be considered as deemed necessary across~~
~~a 10-year period as the government and private sector work to reestablish US technology and~~

~~27 DOE, Office of Nuclear Energy, “U.S. Department of Energy Announces $160 Million in First Awards under~~
~~Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program,” news release, October 13, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/us-~~
~~department-energy-announces-160-million-first-awards-under-advanced-reactor.~~
~~28 Thomas J. O’Connor, VTR~~production and conversion of domestic uranium,” which are currently 24 T homas J. O’Connor, VT R Program Director, DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, “Versatile Program Director, DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, “Versatile ~~Test~~T est Reactor Update,” Reactor Update,”
March 28, 2019, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/04/f61/March 28, 2019, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2019/04/f61/
~~VTR~~VT R%20NEAC%20Rev%202%20%28003%29_1.pdf%20NEAC%20Rev%202%20%28003%29_1.pdf . .
2925 Senate Committee on Appropriations majority draft explanatory statement, November 10, 2020, p. 107. Senate Committee on Appropriations majority draft explanatory statement, November 10, 2020, p. 107.
3026 DOE, Budget DOE, Budget in Brief, Februaryin Brief, February 2020, p. 39, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-2020, p. 39, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-
budget-in-brief_0.pdf. budget-in-brief_0.pdf.
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Appropriations under economic stress, according to the justification. “Subsequent support wil be considered as deemed necessary across a 10-year period as the government and private sector work to reestablish US technology and market share,” according to a report released April 23, 2020, by market share,” according to a report released April 23, 2020, by the Administration’s Nuclear the Administration’s Nuclear
Fuel Working Group (NFWG).Fuel Working Group (NFWG).3127
The House The House -passed bil provided no funding for the proposed Uranium Reserve. “The Department has been provided no funding for the proposed Uranium Reserve. “The Department has been
unable to provide specific information about how it would implement the program, including in unable to provide specific information about how it would implement the program, including in
congressional justifications, briefings, and in responses to questions from the Committee about congressional justifications, briefings, and in responses to questions from the Committee about
how the funds would be spent, including the process for the purchase, how the funds would be spent, including the process for the purchase, conversion, or sale of conversion, or sale of
uranium in a reserve,” according to the Appropriations Committee report. Instead, the committee uranium in a reserve,” according to the Appropriations Committee report. Instead, the committee
directed DOE within 180 days after enactment to provide a detailed plan directed DOE within 180 days after enactment to provide a detailed plan for establishing the for establishing the
Uranium Reserve.Uranium Reserve.3228
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill includes $120 million~~ bil included $120 mil ion for the Uranium for the Uranium
Reserve, plus $30 Reserve, plus $30 ~~million~~ mil ion within DOE’s Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation accounts. The draft within DOE’s Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation accounts. The draft
~~report directs~~explanatory statement directed DOE to “provide a specific program plan for executing funds recommended for this DOE to “provide a specific program plan for executing funds recommended for this
activity as activity as ~~well~~ wel as plans to consolidate this program with other existing as plans to consolidate this program with other existing uranium management uranium management
activities within the Department.”activities within the Department.”3329 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, did not provide the Trump Administration’s requested $150 mil ion for the Uranium Reserve within DOE energy programs but instead appropriated $75 mil ion for the program within the NNSA Weapons Activities account. The explanatory statement directed NNSA to submit a Uranium Reserve program plan to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
U.S. uranium production in calendar year 2019 was the lowest since before 1949, according to the U.S. uranium production in calendar year 2019 was the lowest since before 1949, according to the
Energy Information AdministrationEnergy Information Administration ~~(EIA)~~. As of the fourth quarter of 2019, EIA reported that . As of the fourth quarter of 2019, EIA reported that
three domestic in-situ uranium plants (solution mining operations in which a solvent is pumped three domestic in-situ uranium plants (solution mining operations in which a solvent is pumped
through underground ore bodies to recover uranium) were operating and that three domestic through underground ore bodies to recover uranium) were operating and that three domestic
conventional uranium conventional uranium ~~mills~~ mil s were on standby. Two domestic uranium producers petitioned the were on standby. Two domestic uranium producers petitioned the
Department of Commerce (DOC) in 2018 to investigate foreign uranium imports under Section Department of Commerce (DOC) in 2018 to investigate foreign uranium imports under Section
232 of the Trade 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. §1862). DOC subsequently recommended Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. §1862). DOC subsequently recommended
presidential action to restrict imports, but President Trump did not concur.presidential action to restrict imports, but President Trump did not concur.3430 Nonetheless, the Nonetheless, the
Trump Administration expressed significant concerns regarding national security and responded Trump Administration expressed significant concerns regarding national security and responded
by establishing the NFWG. The DOE FY2021 budget justification by establishing the NFWG. The DOE FY2021 budget justification ~~called~~cal ed the Uranium Reserve the Uranium Reserve
~~initiative~~ initiative “consistent with the priorities” of the NFWG and said it would “directly support the “consistent with the priorities” of the NFWG and said it would “directly support the
operation of at least two operation of at least two U.S. uranium mines and the reestablishment of active domestic U.S. uranium mines and the reestablishment of active domestic
conversion capabilities” and was conversion capabilities” and was “not designed to replace or disrupt market mechanisms.”“not designed to replace or disrupt market mechanisms.”35
31 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11505, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11505, Uranium Reserve Program Proposal: Policy
Implications, by Lance N. Larson. 27 DOE, “ Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership,” news ~~Implications, by Lance N. Larson.~~
~~Strategic Petroleum Reserve Operations~~
~~The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)—administered, maintained, and operated by DOE—~~
~~includes both a crude oil reserve and a refined petroleum product reserve. These reserves provide~~
~~standby and emergency petroleum stocks that DOE can draw down and sell in the event of a~~
~~domestic or international oil supply disruption. Most SPR stocks are in the form of crude oil~~
~~contained in underground storage caverns—owned and operated by the federal government—~~
~~located in Texas and Louisiana. These crude oil stocks are near oil refining, pipeline, and port~~
~~infrastructure in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. As of November 2020, standby SPR crude oil stocks~~

~~31 DOE, “Strategy to Restore American Nuclear Energy Leadership,” news~~ release, April 23, 2020, release, April 23, 2020,
https://www.energy.gov/strategy-restore-american-nuclear-energy-leadership. https://www.energy.gov/strategy-restore-american-nuclear-energy-leadership.
3228 House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies House Committee on Appropriations, Report on Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies
Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, July 15, 2020, p. 114. Appropriations Bill, 2021, H.Rept. 116-449, July 15, 2020, p. 114.
3329 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 108. Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 108.
3430 White House, “ White House, “ Memorandum on the Effect of Uranium Imports on the National Security and Establishment of the Memorandum on the Effect of Uranium Imports on the National Security and Establishment of the
United States NuclearUnited States Nuclear Fuel Working Group,”Fuel Working Group,” July 12, 2019, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/July 12, 2019, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/
memorandum-effectmemorandum-effect -uranium-imports-national-security-establishment-united-states-nuclear-fuel-working-group. -uranium-imports-national-security-establishment-united-states-nuclear-fuel-working-group.
3531 Ibid. Ibid.
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~~link to page 17 link to page 17~~ ~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

~~totaled approximately 635 million barrels. The SPR also includes a 1 million~~ 13 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Strategic Petroleum Reserve Operations The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)—administered, maintained, and operated by DOE— includes both a crude oil reserve and a refined petroleum product reserve. These reserves provide standby and emergency petroleum stocks that DOE can draw down and sel in the event of a domestic or international oil supply disruption. Most SPR stocks are in the form of crude oil contained in underground storage caverns—owned and operated by the federal government—located in Texas and Louisiana. These crude oil stocks are near oil refining, pipeline, and port infrastructure in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. As of March 2021, standby SPR crude oil stocks totaled approximately 638 mil ion barrels.32 The SPR also includes a 1 mil ion barrel northeast barrel northeast
gasoline supply reserve (NGSR) that contains refined petroleum products held in leased gasoline supply reserve (NGSR) that contains refined petroleum products held in leased
commercial storage facilities located in the New York harbor area, the Boston area, and South commercial storage facilities located in the New York harbor area, the Boston area, and South
Portland, ME. Portland, ME.
DOE’s FY2021 budget request DOE’s FY2021 budget request ~~includes~~included appropriations for two SPR budget accounts: (1) appropriations for two SPR budget accounts: (1)
Strategic Petroleum Reserve ($187 Strategic Petroleum Reserve ($187 ~~million~~mil ion), which funds management, operations, and ), which funds management, operations, and
maintenance activities, and (2) SPR Petroleum Account ($0), which funds the acquisition, maintenance activities, and (2) SPR Petroleum Account ($0), which funds the acquisition,
transportation, and injection of petroleum productstransportation, and injection of petroleum products ~~(see Table 1)~~. One notable change proposed in . One notable change proposed in
DOE’s budget request DOE’s budget request iswas to disestablish the NGSR, to disestablish the NGSR, ~~sell all~~ sel al refined petroleum product, transfer $19 refined petroleum product, transfer $19
~~million~~ mil ion to the SPR Petroleum Account, transfer additional proceeds to the general fund, and to the SPR Petroleum Account, transfer additional proceeds to the general fund, and
~~eliminate~~ eliminate annual NGSR leasing costs. annual NGSR leasing costs.
During FY2020, following oil market disruptions and price volatility During FY2020, following oil market disruptions and price volatility related to the COVID-19 related to the COVID-19
pandemic, DOE executed some unplanned efforts that required using available SPR Petroleum pandemic, DOE executed some unplanned efforts that required using available SPR Petroleum
Account funds. Some of these efforts included an exchange-for-storage solicitation and a $5 Account funds. Some of these efforts included an exchange-for-storage solicitation and a $5
~~million~~ mil ion crude oil purchase.crude oil purchase.3633 In 2021, DOE is required to draw down and In 2021, DOE is required to draw down and ~~sell~~ sel at least 10 at least 10 ~~million~~
mil ion barrels of crude oil as mandated by previously enacted legislation (P.L. 114-74 and P.L. 115-141) barrels of crude oil as mandated by previously enacted legislation (P.L. 114-74 and P.L. 115-141)
and possibly more should a suspended FY2020 sale occur in FY2021.and possibly more should a suspended FY2020 sale occur in FY2021.3734 Expenses associated with Expenses associated with
transporting and delivering mandated sales to buyers are paid for by SPR Petroleum Account transporting and delivering mandated sales to buyers are paid for by SPR Petroleum Account
funds. DOE’s budget request estimates FY2021 drawdown costs of $7.5 funds. DOE’s budget request estimates FY2021 drawdown costs of $7.5 ~~million~~mil ion. .
Neither the House-passed Neither the House-passed ~~bill~~ bil nor the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft nor the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~
~~approve~~bil approved DOE’s request to disestablish the NGSR. However, both DOE’s request to disestablish the NGSR. However, both ~~bills do~~bil s did contain language contain language ~~that~~
~~would~~ to relax presidential finding criteria for relax presidential finding criteria for ~~selling~~sel ing, during FY2021, refined petroleum product , during FY2021, refined petroleum product
stored in the NGSR. Proceeds from such a sale would be deposited into the SPR Petroleum stored in the NGSR. Proceeds from such a sale would be deposited into the SPR Petroleum
Account. Account. Whether such a sale might occur during FY2021 is uncertain and would depend on Whether such a sale might occur during FY2021 is uncertain and would depend on
regional petroleum-product market conditions and the Administration’s desire to draw down and regional petroleum-product market conditions and the Administration’s desire to draw down and
~~sell~~ sel NGSR inventories. NGSR inventories.
For the Strategic Petroleum Reserve budget account, the House-passed For the Strategic Petroleum Reserve budget account, the House-passed ~~bill~~ bil and Senate draft and Senate draft ~~bill~~
~~would appropriate $195 million and $187 million,~~ bil included $195 mil ion and $187 mil ion, respectively. For the SPR Petroleum Account, respectively. For the SPR Petroleum Account,
the House the House ~~bill~~ bil and Senate draft would and Senate draft would ~~appropriate $7.5 million and $1 million, respectively (see~~
Table 1).
~~Table 1. SPR Budget Accounts: Comparison of FY2021 Budget Request, House Bill,~~
~~and Senate Appropriations Committee Majority Draft Bill~~
~~(dollars in thousands)~~

~~Senate~~
~~Committee~~
~~Majority~~

~~Budget Request~~
~~House Bill~~
~~Draft Bill~~
~~(A)~~
~~Strategic Petroleum Reserve~~
~~187,081~~
~~195,000~~
~~187,081~~

~~(B)~~
~~SPR Petroleum Account~~
0
~~7,500~~
~~1,000~~

~~36 For additional information, see CRS~~ have appropriated $7.5 mil ion and $1 mil ion, respectively. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $188 mil ion for the SPR budget account and $1 mil ion for the Petroleum Account, for a total of $189 mil ion. The offsets requested by the 32 Energy Information Administration, “Crude Oil, SPR,” March 5, 2021, https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/PET _ST OC_WST K_A_EPC0_SAS_MBBL_W.htm . 33 For additional information, see CRS Insight IN11373, Insight IN11373, Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Recent Developments, by Phillip , by Phillip
Brown. Brown.
3734 For additional information about congressionally required For additional information about congressionally required SPR oil sales,SPR oil sales, see see Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Mandated
and Modernization Sales, by Phillip Brown, a congressional distribution memo available, by Phillip Brown, a congressional distribution memo available to congressional clients by to congressional clients by
request from the author. request from the author.
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Energy and Water Development: FY2021 ~~Appropriations~~

~~Senate~~
~~Committee~~
~~Majority~~

~~Budget Request~~
~~House Bill~~
~~Draft Bill~~

~~Budget Offset and Transfer: Refined Product Sales~~

~~(C)~~
~~Sell Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve~~
~~-87,000~~
~~N/A~~
~~N/A~~
~~(D)~~
~~Transfer to SPR Petroleum Account~~
~~19,000~~
~~N/A~~
~~N/A~~
~~(E)~~
~~Net budget offset (C + D)~~
~~-68,000~~
~~N/A~~
~~N/A~~

~~(F)~~
~~Summation of Accounts and Offset (A + B + E)~~
~~119,081~~
~~202,500~~
~~188,081~~
Source: CRS analysis of DOE’s FY2021 budget request, House-passed bil , and Senate Appropriations
~~Committee majority draft bil and explanatory statement.~~
~~Notes:~~ Appropriations Administration were not approved, nor was the proposal to eliminate the NGSR. The enacted measure included a provision similar the House and draft Senate majority bil s to relax the criteria—requiring a presidential finding of just a regional supply shortage versus a domestic or international supply shortage—for sel ing refined petroleum products from the NGSR during FY2021 (Division D, Section 305). Table 1. SPR Budget Accounts: Comparison of FY2021 Budget Request, House Bill, and Senate Appropriations Committee Majority Draft Bill, and Enacted Measure (dol ars in mil ions) Senate Committee Budget Majority Draft FY2021 Request House Bill Bill Enacted (A) Strategic Petroleum Reserve 187.1 195.0 187.1 188.0 (B) SPR Petroleum Account 0 7.5 1.0 1.0 Budget Offset and Transfer: Refined Product Sales (C) Sel Northeast Gasoline Supply -87.0 N/A N/A N/A Reserve (D) Transfer to SPR Petroleum 19.0 N/A N/A N/A Account (E) Net budget offset (C + D) -68.0 N/A N/A N/A (F) Summation of Accounts and 119.1 202.5 188.1 189.0 Offset (A + B + E) Source: CRS analysis of DOE’s FY2021 budget request, House-passed bil , and Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft bil and explanatory statement, and P.L. 116-240 and explanatory statement. Notes: Net budget offset in DOE’s FY2021 budget request would be transferred to the general fund of the Net budget offset in DOE’s FY2021 budget request would be transferred to the general fund of the
Treasury. N/A = not applicable. Treasury. N/A = not applicable.
~~Elimination~~Proposed Termination of Energy Loans and Loan Guarantees
The FY2021 budget request The FY2021 budget request ~~would halt~~cal ed for halting further loans and loan guarantees under DOE’s further loans and loan guarantees under DOE’s Advanced Advanced
Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program and the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan Loan Program and the Title 17 Innovative Technology Loan
Guarantee Program. Similar proposals to eliminate the programs in FY2018 through FY2020 Guarantee Program. Similar proposals to eliminate the programs in FY2018 through FY2020
were not enacted. The FY2021 budget request would also were not enacted. The FY2021 budget request would also ~~halt~~ have halted further loan guarantees under further loan guarantees under
DOE’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, a proposal that also was not approved by DOE’s Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, a proposal that also was not approved by
Congress in previous years. Under the FY2021 budget proposal, DOE Congress in previous years. Under the FY2021 budget proposal, DOE ~~would receive $3 million~~
would have received $3 mil ion (offset by fees) to administer its existing portfolio of loans and loan guarantees. Unused prior-(offset by fees) to administer its existing portfolio of loans and loan guarantees. Unused prior-
year authority, or ceiling levels, for loan guarantee commitments would year authority, or ceiling levels, for loan guarantee commitments would behave been rescinded, as rescinded, as ~~well~~ wel as as
$170 $170 ~~million~~mil ion in unspent appropriations to cover loan guarantee “subsidy costs” (which are in unspent appropriations to cover loan guarantee “subsidy costs” (which are
primarily intended to cover potential primarily intended to cover potential program losses). The losses). The ~~House bill~~ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided funds to continue administering al the energy loan and loan guarantee programs, although it rescinded $392 mil ion of previously appropriated emergency funding for a temporary Title XVII loan guarantee authority and $1.9 bil ion of emergency funds for the ATVM direct loan program. The House-passed bil and the Senate committee majority and the Senate committee majority
~~draft would continue funding for~~draft also included funds to continue administering the loan and loan the loan and loan guarantee programs. Congressional Research Service 15 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~guarantee programs.~~
Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Information Science
Initiatives
DOE’s FY2021 budget justification DOE’s FY2021 budget justification ~~emphasizes~~emphasized the importance of the Office of Science’s the importance of the Office of Science’s
crosscutting research on quantum information science (QIS) and artificial crosscutting research on quantum information science (QIS) and artificial ~~intelligence~~ intel igence (AI) in (AI) in
supporting “U.S.-based leadership in microelectronics.”supporting “U.S.-based leadership in microelectronics.”3835 The FY2021 request The FY2021 request ~~includes $237~~
~~million~~ included $237 mil ion for QIS and $125 for QIS and $125 ~~million~~ mil ion for AI, plus $12 for AI, plus $12 ~~million~~ mil ion requested by NNSA in support of QIS requested by NNSA in support of QIS
research. The DOE Office of Science’s funding for QIS has grown in the past five years, from $6 research. The DOE Office of Science’s funding for QIS has grown in the past five years, from $6
~~million~~ mil ion in FY2017 to $195 in FY2017 to $195 ~~million~~ mil ion in FY2020—with a further 21% increase sought for FY2021. in FY2020—with a further 21% increase sought for FY2021.
The funding request The funding request iswas spread across six Office of Science program areas, mostly in Advanced spread across six Office of Science program areas, mostly in Advanced
Scientific Computing Research ($86 Scientific Computing Research ($86 ~~million~~mil ion) and Basic Energy Sciences ($72 mil ion).36 DOE established the Artificial Intel igence and Technology Office (AITO) in September 2019 to coordinate AI activities. The FY2021 DOE request included a new appropriations account for AITO, which was to receive $5 mil ion—nearly double the FY2020 funding level for AI coordination, which had been included in the Departmental Administration account. The House-passed bil provided for $235 mil ion~~) and Basic Energy Sciences ($72 million).39~~

~~38 Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette, Testimony Before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on~~
~~Energy and Water Development, March 4, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/~~
~~03.04.20%20—%20Brouillette%20Testimony.pdf.~~
~~39 Email from Robert Tuttle, DOE Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, April 16, 2020.~~
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~~The House-passed bill provides for $235 million~~ for quantum information science, about the same for quantum information science, about the same
as the request, “including not less than $120,000,000 for research and not less than $100,000,000 as the request, “including not less than $120,000,000 for research and not less than $100,000,000
for up to five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers,” according to the House for up to five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers,” according to the House
Appropriations Committee report. The House Appropriations Committee report. The House ~~bill includes~~bil included funding of up to $125 funding of up to $125 ~~million~~ mil ion for AI for AI
and machine learning, similar to the Administration request. In addition, Title VI and machine learning, similar to the Administration request. In addition, Title VI ~~includes~~
included emergency supplemental funding of $75 emergency supplemental funding of $75 ~~million~~mil ion for equipment and infrastructure for the for equipment and infrastructure for the QIS QIS
Research Centers. Research Centers.
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~report recommends $271 million~~ explanatory statement recommended $271 mil ion from DOE from DOE
Science programs for QIS, including the five QIS research centers. The Senate draft also Science programs for QIS, including the five QIS research centers. The Senate draft also ~~includes~~
included at least $120 at least $120 ~~million~~ mil ion from DOE Science programs for AI and machine from DOE Science programs for AI and machine learning, with “Advanced learning, with “Advanced
Scientific Computing Research to take a lead role.”Scientific Computing Research to take a lead role.”4037 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided at least $245 mil ion for “the Office of Science’s coordinated and focused research program in quantum information science.” Within those available funds, $125 mil ion was provided for five National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. While not creating the requested new AITO account, the FY2021 enacted measure provided at least $100 mil ion for “Artificial Intel igence and Machine Learning capabilities across the Office of Science Programs,” according to the explanatory statement.
QIS, including quantum computing, builds on the principles governing the QIS, including quantum computing, builds on the principles governing the ~~smallest~~smal est particles of particles of
matter and energy to obtain and process information in ways that cannot be achieved based on matter and energy to obtain and process information in ways that cannot be achieved based on
classical physics principles. AI classical physics principles. AI ~~generally~~ general y involves computerized systems that work and react in involves computerized systems that work and react in
ways commonly thought to require ways commonly thought to require ~~intelligence~~intel igence, such as solving complex problems in real-world , such as solving complex problems in real-world
situations. AI is often considered to include machine learning as a subfield. DOE’s budget situations. AI is often considered to include machine learning as a subfield. DOE’s budget
documents documents ~~describe~~described the QIS and AI program areas as “fundamental for the Industries of the the QIS and AI program areas as “fundamental for the Industries of the
Future Initiative” and the National Quantum Initiative, which are intended to advance U.S. Future Initiative” and the National Quantum Initiative, which are intended to advance U.S.
industrial and scientific leadership.38 Additional y, the National Security Commission on AI 35 Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette, T estimony Before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, March 4, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/03.04.20%20—%20Brouillette%20Testimony.pdf. 36 Email from Robert T uttle, DOE Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs, April 16, 2020. 37 Senate Appropriations Committ ee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 116. 38 Ibid., and DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 4, February 2020, p. 150, https://www.energy.gov/ Congressional Research Service 16 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~industrial and scientific leadership.41 DOE established the Artificial Intelligence and Technology~~
~~Office (AITO) in September 2019 to coordinate AI activities. The FY2021 DOE request includes~~
~~a new appropriations account for AITO, which would receive $5 million—nearly double the~~
~~FY2020 funding level for AI coordination, which had been included in the Departmental~~
~~Administration account. Additionally, the National Security Commission on AI~~ recommended in recommended in
March 2020 that federal AI funding be doubled, including $300 March 2020 that federal AI funding be doubled, including $300 ~~million for DOE.42~~
mil ion for DOE.39 For more information, see CRS Report R45409, For more information, see CRS Report R45409, Quantum Information Science: Applications,
Global Research and Development, and Policy Considerations, by Patricia Moloney Figliola, , by Patricia Moloney Figliola,
CRS In Focus IF10608, CRS In Focus IF10608, Overview of Artificial Intelligence, by Laurie A. Harris, and CRS Video , by Laurie A. Harris, and CRS Video
WVB00311,WVB00311, Artificial Intelligence: An Overview of Technologies and Issues for Congress, by , by
Laurie A. Harris. Laurie A. Harris.
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and Fusion
Research ~~Grants~~Grant Funding
The Administration’s FY2021 request for DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program under The Administration’s FY2021 request for DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) program under
the Office of Science the Office of Science ~~includes $107 million~~ included $107 mil ion for the U.S. contribution to the International for the U.S. contribution to the International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is under construction in France by a Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), which is under construction in France by a
multinationalmultinational consortium. “ITER consortium. “ITER ~~will~~ wil be the first fusion device to maintain fusion for long be the first fusion device to maintain fusion for long
periods of time” and is to lay the technical foundation “for the commercial production of fusion-periods of time” and is to lay the technical foundation “for the commercial production of fusion-
based electricity,” according to the consortium’s website.based electricity,” according to the consortium’s website.4340 The FY2021 DOE appropriation The FY2021 DOE appropriation
request, 56% below the FY2020 enacted level of $242 request, 56% below the FY2020 enacted level of $242 ~~million~~ mil ion (which had been an 83% increase from FY2019), included funding to pay for components supplied by U.S. companies for the ~~(which had been an 83% increase~~

~~40 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 116.~~
~~41 Ibid., and DOE, FY 2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 4, February 2020, p. 150, https://www.energy.gov/~~
~~sites/prod/files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-volume-4_0.pdf.~~
~~42 National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, First Quarter Recommendations, March 2020, p. 9,~~
~~https://sites.google.com/nscai.gov/home/reports.~~
~~43 ITER website, https://www.iter.org/.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

~~from FY2019), includes funding to pay for components supplied by U.S. companies for the~~
project, such as central solenoid superconducting magnet modules. project, such as central solenoid superconducting magnet modules.
The House-passed The House-passed ~~bill includes $260 million~~ bil included $260 mil ion for the U.S. contribution to ITER, “of which not less for the U.S. contribution to ITER, “of which not less
than $100,000,000 is for in-cash contributions,” according to the Appropriations Committee than $100,000,000 is for in-cash contributions,” according to the Appropriations Committee
report. An additionalreport. An additional ~~$65 million for ITER is~~ $65 mil ion for ITER was to be provided by Title VI as an emergency supplemental. provided by Title VI as an emergency supplemental.
The Senate committee majority draft The Senate committee majority draft ~~recommends $211 million~~recommended $211 mil ion for the U.S. for the U.S. contribution to ITER, contribution to ITER,
including at least $54 including at least $54 ~~million~~ mil ion for in-cash contributions.for in-cash contributions.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, included $242 mil ion for the U.S. contribution to ITER, the same as in FY2020, including $60 mil ion in cash. The emergency supplemental funding passed by the House was not enacted. The explanatory statement directed DOE to give the House and Senate Appropriations Committees a “performance baseline for the entire project” within 180 days after enactment. ITER has long attracted congressional concern about management, schedule, and cost. The ITER has long attracted congressional concern about management, schedule, and cost. The
United States is to pay 9% of the project’s construction costs, including contributions of United States is to pay 9% of the project’s construction costs, including contributions of
components, cash, and personnel. Other collaborators in the project include the European Union, components, cash, and personnel. Other collaborators in the project include the European Union,
Russia, Japan, India, South Korea, and China. The total U.S. share of the cost was estimated in Russia, Japan, India, South Korea, and China. The total U.S. share of the cost was estimated in
2015 to be between $4.0 2015 to be between $4.0 ~~billion~~ bil ion and $6.5 and $6.5 ~~billion~~bil ion, up from $1.45 , up from $1.45 ~~billion~~bil ion to $2.2 to $2.2 ~~billion~~ bil ion in 2008. in 2008.
Some private-sector fusion companies contend that the technologies they are pursuing could Some private-sector fusion companies contend that the technologies they are pursuing could
produce practical fusion power sooner and less expensively than ITER.produce practical fusion power sooner and less expensively than ITER.4441 The FY2021 FES The FY2021 FES
budget request budget request ~~includes $4 million,~~ included $4 mil ion, the same as in FY2020, for the Innovation Network for the same as in FY2020, for the Innovation Network for
Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, which provides private-sector fusion companies with access Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, which provides private-sector fusion companies with access
~~to DOE national laboratory facilities and expertise.45 The House bill provides $5 million for~~
~~INFUSE, according to the committee report. In addition, ARPA-E~~ sites/prod/files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-4_0.pdf. 39 National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, First Quarter Recommendations, March 2020, p. 9, https://sites.google.com/nscai.gov/home/reports. 40 IT ER website, https://www.iter.org/. 41 Bourzac, Katherine, “Fusion Start -Ups Hope to Revolutionize Energy in the Coming Decades,” Chemical and Engineering News, August 6, 2018, https://cen.acs.org/energy/nuclear-power/Fusion-start -ups-hope-revolutionize/96/i32. Congressional Research Service 17 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations to DOE national laboratory facilities and expertise.42 ARPA-E (below) also is funding some alternative is funding some alternative
fusion concepts.fusion concepts.4643 The House bil provided $5 mil ion for INFUSE, according to the committee report. The Senate committee majority draft The Senate committee majority draft ~~recommends $4 million~~recommended $4 mil ion for INFUSE, the same as the enacted amount. Proposed ~~for INFUSE.~~
Elimination of Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy
The Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget The Trump Administration’s FY2021 budget ~~would~~proposed to eliminate the Advanced Research Projects eliminate the Advanced Research Projects
Agency—Energy and rescind $332 Agency—Energy and rescind $332 ~~million~~mil ion of the agency’s unobligated balances. ARPA-E funds of the agency’s unobligated balances. ARPA-E funds
research on technologies that are determined to have potential to transform energy production, research on technologies that are determined to have potential to transform energy production,
storage, and use.storage, and use.4744 According to the budget request, DOE would According to the budget request, DOE would ~~end~~have ended ARPA-E “while ARPA-E “while
incorporating ARPA-E’s approach to technology development into the execution of applied incorporating ARPA-E’s approach to technology development into the execution of applied
energy office energy office ~~Small~~ Smal Business Innovation Research/Business Innovation Research/~~Small~~ Smal Business Technology.”Business Technology.”~~48 The~~
~~Administration also~~ 45 The Administration requested $21 mil ion for ARPA-E close-out activities and oversight of existing projects in FY2021. The Administration also had proposed to terminate ARPA-E in its FY2018, FY2019, and FY2020 budget proposed to terminate ARPA-E in its FY2018, FY2019, and FY2020 budget
requests, but Congress increased the program’s funding in requests, but Congress increased the program’s funding in ~~all three years. The FY2020 enacted~~
~~appropriations measure provided $425 million for ARPA-E, $59 million (16%) above the FY2019~~
~~level. The Administration requested $21 million for ARPA-E close-out activities and oversight of~~
~~existing projects in~~al three years, and the same pattern continued for FY2021. FY2021.
The House voted to increase ARPA-E’s funding to $435 The House voted to increase ARPA-E’s funding to $435 ~~million~~ mil ion in FY2021, $10 in FY2021, $10 ~~million~~ mil ion (2%) (2%)
above the FY2020 enacted amount. In addition, Title VI of the House above the FY2020 enacted amount. In addition, Title VI of the House ~~bill includes $250 million~~bil included $250 mil ion
for ARPA-E in emergency supplemental funding. The House Appropriations Committee report for ARPA-E in emergency supplemental funding. The House Appropriations Committee report
said, “The Committee again strongly rejects the short-sighted proposal to terminate ARPA-E. said, “The Committee again strongly rejects the short-sighted proposal to terminate ARPA-E.
Instead, the Committee continues investment in this transformational program and directs the Department to continue to spend funds provided on research and development and program direction.” The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft bil included $430 mil ion for ARPA-E. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $427 mil ion for ARPA-E and did not include the emergency supplemental funding passed by the House. Weapons Activities Funding Increases The FY2021 budget request for DOE Weapons Activities was~~Instead, the Committee continues investment in this transformational program and directs the~~

~~44 Bourzac, Katherine, “Fusion Start-Ups Hope to Revolutionize Energy in the Coming Decades,”~~ ~~Chemical and~~
~~Engineering News, August 6, 2018, https://cen.acs.org/energy/nuclear-power/Fusion-start-ups-hope-revolutionize/96/~~
~~i32.~~
~~45 DOE, FY 2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 4, February 2020, p. 188, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/~~
~~files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-volume-4_0.pdf.~~
~~46 DOE, “Department of Energy Announces $32 Million for Lower-Cost Fusion Concepts,” April 7, 2020,~~
~~https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-32-million-lower-cost-fusion-concepts.~~
~~47 DOE, “About ARPA-E,” https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=arpa-e-site-page/about.~~
~~48 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, Budget in Brief, p. 75, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/~~
~~02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-in-brief_0.pdf.~~
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~~Department to continue to spend funds provided on research and development and program~~
~~direction.” The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft bill includes $430 million for~~
~~ARPA-E.~~
~~Weapons Activities Funding Increases~~
~~The FY2021 budget request for DOE Weapons Activities is~~ 25% greater than the FY2020 enacted 25% greater than the FY2020 enacted
level ($15.602 level ($15.602 ~~billion~~bil ion vs. $12.457 vs. $12.457 ~~billion~~bil ion). The FY2020 enacted appropriation for Weapons ). The FY2020 enacted appropriation for Weapons
Activities was 12% above the FY2019 level. Weapons Activities programs are carried out by the Activities was 12% above the FY2019 level. Weapons Activities programs are carried out by the
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semiautonomous agency within National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), a semiautonomous agency within DOE. DOE.
Under Weapons Activities, the FY2021 budget request Under Weapons Activities, the FY2021 budget request ~~includes~~included funding for several major nuclear funding for several major nuclear
warhead life-extension programs (LEPs): warhead life-extension programs (LEPs):
 NNSA  NNSA ~~requests $816 million~~requested $816 mil ion for the B61-12 LEP in FY2021, an increase of $23 for the B61-12 LEP in FY2021, an increase of $23
~~million~~ mil ion over the $793 over the $793 ~~million~~ mil ion enacted for FY2020. The B61-12 is to combine enacted for FY2020. The B61-12 is to combine
four existing types of B61 warheads. The first production unit (FPU) had been four existing types of B61 warheads. The first production unit (FPU) had been
42 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 4, February 2020, p. 188, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-4_0.pdf. 43 DOE, “Department of Energy Announces $32 Million for Lower-Cost Fusion Concepts,” April 7, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/articles/department -energy-announces-32-million-lower-cost -fusion-concepts. 44 DOE, “About ARPA-E,” https://arpa-e.energy.gov/?q=arpa-e-site-page/about. 45 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, Budget in Brief, p. 75, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -in-brief_0.pdf. Congressional Research Service 18 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations scheduled for FY2020 but was delayed due to an issue with capacitors used in six scheduled for FY2020 but was delayed due to an issue with capacitors used in six
major electrical components. According to NNSA, FPU is now scheduled for major electrical components. According to NNSA, FPU is now scheduled for
FY2022, and the program is to be completed in FY2026. FY2022, and the program is to be completed in FY2026.
 NNSA  NNSA ~~requests $257 million~~requested $257 mil ion for the W88 Alteration in FY2021, a reduction of for the W88 Alteration in FY2021, a reduction of
$47 $47 ~~million~~ mil ion from the $304 from the $304 ~~million~~ mil ion enacted in FY2020. The program is to upgrade enacted in FY2020. The program is to upgrade
the arming-fuzing-firing system on the warhead and refresh the warhead’s the arming-fuzing-firing system on the warhead and refresh the warhead’s
conventional high explosives. This warhead is carried on a portion of the D-5 conventional high explosives. This warhead is carried on a portion of the D-5
(Trident) submarine-launched (Trident) submarine-launched ~~ballistic~~bal istic missiles (SLBMs). NNSA expected to missiles (SLBMs). NNSA expected to
provide the FPU of this warhead in 2020, but according to NNSA, the delivery provide the FPU of this warhead in 2020, but according to NNSA, the delivery
was delayed due to an issue with capacitors used in three major components. was delayed due to an issue with capacitors used in three major components.
According to its budget documents, NNSA now estimates that it According to its budget documents, NNSA now estimates that it ~~will~~ wil provide the provide the
FPU in FY2021. FPU in FY2021.
 NNSA  NNSA ~~is requesting $1.0 billion~~requested $1.0 bil ion for the W80-4 in FY2021, an increase of 11% for the W80-4 in FY2021, an increase of 11%
over over the $899 the $899 ~~million~~ mil ion enacted in FY2020. This is the warhead for the new long-enacted in FY2020. This is the warhead for the new long-
range range cruise missile. The LEP would seek to use common components from other cruise missile. The LEP would seek to use common components from other
LEPs and to improve warhead safety and security. The increase in the budget LEPs and to improve warhead safety and security. The increase in the budget
request for FY2021 request for FY2021 ~~reflects~~reflected an increase in the scope of work on the program. The an increase in the scope of work on the program. The
FPU is scheduled for FY2025. FPU is scheduled for FY2025.
 NNSA  NNSA ~~is requesting $541 million~~requested $541 mil ion for the W87-1 warhead modification program for the W87-1 warhead modification program
for for FY2021, a nearly fivefold increase over the $112 FY2021, a nearly fivefold increase over the $112 ~~million~~ mil ion enacted for FY2020. enacted for FY2020.
This increase This increase ~~reflects~~reflected a “ramp-up” of activities across a “ramp-up” of activities across ~~all~~ al program areas. The Air program areas. The Air
Force plans to deploy the W87-1 on the new U.S. land-based intercontinental Force plans to deploy the W87-1 on the new U.S. land-based intercontinental
~~ballistic~~bal istic missile (ICBM), the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). NNSA missile (ICBM), the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD). NNSA
has indicated that the FPU for the W87-1 is currently planned for FY2030. has indicated that the FPU for the W87-1 is currently planned for FY2030.
However, the FY2021 budget documents also note that the W87-0 warhead, However, the FY2021 budget documents also note that the W87-0 warhead,
which is currently deployed on U.S. ICBMs, which is currently deployed on U.S. ICBMs, ~~will~~ wil also be “qualified and deployed also be “qualified and deployed
onto the GBSD.” This would provide the Air Force with an alternative warhead if onto the GBSD.” This would provide the Air Force with an alternative warhead if
the W87-1 FPU is delayed.the W87-1 FPU is delayed.4946
NNSA NNSA ~~is requesting~~requested $2.458 $2.458 ~~billion~~bil ion for a new program area—Production Modernization. This new for a new program area—Production Modernization. This new
program area funds many of the nuclear materials projects that were a part of Directed Stockpile program area funds many of the nuclear materials projects that were a part of Directed Stockpile

~~49 DOE, FY 2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 1, February 2020, p. 118, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/~~
~~files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-volume-1_2.pdf.~~
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Work in the FY2020 budget. It has four subprograms: Primary Capability Modernization, Work in the FY2020 budget. It has four subprograms: Primary Capability Modernization,
Secondary Capability Modernization, Non-nuclear Capability Modernization, and Tritium and Secondary Capability Modernization, Non-nuclear Capability Modernization, and Tritium and
Domestic Uranium Enrichment. The budget request Domestic Uranium Enrichment. The budget request ~~seeks~~sought increases in funding for each of the increases in funding for each of the
subprograms, although nearly 70% of the added funding subprograms, although nearly 70% of the added funding ~~supports~~was for Primary Capability Primary Capability
Modernization. Modernization.
According to NNSA’s budget documents, the Primary Capability Modernization program According to NNSA’s budget documents, the Primary Capability Modernization program
“consolidates management of nuclear material processing capabilities … needed for the “consolidates management of nuclear material processing capabilities … needed for the
production of primaries.”production of primaries.”5047 Primaries are the plutonium pits and high explosives that serve as the Primaries are the plutonium pits and high explosives that serve as the
core of nuclear weapons. In FY2020, Congress approved $797.8 core of nuclear weapons. In FY2020, Congress approved $797.8 ~~million~~mil ion for the plutonium for the plutonium
modernization programs that are now a part of this program area; NNSA is requesting $1.369 modernization programs that are now a part of this program area; NNSA is requesting $1.369
~~million~~ mil ion for FY2021. Congress approved $13.8 for FY2021. Congress approved $13.8 ~~million~~mil ion for high explosives and energetics in for high explosives and energetics in
FY2020; NNSA FY2020; NNSA ~~is requesting $67.4 million~~requested $67.4 mil ion in FY2021. in FY2021.
The Plutonium Sustainment subprogram plans to expand production of plutonium pits from The Plutonium Sustainment subprogram plans to expand production of plutonium pits from
existing facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico to a new facility existing facilities at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico to a new facility
46 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 1, February 2020, p. 118, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-1_2.pdf. 47 Ibid., p. 92. Congressional Research Service 19 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations (repurposed from the canceled Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility) at the Savannah River Site (repurposed from the canceled Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility) at the Savannah River Site
in South Carolina. The Plutonium Sustainment subprogram, which received $712 in South Carolina. The Plutonium Sustainment subprogram, which received $712 ~~million~~mil ion for for
FY2020, is to be divided into four subprograms for FY2021: Los Alamos Plutonium FY2020, is to be divided into four subprograms for FY2021: Los Alamos Plutonium
Modernization ($593.5 Modernization ($593.5 ~~million~~mil ion), Plutonium Pit Production Project at Los Alamos ($226 ), Plutonium Pit Production Project at Los Alamos ($226 ~~million~~mil ion), ),
Savannah River Plutonium Modernization ($200 Savannah River Plutonium Modernization ($200 ~~million~~mil ion), and Savannah River Plutonium ), and Savannah River Plutonium
Processing ($241.9 Processing ($241.9 ~~million~~mil ion). The two program areas at Los Alamos fund activities needed to ). The two program areas at Los Alamos fund activities needed to
recapitalize buildings and capacity to meet pit production requirements at Los Alamos. The recapitalize buildings and capacity to meet pit production requirements at Los Alamos. The
programs at Savannah River support efforts to plan for operations at the new pit facility, to work programs at Savannah River support efforts to plan for operations at the new pit facility, to work
on its design and site and facility preparation, and to begin long-lead procurement. on its design and site and facility preparation, and to begin long-lead procurement.
The House approved $13.660 The House approved $13.660 ~~billion~~bil ion for Weapons Activities for FY2021. While this would be an for Weapons Activities for FY2021. While this would be an
increase of $1.203 increase of $1.203 ~~billion~~bil ion (10%) over the amount appropriated in FY2020, it is $1.942 (10%) over the amount appropriated in FY2020, it is $1.942 ~~billion~~bil ion
lower than the FY2021 budget request of $15.602 lower than the FY2021 budget request of $15.602 ~~billion~~bil ion. The House . The House ~~also rejected~~did not approve some of some of
NNSA’s proposed changes in the structure of the Weapons Activities programs, noting in the NNSA’s proposed changes in the structure of the Weapons Activities programs, noting in the
Appropriations Committee Report (H.Rept. 116-449) that, although NNSA had sought “to engage Appropriations Committee Report (H.Rept. 116-449) that, although NNSA had sought “to engage
in a constructive and transparent manner in communicating the proposed changes,” these efforts in a constructive and transparent manner in communicating the proposed changes,” these efforts
were not sufficient and “the Committee believes additional oversight and monitoring is were not sufficient and “the Committee believes additional oversight and monitoring is
necessary.” necessary.”
The House-passed The House-passed ~~bill also contains~~bil also contained a provision that would bar the use of funds “to conduct, or a provision that would bar the use of funds “to conduct, or
make specific preparations for, any explosive nuclear weapons test that produces any yield” (Sec. make specific preparations for, any explosive nuclear weapons test that produces any yield” (Sec.
8133). 8133). Trump Administration officials Administration officials ~~have~~had indicated that they indicated that they ~~do not~~ did not currently plan to conduct such a testplan to conduct such a test ~~at this~~
~~time~~, and would only consider doing so if there were concerns about the safety or reliability of , and would only consider doing so if there were concerns about the safety or reliability of
U.S. nuclear weapons. Recent reports U.S. nuclear weapons. Recent reports ~~indicate~~indicated that the Administration that the Administration ~~has~~had considered using considered using such a such a
test to exhibit U.S. nuclear weapons capabilities.test to exhibit U.S. nuclear weapons capabilities.5148
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill includes~~bil included $15.602 $15.602 ~~billion~~ bil ion for weapons for weapons
activities, the same as the request and $1.942 activities, the same as the request and $1.942 ~~billion~~bil ion above the House-passed level. The Senate above the House-passed level. The Senate
committee draft explanatory statement “supports the initial studies to evaluate the W93 warhead” committee draft explanatory statement “supports the initial studies to evaluate the W93 warhead”
(the House had eliminated the funding) and (the House had eliminated the funding) and ~~supports~~supported the funding for the pit production plan, using both Los Alamos and the Savannah River site.49 The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $15.345 bil ion for weapons activities, $257 mil ion (2%) below the request and $2.888 bil ion (23%) above the FY2020 enacted amount. The explanatory statement reiterated congressional concerns about NNSA’s pit production plans. It mandated that NNSA provide a plan outlining an integrated master schedule for “al pit production-related project and program activities” going forward. It also directed NNSA to develop “a comprehensive, integrated ten-year research program for pit and plutonium aging that represents a consensus program among the national laboratories and federal sponsors.” ~~the funding for the pit production plan, using~~

~~50 Ibid., p. 92.~~
~~51 Hudson, John and Paul Sonne, “Trump Administration Discussed Conducting First U.S. Nuclear Test in Decades,”~~
Washington Post, May 22, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-administration-discussed-
~~conducting-first-us-nuclear-test-in-decades/2020/05/22/a805c904-9c5b-11ea-b60c-3be060a4f8e1_story.html.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

~~both Los Alamos and the Savannah River site.52~~ For more information, see CRS Report R44442, For more information, see CRS Report R44442,
Energy and Water Development Appropriations: Nuclear Weapons Activities, by Amy F. Woolf. , by Amy F. Woolf.
Cleanup of Former Nuclear Sites: Proposed Reductions and Transfers
DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) is responsible for environmental cleanup and DOE’s Office of Environmental Management (EM) is responsible for environmental cleanup and
waste management at the department’s nuclear facilities. The $6.066 waste management at the department’s nuclear facilities. The $6.066 ~~billion~~bil ion request for EM 48 Hudson, John and Paul Sonne, “T rump Administration Discussed Conducting First U.S. Nuclear T est in Decades,” Washington Post, May 22, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-administration-discussed-conducting-first-us-nuclear-test-in-decades/2020/05/22/a805c904-9c5b-11ea-b60c-3be060a4f8e1_story.html. 49 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 127. Congressional Research Service 20 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~request for EM~~
activities for FY2021 would activities for FY2021 would behave been a decrease of $1.390 a decrease of $1.390 ~~billion~~bil ion (19%) from the FY2020 enacted level (19%) from the FY2020 enacted level
of $7.455 of $7.455 ~~billion~~bil ion. The budgetary components of the EM program are Defense Environmental . The budgetary components of the EM program are Defense Environmental
Cleanup (-20%) and Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup (-14%). The largest proposed Cleanup (-20%) and Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup (-14%). The largest proposed
decreases decreases ~~are~~were at the Hanford Site (WA), where projects managed by the Richland Operations at the Hanford Site (WA), where projects managed by the Richland Operations
Office would Office would behave been reduced by $347 reduced by $347 ~~million~~mil ion (-35%) and those by the Office of River Protection by (-35%) and those by the Office of River Protection by
$358 $358 ~~million~~mil ion (-22%). Other relatively large EM reductions (-22%). Other relatively large EM reductions ~~are~~were proposed for proposed for the Oak Ridge Site the Oak Ridge Site
(TN), down by $251 (TN), down by $251 ~~million~~mil ion (-37%); Idaho National Laboratory, down by (-37%); Idaho National Laboratory, down by $175 mil ion ~~$175 million~~ (-39%); (-39%);
and Los Alamos National Laboratory, down by $100 and Los Alamos National Laboratory, down by $100 ~~million~~mil ion (-46%). The DOE budget (-46%). The DOE budget
justification attributed many of the proposed funding decreases to completion of justification attributed many of the proposed funding decreases to completion of various cleanup various cleanup
projects at the sites involved.projects at the sites involved.5350
The FY2021 request The FY2021 request ~~includes~~included a proposal to transfer management of the Formerly Utilized Sites a proposal to transfer management of the Formerly Utilized Sites
Remedial Action Program from USACE to the Office of Legacy Management (LM), the DOE Remedial Action Program from USACE to the Office of Legacy Management (LM), the DOE
office responsible for long-term stewardship of remediated sites. The transfer office responsible for long-term stewardship of remediated sites. The transfer ~~was~~had also also ~~proposed~~
been proposed for FY2020 but for FY2020 but was not approved by Congressnot approved by Congress, nor was it approved for FY2021. The ~~. The~~ FY2021 LM budget request FY2021 LM budget request ~~includes~~included $150 mil ion ~~$150~~
~~million~~ for FUSRAP, down from $200 for FUSRAP, down from $200 ~~million~~ mil ion appropriated to USACEappropriated to USACE for the program in for the program in
FY2020. According to the DOE budget justification, FY2020. According to the DOE budget justification, “LM wil ~~“LM will~~ be responsible for the be responsible for the
administration of FUSRAP, USACEadministration of FUSRAP, USACE ~~will~~ wil continue to conduct cleanup of FUSRAP sites, and LM continue to conduct cleanup of FUSRAP sites, and LM
~~will~~ wil continue to conduct LTS&M [long-term continue to conduct LTS&M [long-term ~~surveillance~~surveil ance and maintenance] after cleanup and maintenance] after cleanup
activities are completed.” Under the proposal, LM would activities are completed.” Under the proposal, LM would ~~reimburse~~have reimbursed USACE for the cost of the USACE for the cost of the
cleanup activities.cleanup activities.5451
The House approved $7.458 The House approved $7.458 ~~billion~~ bil ion for EM activities, an increase of $2 for EM activities, an increase of $2 ~~million~~ mil ion from the FY2020 from the FY2020
enacted level. In addition, the House enacted level. In addition, the House ~~bill~~ bil includes $3.125 includes $3.125 ~~billion~~bil ion in EM emergency supplemental in EM emergency supplemental
funding, including $2.685 funding, including $2.685 ~~billion~~ bil ion for defense cleanup, $200 for defense cleanup, $200 ~~million~~mil ion for non-defense cleanup, and for non-defense cleanup, and
$240 $240 ~~million~~ mil ion for the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund. The for the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and Decommissioning Fund. The
House did not approve the proposed transfer of FUSRAP to DOE or House did not approve the proposed transfer of FUSRAP to DOE or the proposed funding reduction, proposed funding reduction,
recommending an FY2021 appropriation of $210 recommending an FY2021 appropriation of $210 ~~million~~mil ion, up $10 , up $10 ~~million~~ mil ion (5%) from the FY2020 (5%) from the FY2020
enacted amount. In addition, Title VI of Division C enacted amount. In addition, Title VI of Division C ~~includes $500 million in~~ included $500 mil ion in emergency emergency
supplemental appropriations for FUSRAPsupplemental appropriations for FUSRAP, but they were not enacted. .
The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft The Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft ~~bill~~ bil includes $7.534 includes $7.534 ~~billion~~bil ion for EM, $1.468 for EM, $1.468
~~billion~~ bil ion above the request and $76 above the request and $76 ~~million~~ mil ion above the House-passed level, excluding emergency above the House-passed level, excluding emergency
supplementals. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $7.586 bil ion for EM, an increase of $131 mil ion (2%) over the FY2020 enacted amount.~~supplementals.~~

~~52 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft explanatory statement, p. 127.~~
~~53 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, Budget in Brief, p. 53, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/~~
~~02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-in-brief_0.pdf.~~
~~54 DOE, FY2021 Budget in Brief, February 2020, p. 56, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-~~
~~fy2021-budget-in-brief_0.pdf.~~
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~~link to page 24 link to page 25~~ ~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

Southwest Border Regional Commission and Southeast Crescent
Regional Commission Funding
The The ~~House approved $250,000 in appropriations~~ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provided $250,000 for the Southwest Border for the Southwest Border Regional Commission Regional Commission
(SBRC)—the first (SBRC)—the first ~~time~~ appropriations appropriations ~~have been recommended~~ for the SBRC since it was for the SBRC since it was
authorized in the 2008 farm authorized in the 2008 farm ~~bill~~ bil (P.L. 110-234) along with the Southeast Crescent Regional (P.L. 110-234) along with the Southeast Crescent Regional
Commission (SCRC) and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The SBRC is one Commission (SCRC) and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC). The SBRC is one
of seven authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, of which four are currently of seven authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, of which four are currently
active: the Appalachian Regional Commission, the NBRC, the Denali Commission, and the Delta active: the Appalachian Regional Commission, the NBRC, the Denali Commission, and the Delta
~~Regional Authority.55~~Regional 50 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Request, Budget in Brief, p. 53, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -in-brief_0.pdf. 51 DOE, FY2021 Budget in Brief, February 2020, p. 56, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/02/f72/doe-fy2021-budget-in-brief_0.pdf. Congressional Research Service 21 link to page 27 link to page 28 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Authority.52 If formed, the SBRC would be the fifth active federal regional commission. If formed, the SBRC would be the fifth active federal regional commission.
However, even However, even ~~if the appropriation were to be enacted~~with the enacted appropriation, the SBRC’s formation , the SBRC’s formation ~~would additionally~~
~~depend~~additional y depends on the appointment of a federal co-chair by the President with the advice and consent of on the appointment of a federal co-chair by the President with the advice and consent of
the Senate, as required by statute. the Senate, as required by statute.
~~The House bill also includes $1 million for the SCRC, which is inactive as well~~According to the explanatory statement, “The Administration is encouraged to promptly appoint a Federal Co-Chair in order to establish key partnerships with local communities, improve economic conditions and travel along the southwest border, and to consider opportunities to establish a regional presence in or near major inland ports of entry.” The enacted FY2021 funding measure also included $1 mil ion for the SCRC, which is inactive as wel . Since FY2010, . Since FY2010,
the SCRC has received annual appropriations of $250,000, but has yet to form, as no federal co-the SCRC has received annual appropriations of $250,000, but has yet to form, as no federal co-
chair has ever been appointed. Although the SCRC’s increased appropriation chair has ever been appointed. Although the SCRC’s increased appropriation ~~would provide~~provided it it
with the abilitywith the ability to conduct some limited grantmaking upon formation, its development would to conduct some limited grantmaking upon formation, its development would ~~still~~
stil require a require a ~~presidentially~~ presidential y appointed and Senate-confirmed federal co-appointed and Senate-confirmed federal co-chair. The House-passed bil included the same funding levels for SBRC and SCRC as enacted for FY2021, while the Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft bil would have provided zero~~chair. The Senate~~
~~Appropriations Committee majority draft bill would provide no funding for SBRC or SCRC~~. .
Bill Status and Recent Funding History
Table 2 indicates the steps taken during consideration of FY2021 Energy and Water Development indicates the steps taken during consideration of FY2021 Energy and Water Development
appropriations. (For more details, see the CRS Appropriations Status Table at http://www.crs.gov/appropriations. (For more details, see the CRS Appropriations Status Table at http://www.crs.gov/
AppropriationsStatusTable/Index.) AppropriationsStatusTable/Index.)
Table 2. Status of Energy and Water Development Appropriations, FY2021
Subcommittee
Markup

Final Approval

House
House
Senate
Senate
Conf.
Public
House
Senate ~~Comm. Passed Comm.~~ Comm. Passed Comm. Passed
Report
House
Senate
Law
7/7/20 7/7/20

7/13/20 7/13/20
7/31/20 7/31/20

12/21/20 12/21/20 12/27/20 Source: CRS Appropriations Status Table. CRS Appropriations Status Table.
Note: The Senate Appropriations The Senate Appropriations ~~Committee majority released~~ Committee majority released a draft FY2021 Energy and Watera draft FY2021 Energy and Water Development Development
appropriations bil and explanatory statement Novemberappropriations bil and explanatory statement November 10, 2020, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/10, 2020, at https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/
news/committee-releases-fy21-bil s-in-effort-to-advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results. news/committee-releases-fy21-bil s-in-effort-to-advance-process-produce-bipartisan-results.

Table 3 includes budget totals for energy and water development appropriations enacted for includes budget totals for energy and water development appropriations enacted for
~~FY2014 through the FY2021 House passage.~~

55 FY2015 through FY2020 and major stages of consideration for FY2021. 52 For more information, see CRS For more information, see CRS Report R45997, Report R45997, Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities: Structural Features
and Function, by Michael H. Cecire. , by Michael H. Cecire.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2022

link to page link to page ~~25 link to page 25~~28 link to page link to page 2529 link to page link to page 2511 link to page link to page ~~26 link to page 10 link to page 10~~11 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

Table 3. Energy and Water Development Appropriations,
~~FY2014-FY2021 Preliminary Action~~
FY2015-FY2021 (budget authority in (budget authority in ~~billions~~bil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
FY2021 FY2021 FY2021 Majority
~~FY2014~~ Enac- FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 Request
House
Draft
~~34.1~~ted
34.8 34.8
37.3 37.3
37. 37.4b4a
43. 43.2b
44. 44.7c
48. 48.~~3de~~3d
42.6 42.6
49. 49.6f6e
51.9 51.9
49.5 Source: Compiled Compiled by CRS fromby CRS from totals provided by congressionaltotals provided by congressional budget documents. budget documents.
Notes: Figures exclude permanent budget authorities and reflectFigures exclude permanent budget authorities and reflect rescissions. rescissions.
a. Amount does not include $a. Amount does not include $~~5.4~~1.0 bil ion bil ion ~~in funding for USACE ($1.9 bil ion emergency and $3.5 bil ion~~
~~additional).~~
~~b. Amount does not includes $1.0 bil ion in emergency funding for the USACE.~~
~~c. Amount does not include $17.4 bil ion in emergency funding for USACE ($17.4 bil ion) and Department of~~
~~Energy programs ($22 mil ion).~~
d in emergency funding for the USACE (P.L. 114-254). b. Amount does not include $17.4 bil ion in emergency funding for USACE and DOE (P.L. 115-123). c. Amount does not include supplemental funding provided by P.L.. Amount does not include supplemental funding provided by P.L. 116-20 ($3.258 bil ion for USACE and 116-20 ($3.258 bil ion for USACE and
$15.85 mil ion $15.85 mil ion for Reclamation). for Reclamation).
ed. Amount does not include supplemental funding provided by P.L.. Amount does not include supplemental funding provided by P.L. 116-136. 116-136.
f.
e. Amount does not include emergencyAmount does not include emergency funding. funding.
Description of Major Energy and Water Programs
The annual Energy and Water Development appropriations The annual Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil includes four titles: Title I—Corps includes four titles: Title I—Corps
of Engineers—Civil; Title II—Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation and Central of Engineers—Civil; Title II—Department of the Interior (Bureau of Reclamation and Central
Utah Project); Title III—Department of Energy; and Title IV—Independent Agencies, as shown Utah Project); Title III—Department of Energy; and Title IV—Independent Agencies, as shown
iin Table 4. Major programs in the Major programs in the ~~bill~~ bil are described in this section in the approximate order they are described in this section in the approximate order they
appear in the appear in the ~~bill.~~ bil . Previous appropriations and the amounts recommended and approved during Previous appropriations and the amounts recommended and approved during
the major stages of the FY2021 appropriations process are shown in the accompanying tables, the major stages of the FY2021 appropriations process are shown in the accompanying tables,
and additionaland additional details about many of these programs are provided in separate CRS reports as details about many of these programs are provided in separate CRS reports as
indicated. For a discussion of current funding issues related to these programs, seeindicated. For a discussion of current funding issues related to these programs, see “Funding
Issues and Initiatives,”” above. Congressional clients may obtain more detailed information by above. Congressional clients may obtain more detailed information by
contacting CRS analysts listed in CRS Report R42638, contacting CRS analysts listed in CRS Report R42638, Appropriations: CRS Experts, by James , by James
M. Specht and Justin Murray. M. Specht and Justin Murray.
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Table 4. Energy and Water Development Appropriations Summary
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Majority
~~Title~~
~~Approp.~~FY2021 Title
Approp.
Approp.
Approp.
Request
House
Draft
Approp. Title I: Corps of Title I: Corps of
6, 6,~~038~~
6,827 827
6,999 6,999
7,650 7,650
5,966 5,966
7,629 7,629
7,722 7,722
7,796 Engineers Engineers
Title II: CUP and Title II: CUP and
1, 1,~~317~~
1,480 480
1,565 1,565
1,680 1,680
1,138 1,138
1,655 1,655
1,690 1,690
1,691 Reclamation Reclamation
Title III: Department Title III: Department
~~30,150~~
34,569 34,569
35,709 35,709
38,657 38,657
35,729 35,729
40,864 40,864
42,041 42,041
39,627 of Energy of Energy
Title IV: Independent Title IV: Independent
~~349~~
~~392~~
392 390 390
407 407
333 333
389 389
413 413
414 Agencies Agencies
General General ~~provisions~~
~~-62~~ provisions
— —
21 21
— —
— —
— —
— —
~~Subtotal~~
~~37,791~~— Subtotal
43,268 43,268
44,684 44,684
48,395 48,395
43,169 43,169
50,536 50,536
51,866 51,866 49,528
Rescissions Rescissions and and
- -~~436~~
-49 49
-24 -24
-71 -71
-610 -610
-935 -935
-2 -2
-3 Scorekeeping Scorekeeping
~~Adjustmentsa~~Adjustmentsa
E&W Total
~~37,355~~
43,219
44,660
48,324
42,559
49,601
51,864 51,864 49,525
FY2021 Emergency FY2021 Emergency

44,050

Supplemental Supplemental
Total with

93,651

Supplemental
Sources: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate AppropriationsFY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft;draft; H.R. 7617H.R. 7617; ; H.Rept. 116-449; President’s H.Rept. 116-449; President’s
Budget FY2021; Explanatory Statement for DivisionBudget FY2021; Explanatory Statement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102; S. 2470; C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102; S. 2470;
H.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; andH.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; and P.L. 115-31 and P.L. 115-31 and
explanatory statement. Subtotals may include other adjustments. Columns may not sum to totals because of explanatory statement. Subtotals may include other adjustments. Columns may not sum to totals because of
rounding and adjustments. rounding and adjustments.
a. Budget “scorekeeping” refersa. Budget “scorekeeping” refers to official determinations of spending amounts for congressionalto official determinations of spending amounts for congressional budget budget
enforcement purposes. enforcement purposes. These scorekeepingThese scorekeeping adjustments may include rescissionsadjustments may include rescissions and offsetting revenues and offsetting revenues
from various sources.from various sources.
Agency Budget Justifications
FY2021 budget justifications for the largest agencies funded by the annual Energy and Water FY2021 budget justifications for the largest agencies funded by the annual Energy and Water
Development appropriations Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil can be found through the links below. The justifications provide can be found through the links below. The justifications provide
detailed descriptions and funding breakouts for programs, projects, and activities under the detailed descriptions and funding breakouts for programs, projects, and activities under the
agencies’ jurisdiction. agencies’ jurisdiction.
 Title I, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Civil Works, http://www.usace.army.mil/  Title I, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Civil Works, http://www.usace.army.mil/
Missions/CivilWorks/Budget Missions/CivilWorks/Budget
 Title II  Title II
 Bureau of Reclamation, https://www.usbr.gov/budget/  Bureau of Reclamation, https://www.usbr.gov/budget/
 Central Utah Project, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/ Central Utah Project, https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/
fy2020_cupca_budget_justification.pdf fy2020_cupca_budget_justification.pdf
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 Title III, Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/cfo/downloads/fy-2021-  Title III, Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/cfo/downloads/fy-2021-
budget-justification budget-justification
 Title IV, Independent Agencies  Title IV, Independent Agencies
 Appalachian Regional Commission, https://www.arc.gov/publications/  Appalachian Regional Commission, https://www.arc.gov/publications/
BudgetDocuments.asp BudgetDocuments.asp
 Nuclear Regulatory Commission, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-  Nuclear Regulatory Commission, https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-
collections/nuregs/staff/sr1100/ collections/nuregs/staff/sr1100/
 Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, https://www.dnfsb.gov/about/  Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, https://www.dnfsb.gov/about/
congressional-budget-requests congressional-budget-requests
 Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, http://www.nwtrb.gov/about-us/  Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, http://www.nwtrb.gov/about-us/
plans plans
Army Corps of Engineers
USACEUSACE is an agency in the Department of Defense with both military and civilian is an agency in the Department of Defense with both military and civilian
responsibilities. Under its civil works program, which is funded by the Energy and Water responsibilities. Under its civil works program, which is funded by the Energy and Water
Development appropriations Development appropriations ~~bill~~bil , USACE plans, builds, operates, and in some cases maintains , USACE plans, builds, operates, and in some cases maintains
water resource facilities for coastal and inland navigation, riverine and coastal flood risk water resource facilities for coastal and inland navigation, riverine and coastal flood risk
reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.reduction, and aquatic ecosystem restoration.5653
In recent decades, Congress has In recent decades, Congress has ~~generally~~general y authorized USACE studies, construction projects, and authorized USACE studies, construction projects, and
other activities in omnibus water authorization other activities in omnibus water authorization ~~bills, typically~~bil s, typical y titled as Water Resources titled as Water Resources
Development Acts (WRDA), prior to funding them through appropriations legislation. Recent Development Acts (WRDA), prior to funding them through appropriations legislation. Recent
Congresses enacted the following omnibus water resources authorization acts: in June 2014, the Congresses enacted the following omnibus water resources authorization acts: in June 2014, the
Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA, P.L. 113-121); in December Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA, P.L. 113-121); in December
2016, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (Title I of P.L. 114-322, the Water 2016, the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (Title I of P.L. 114-322, the Water
Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act [WIIN Act]); and in October 2018, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act [WIIN Act]); and in October 2018, the Water
Resources Development Act of 2018 (Title I of P.L. 115-270, America’s Water Infrastructure Act Resources Development Act of 2018 (Title I of P.L. 115-270, America’s Water Infrastructure Act
of 2018 [AWIA 2018]). These acts consisted largely of authorizations for new USACE projects, of 2018 [AWIA 2018]). These acts consisted largely of authorizations for new USACE projects,
and they altered numerous USACE policies and procedures.and they altered numerous USACE policies and procedures.5754
Unlike Unlike for highways and in municipal water infrastructure programs, federal funds for USACE for highways and in municipal water infrastructure programs, federal funds for USACE
are not distributed to states or projects based on formulas or delivered via competitive grants. are not distributed to states or projects based on formulas or delivered via competitive grants.
Instead, USACE Instead, USACE ~~generally~~general y is directly involved in planning, designing, and managing the is directly involved in planning, designing, and managing the
construction of projects that are cost-shared with nonfederal project sponsors. construction of projects that are cost-shared with nonfederal project sponsors.
~~Since~~From the 112th the 112th ~~Congress~~to the 116th Congresses, earmark moratorium policies , earmark moratorium policies ~~have limited congressionally~~ limited congressional y directed directed
funding of site-specific projects (i.e., funding of site-specific projects (i.e., earmarks). Prior to the 112th Congress, Congress would ). Prior to the 112th Congress, Congress would
direct funds to specific projects not in the budget request or increase funds for certain projects. direct funds to specific projects not in the budget request or increase funds for certain projects.
~~Each year since FY2011~~For FY2011-FY2021, Congress , Congress ~~has~~ appropriated additional funding for categories of appropriated additional funding for categories of ~~USACE~~
USACE work without identifying specific projects. For example, in FY2020, Congress provided $2.53 work without identifying specific projects. For example, in FY2020, Congress provided $2.53
~~billion~~ bil ion in additional funding for 26 categories of USACE activities (e.g., construction related to in additional funding for 26 categories of USACE activities (e.g., construction related to
flood and storm damage reduction). After congressional enactment of the appropriations flood and storm damage reduction). After congressional enactment of the appropriations
~~legislation~~ legislation and accompanying report language on priorities and other guidance for and accompanying report language on priorities and other guidance for ~~use of the~~

56 53 Military responsibilities are funded Military responsibilities are funded through the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies through the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
appropriations bill. appropriations bill.
5754 For more information on USACE authorization legislation, see CRS For more information on USACE authorization legislation, see CRS In FocusIn Focus IF11322, IF11322, Water Resources
~~Development Acts: Primer~~Developm ent Acts: Prim er, by Nicole T, by Nicole T . Carter and Anna E. Normand, and CRS. Carter and Anna E. Normand, and CRS Report R45185, Report R45185, ~~Army~~Arm y Corps of
Engineers: Water Resource Authorization and Project Delivery Processes,, by Nicole Tby Nicole T . Carter and Anna E. Normand. . Carter and Anna E. Normand.
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use of the additional funding, the Administration develops a work plan that reports on (1) the studies and additional funding, the Administration develops a work plan that reports on (1) the studies and
construction projects selected to receive funding for the first time (new starts) and (2) the specific construction projects selected to receive funding for the first time (new starts) and (2) the specific
projects receiving additional funds. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11462, projects receiving additional funds. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11462, Army
Corps of Engineers: FY2021 Appropriations, by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter, and CRS , by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter, and CRS
Report R46320, Report R46320, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Annual Appropriations Process and Issues for
Congress, by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter, by Anna E. Normand and Nicole T. Carter. Table 5 shows USACE appropriations accounts from FY2018.~~. Previous appropriations, the FY2021~~
~~request, the FY2021 House-passed levels, and the FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee~~
~~majority draft levels are shown in Table 5.~~
Table 5. Army Corps of Engineers
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Majority
~~Program~~
~~Approp.~~FY2021 Program
Approp.
Approp.
Approp.
Request
House
Draft
~~Investigations and~~
~~121.0~~Approp. Investigations and
123.0 123.0
125.0 125.0
151.0 151.0
102.6 102.6
151.0 151.0
151.2 151.2
153.0 Planning Planning
Construction Construction
~~1,876.0~~
2,085.0 2,085.0
2,183.0 2,183.0
2,681.0 2,681.0
2,173. 2,173.2a
2,619.9 2,619.9
2,661.0 2,661.0
2,692.7 Mississippi Mississippi River River
~~362.0~~
425.0 425.0
368.0 368.0
375.0 375.0
209. 209.9a
365.0 365.0
395.0 395.0
380.0 and Tributaries and Tributaries
(MR&T) (MR&T)
Operation and Operation and
3, 3,~~149.0~~
3,630.0 630.0
3,739.5 3,739.5
3,790.0 3,790.0
1,996. 1,996.5a
3,838.0 3,838.0
3,781.0 3,781.0
3,849.7 Maintenance Maintenance
(O&M) (O&M)
Regulatory Regulatory
200.0 200.0
200.0 200.0
~~200.0~~
210.0 210.0
200.0 200.0
210.0 210.0
210.0 210.0
~~General~~
~~181.0~~ 210.0 General
185.0 185.0
193.0 193.0
203.0 203.0
187.0 187.0
195.0 195.0
211.0 211.0
~~Expenses~~
~~FUSRAPb~~
~~112.0~~ 206.0 Expenses FUSRAPb
139.0 139.0
150.0 150.0
200.0 200.0
0 0
210.0 210.0
250.0 250.0
250.0 Flood Control Flood Control
3235.0 .0
35.0 35.0
35.0 35.0
3577.0 .0
7735.0 .0
35.035.0
35.0 35.0
and Coastal and Coastal
Emergencies Emergencies
(FCCE) (FCCE)
Office of the Office of the
~~4.8~~
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
3.0 3.0
5.0 Asst. Secretary Asst. Secretary of of
the Army the Army
Water Water

~~25.0c~~ 25.0 14.2c
Infrastructure Infrastructure
Finance and Finance and
Innovation Innovation
(WIFIA) Program (WIFIA) Program
Harbor Harbor

1,015.0 1,015.0

Maintenance Maintenance
Trust Fund Trust Fund
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FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Majority
~~Program~~
~~Approp.~~FY2021 Program
Approp.
Approp.
Approp.
Request
House
Draft
Approp. Inland Inland

0 0

Waterways Trust Waterways Trust
Fund Fund
~~Total Title I~~
~~6,037.8~~Rescissions -0.5 Total Title I
6,827.0
6,998.5
7,650.0
5,966.2
7,628.9
7,722.2
~~FY2021~~
7,795.0 FY2021

17,000.0

Emergency Emergency
Supplemental Supplemental
Total with

24,628.9

Supplemental
Sources: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft; H.R. 7617, H.Rept. 116-449; President’s draft; H.R. 7617, H.Rept. 116-449; President’s
Budget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for DivisionBudget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102; S. 2470; S.Rept. 116-102; S. 2470;
H.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83;H.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83; FY2020 Budget Justification;FY2020 Budget Justification; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept.
115-258; S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. FY2020 and FY2021 115-258; S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. FY2020 and FY2021
request numbers can be found at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-request numbers can be found at https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil- Works/Budget/.Works/Budget/. ~~Columns~~ Columns may not may not
sum to totals because of rounding. sum to totals because of rounding.
a. In the Administration’sa. In the Administration’s request, somerequest, some activities that would have previously been funded in these accounts activities that would have previously been funded in these accounts
were proposed to be funded directly were proposed to be funded directly from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Inland from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) and Inland
Waterway Trust Fund (IWTF) accounts. That is,Waterway Trust Fund (IWTF) accounts. That is, the Administrationthe Administration proposed funding eligibleproposed funding eligible USACE USACE
activities directlyactivities directly from the trust funds. This would replace the current practice of having USACE’s O&M, from the trust funds. This would replace the current practice of having USACE’s O&M,
Construction, and MR&T accounts incur expenses for HMTF-eligibleConstruction, and MR&T accounts incur expenses for HMTF-eligible and IWTF-eligibleand IWTF-eligible activities,activities, and for and for
these expenses to be reimbursedthese expenses to be reimbursed from the HMTF and IWTF accounts. For example,from the HMTF and IWTF accounts. For example, HMTF-eligible HMTF-eligible
maintenance dredging would no longer be funded by the O&M account and reimbursedmaintenance dredging would no longer be funded by the O&M account and reimbursed ~~by the~~ by th e HMTF; HMTF;
instead the dredging would be funded directly from the HMTF account. Similarinstead the dredging would be funded directly from the HMTF account. Similar proposals wereproposals were not enacted not enacted
in FY2019 and FY2020. in FY2019 and FY2020.
b. Formerly b. Formerly Utilized Sites RemedialUtilized Sites Remedial Action Program. The Administration’sAction Program. The Administration’s ~~FY2020 request proposed~~
FY2020 and FY2021 requests proposed transferring administration and funding of FUSRAP to the DOE Office of Legacy Management, but the transferring administration and funding of FUSRAP to the DOE Office of Legacy Management, but the
~~proposal was not enacted. The proposal is also included in the FY2021 budget request.~~
~~c. The FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee majority draft would create~~proposal was not enacted in either year. c. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, created a new USACE account to a new USACE account to
support direct loans and for support direct loans and for the cost of guaranteed loans, as authorized by the Water Infrastructure Finance the cost of guaranteed loans, as authorized by the Water Infrastructure Finance
and Innovation Act of 2014 (Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121).and Innovation Act of 2014 (Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121).
Bureau of Reclamation and Central Utah Project
Most of the large dams and water diversion structures in the West were built by, or with the Most of the large dams and water diversion structures in the West were built by, or with the
assistance of, the Bureau of Reclamation. While the Corps of Engineers built hundreds of flood assistance of, the Bureau of Reclamation. While the Corps of Engineers built hundreds of flood
control and navigation projects, Reclamation’s original mission was to develop water supplies, control and navigation projects, Reclamation’s original mission was to develop water supplies,
primarily for irrigation to reclaim arid lands in the West for farming and ranching. Reclamation primarily for irrigation to reclaim arid lands in the West for farming and ranching. Reclamation
has evolved into an agency that assists in meeting the water demands in the West while working has evolved into an agency that assists in meeting the water demands in the West while working
to protect the environment and the public’s investment in Reclamation infrastructure. The to protect the environment and the public’s investment in Reclamation infrastructure. The
agency’s municipal and industrial water deliveries have more than doubled since 1970. agency’s municipal and industrial water deliveries have more than doubled since 1970.
Today, Reclamation manages hundreds of dams and diversion projects, including more than 300 Today, Reclamation manages hundreds of dams and diversion projects, including more than 300
storage reservoirs, in 17 western states. These projects provide water to approximately 10 storage reservoirs, in 17 western states. These projects provide water to approximately 10 ~~million~~mil ion
acres of farmland and 31 acres of farmland and 31 ~~million~~mil ion people. Reclamation is the largest wholesale supplier of water in people. Reclamation is the largest wholesale supplier of water in
the 17 western states and the second-largest hydroelectric power producer in the nation. the 17 western states and the second-largest hydroelectric power producer in the nation.
Reclamation facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and other benefits. Reclamation facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and other benefits.
Congressional Research Service 27 link to page 33 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Reclamation facility operations are often controversial, particularly for their effect on fish and Reclamation facility operations are often controversial, particularly for their effect on fish and
wildlife species and because of conflicts among competing water users during drought conditions. wildlife species and because of conflicts among competing water users during drought conditions.
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As with the Corps of Engineers, the Reclamation budget is made up largely of individualAs with the Corps of Engineers, the Reclamation budget is made up largely of individual project project
funding lines, rather than general programs that would not be covered by congressional earmark funding lines, rather than general programs that would not be covered by congressional earmark
requirements. Therefore, as with USACE, these Reclamation projects have often been subject to requirements. Therefore, as with USACE, these Reclamation projects have often been subject to
earmark disclosure rules. The earmark disclosure rules. The ~~current~~ moratorium on earmarks moratorium on earmarks ~~restricts~~through FY2021 restricted congressional congressional steering of steering of
money directly toward specific Reclamation projects. money directly toward specific Reclamation projects.
Reclamation’s single largest account, Water and Related Resources, encompasses the agency’s Reclamation’s single largest account, Water and Related Resources, encompasses the agency’s
traditional programs and projects, including construction, operations and maintenance, dam traditional programs and projects, including construction, operations and maintenance, dam
safety, and ecosystem restoration, among others.safety, and ecosystem restoration, among others.5855 Reclamation also Reclamation also ~~typically~~typical y requests funds in a requests funds in a
number of number of ~~smaller~~smal er accounts, and has proposed additional accounts in recent years. accounts, and has proposed additional accounts in recent years.
Implementation and oversight of the Central Utah Project, also funded by Title II, is conducted by Implementation and oversight of the Central Utah Project, also funded by Title II, is conducted by
a separate office within the Department of the Interior.a separate office within the Department of the Interior.59
56 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11465, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11465, Bureau of Reclamation: FY2021
Appropriations, by Charles V. Stern. Previous appropriations and the amounts recommended and , by Charles V. Stern. Previous appropriations and the amounts recommended and
approved during the major stages of the FY2021 appropriations process are shown iapproved during the major stages of the FY2021 appropriations process are shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Bureau of Reclamation and CUP
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
FY2021 Program
Approp
Approp
Approp ~~Approp~~ Request
House
Draft
Approp Water and Related Water and Related
1, 1,~~155.9~~
1,332.1 332.1
1,392.0 1,392.0
1,512.2 1,512.2
979.0 979.0
1,487.0 1,487.0
1,521.1 1,521.1
1,521.1 Resources Resources
Policy and Administration Policy and Administration
59.0 59.0
5961.0 .0
6160.0 .0
60.0 60.0
6054.0 .0
5460.0 .0
60.0 60.0
CVP Restoration Fund CVP Restoration Fund
~~55.6~~
41.4 41.4
62.0 62.0
54.8 54.8
55.9 55.9
55.9 55.9
55 55.9 55.9 .9
(CVPRF) (CVPRF)
Calif. Bay-Delta (CALFED) Calif. Bay-Delta (CALFED)
3637.0 .0
3735.0 .0
3533.0 .0
33.0 33.0
33.0 33.0
33.0 33.0
33.033.0
Gross Current
~~1,306.5~~
1,469.5
1,550.0
1,660.0
1,127.9
1,629.9
1,670.0 1,670.0
1,670.0 Reclamation Authority
Central Utah Project Central Utah Project
10.5 10.5
~~10.5~~
15.0 15.0
20.0 20.0
10.0 10.0
25.0 25.0
20.0 20.0
21.0 (CUP) Completion (CUP) Completion

~~58 The~~ 55 T he Water and Related Resources Water and Related Resources Account is largely fundedAccount is largely funded by the Reclamation Fund, which receives and by the Reclamation Fund, which receives and
distributesdistributes receipts related to a number of federal activities (including royalties received from oil and gasreceipts related to a number of federal activities (including royalties received from oil and gas ~~leasing~~ leasing on on
federal lands). For more on this fund and financing of selected Reclamation Projects, seefederal lands). For more on this fund and financing of selected Reclamation Projects, see ~~CRS~~ CRS Report R41844, Report R41844, The
~~Reclamation~~Reclam ation Fund: A ~~Primer~~Prim er, by Charles V., by Charles V. Stern. Stern.
~~59 The~~56 T he Central Utah Project moves water from the Colorado River basin Central Utah Project moves water from the Colorado River basin in eastern Utah to the western slopes of the in eastern Utah to the western slopes of the
Wasatch Mountain range. It wasWasatch Mountain range. It was authorized in 1956 under the Colorado River Storageauthorized in 1956 under the Colorado River Storage Project Act (P.L. 84Project Act (P.L. 84 -485). For -485). For
more information, see the CUP website atmore information, see the CUP website at https://www.cupcao.gov/.https://www.cupcao.gov/.
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FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
FY2021 Program
Approp
Approp
Approp ~~Approp~~ Request
House
Draft
Approp Total, Title II Current
~~1,317.0~~
1,480.0
1,565.0
1,680.0
1,137.9
1,654.9
1,690.0 1,690.0 1,691.0
Authority (CUP and
Reclamation)
FY2021 Emergency FY2021 Emergency

3,000.0

SupplementalSupplemental
Total with

4,654.9

Supplemental
Sources: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft; H.R. 7617, H.Rept. 116-449; President’s draft; H.R. 7617, H.Rept. 116-449; President’s
Budget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for DivisionBudget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102; H.R. 2740; H.R. 2740;
CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83;CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83; FY2020 Budget Justifications; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; FY2020 Budget Justifications; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258;
S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. Excludes offsets and permanent S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. Excludes offsets and permanent
appropriations.appropriations.
Notes: Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding. CVP = Central Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding. CVP = Central ~~Valley~~Val ey Project. Project.
Department of Energy
The Energy and Water Development appropriations The Energy and Water Development appropriations ~~bill~~ bil has funded has funded ~~all~~ al DOE programs since DOE programs since
FY2005. Major DOE activities include (1) R&D on renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear FY2005. Major DOE activities include (1) R&D on renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear
power, fossil energy, and electricity; (2) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (3) energy statisticspower, fossil energy, and electricity; (2) the Strategic Petroleum Reserve; (3) energy statistics, projections, and analysis; (4) ; (4)
general science; (5) general science; (5) loan programs; (6) environmental cleanup; and environmental cleanup; and (6(7) nuclear weapons and nonproliferation ) nuclear weapons and nonproliferation
~~programs.~~programs. Table 7 provides the recent funding history provides the recent funding history for DOE programs, which are briefly for DOE programs, which are briefly
described further below. described further below.
Table 7. Department of Energy
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
FY2021 Approp. Approp. Approp.
~~Approp. Approp. Approp. Approp.~~ Request
House
Draft
~~ENERGY~~ Approp. ENERGY PROGRAMS

Energy Efficiency and Energy Efficiency and
2, 2,~~034.6~~
2,321.8 321.8
2,379.0 2,379.0
2,799.0 2,799.0
719.6 719.6
2,850.2 2,850.2
2,848.0 2,848.0
2,861.8 Renewable Energy Renewable Energy
Electricity Delivery Electricity Delivery and and
~~229.6~~
248.3 248.3

— Energy Reliabilitya~~Energy Reliabilitya~~
Electricity Delivery Electricity Delivery

156.0 156.0
190.0 190.0
195.0 195.0
195.0 195.0
223.0 223.0
211.7 Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity, Energy Energy

120.0 120.0
156.0 156.0
184.6 184.6
165.0 165.0
156.0 156.0
156.0 Security, and Emerg. Resp. Security, and Emerg. Resp.
Nuclear Energy Nuclear Energy
1, 1,~~015.8~~
1,205.1 205.1
1,326.1 1,326.1
1,493. 1,493.4b
1,179. 1,179.9c
1,435.8 1,435.8
1,505.3 1,505.3
1,507.6 Fossil Fossil Energy R&D Energy R&D
~~421.2~~
726.8 726.8
740.0 740.0
750.0 750.0
730.6 730.6
735.0 735.0
750 750.0 750.0 .0
Uranium Reserve Uranium Reserve

150.0 150.0
0 0
120.0 120.0
0d Naval PetroleumNaval Petroleum and Oil and Oil
~~12.0~~
4.9 4.9
10.0 10.0
14.0 14.0
13.0 13.0
13.0 13.0
13.0 13.0
13.0 Shale Reserves Shale Reserves
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FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
FY2021 Approp. Approp. Approp.
~~Approp. Approp. Approp. Approp.~~ Request
House
Draft
~~Strategic Petroleum~~
~~222.6~~Approp. Strategic Petroleum
260.4 260.4
245.0 245.0
205.0 205.0
119.1 119.1
202.5 202.5
188.1 188.1
189.0 Reserve Reserve
Northeast Home Northeast Home Heating Heating
6.5 6.5
~~6.5~~
10.0 10.0
10.0 10.0
-84.0 -84.0
10.0 10.0
10.0 10.0
6.5 Oil Reserve Oil Reserve
Energy Information Energy Information
~~122.0~~
125.0 125.0
125.0 125.0
126.8 126.8
128.7 128.7
126.8 126.8
126.8 126.8
126.8 Administration Administration
Non-Defense Non-Defense
~~246.8~~
298.4 298.4
310.0 310.0
319.2 319.2
275.8 275.8
315.0 315.0
326.0 326.0
319.2 Environmental Cleanup Environmental Cleanup
Uranium Enrichment Uranium Enrichment
~~767.9~~
840.0 840.0
841.1 841.1
881.0 881.0
806.2 806.2
821.6 821.6
848.0 848.0
841.0 Decontamination and Decontamination and
DecommissioningDecommissioning Fund Fund
Science Science
~~5,391.0~~
6,259.9 6,259.9
6,585.0 6,585.0
7,000.0 7,000.0
5,837.8 5,837.8
7,055.0 7,055.0
7,026.0 7,026.0
7,026.0 AI Technology Office AI Technology Office

4.9 4.9
0 0
0 0
0 Advanced Research Advanced Research
~~305.3~~
353.3 353.3
366.0 366.0
425.0 425.0
-310.7 -310.7
435.0 435.0
430.0 430.0
427.0 Projects Agency—Energy Projects Agency—Energy
(ARPA-E) (ARPA-E)
Nuclear Waste Disposal Nuclear Waste Disposal
0 0
0 0
0 0
0
27.5 27.5
27.5 27.5
0 0
27.5 Departmental Admin. Departmental Admin.
~~120.7~~
189.7 189.7
165.9 165.9
161.0 161.0
136.1 136.1
137.9 137.9
161 161.0 166.0 .0
(net) (net)
Office of Inspector Office of Inspector
~~44.4~~
49.0 49.0
51.3 51.3
54.2 54.2
57.7 57.7
57.7 57.7
57.7 57.7
57.7 General General
International Affairs International Affairs

0 0
0 0
33.0 33.0
0 0
0 0
0 Office of Indian Energy Office of Indian Energy
0 0
0
18.0 18.0
22.0 22.0
8.0 8.0
22.3 22.3
22.0 22.0
22.0 Advanced Technology Advanced Technology
~~3.9~~5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
5.0 0
5.0 0
5.0 5.0
5.0 5.0
Vehicles Vehicles Manufacturing Manufacturing
~~Loans~~(ATVM) Loans ATVM Rescission of -1,908.0 Emergency Funding
Title 17 Loan Guarantee Title 17 Loan Guarantee
~~0.1~~
23.0 23.0
18.0 18.0
29.0 29.0
-384.7 -384.7
29.0 29.0
29.0 29.0
29.0 Title 17 Rescission of -392.0 Emergency Funding Tribal Indian Energy LoanTribal Indian Energy Loan
~~9.0~~
1.0 1.0
1.0 1.0
2.0 2.0
-8.5 -8.5
2.0 2.0
2.0 2.0
2.0 Guarantee Guarantee
TOTAL, ENERGY
~~10,953.3~~ 12,918.0 13,472.4 14,633.6
9,819.7 14,641.3 14,846.9
~~PROGRAMS~~
~~DEFENSE~~

~~ACTIVITIES~~
~~National Nuclear~~

~~Security~~
~~Administration~~
12,444.8 PROGRAMS DEFENSE ACTIVITIES National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Weapons Activities Weapons Activities
~~9,240.7~~
10,642.1 10,642.1
11,100.0 11,100.0
12,457.1 12,457.1 15,602.0 15,602.0
13,659.6 13,659.6
15,602.0 15,602.0
~~Nuclear Nonproliferation~~
~~1,879.7~~
15,345.0 Nuclear Nonproliferation 1,999.2 1,999.2
1,930.0 1,930.0
2,164.4 2,164.4
2,031.0 2,031.0
2,240.0 2,240.0
2,095.0 2,095.0
2,260.0 Naval Reactors Naval Reactors
1, 1,~~419.8~~
1,620.0 620.0
1,788.6 1,788.6
1,648.4 1,648.4
1,684.0 1,684.0
1,684.0 1,684.0
1,684.0 1,684.0
1,684.0 Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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link to page link to page 3336 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
FY2021 Approp. Approp. Approp.
~~Approp. Approp. Approp. Approp.~~ Request
House
Draft
Approp. Office of Admin./SalariesOffice of Admin./Salaries
~~387.4~~
407.6 407.6
410.0 410.0
434.7 434.7
454.0 454.0
454.0 454.0
443.2 443.2
443.2 and Expenses and Expenses
Total, NNSA
~~12,927.6~~ 14,669.0 15,228.6 16,704.6 19,771.0 18,037.6 ~~19,824.2~~
~~Defense Environmental~~
~~5,404.2~~19,824.2 19,732.2 Defense Environmental
5,988.0 5,988.0
6,024.0 6,024.0
6,255.0 6,255.0
4,983.6 4,983.6
6,321.0 6,321.0
6,360 6,360.0 6,426.0 .0
Cleanup Cleanup
Defense Uranium Defense Uranium

821.6 821.6

Enrichment D&D Enrichment D&D
Other Defense Activities Other Defense Activities
~~781.7~~
840.0 840.0
860.3 860.3
906.0 906.0
1,054. 1,054.7b
942.3 942.3
906.0 906.0
920.0 Defense Nuclear Waste Defense Nuclear Waste
0 0
0 0
0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 Disposal Disposal
TOTAL, DEFENSE
~~19,113.6~~ 21,497.0 22,112.9 23,865.6 25,809.3 26,122.5 27,090.2
~~ACTIVITIES~~
~~POWER MARKETING~~

~~ADMINISTRATION~~
~~(PMAs)~~
27,078.2 ACTIVITIES POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS (PMAs) Southwestern Southwestern
11. 11.1
114 10.4 .4
10.4 10.4
10.4 10.4
10.4 10.4
10.410.4
10.4 10.4
Western Western
~~94.7~~
93.4 93.4
89.4 89.4
89.2 89.2
89.4 89.4
89.4 89.4
89.4 89.4
89.4 Falcon and Amistad O&M Falcon and Amistad O&M
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
0.2 0.2
~~0.2~~
~~0.2~~
~~Colorado River Basins~~
~~-23.0~~

-
~~Power Marketing Fund~~
0.2 0.2 TOTAL, PMAs
~~83.0~~
105.0
100.0
99.8
100.0
100.0
100.0 100.0 100.0
General General provisions provisions
~~-62.7~~

-12.7 -12.7
-607.0 -607.0

2.0 2.0
2.0 DOE total
~~30,149.9~~ 34,569.1 35,708.9 38,657.2 35,732.2 40,863.8 42,041.442,041.4
39,627.3e appropriations
Offsets and adjustments Offsets and adjustments
- -~~62.7~~
-49.0 49.0
-23.6 -23.6
-70.9 -70.9
-610.2 -610.2
— —
-2.2 -2.2
-2.2 Total, DOE
~~30,087.2~~ 34,520.1 35,685.3 38,586.3 35,122.1 40,863.8 42,039.142,039.1
39,625.0 FY2021 Emergency FY2021 Emergency

24,050.0

Supplemental Supplemental
Total with

64,913.8

Supplemental
Sources: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate AppropriationsFY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft; H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; President’s draft; H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; President’s
Budget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for DivisionBudget, FY2021; Explanatory Statement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102;S.Rept. 116-102; H.R. 2740; H.R. 2740;
CBO Current Status Report;CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83;H.Rept. 116-83; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; S.Rept. 115-132; H.Rept. 115-
230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. 230; and P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement.
Notes: Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding. AI = Artificial Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding. AI = Artificial ~~Intelligence~~ Intel igence. .
a. The Office of Electric Deliverya. The Office of Electric Delivery and Energy Reliabilityand Energy Reliability was split in FY2019 into the Office of Electricity was split in FY2019 into the Office of Electricity
Delivery Delivery and the Office of Cybersecurity,and the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security,Energy Security, and Emergency Response. and Emergency Response.
b. Includes defense budget function funding of $153.4 mil ion b. Includes defense budget function funding of $153.4 mil ion in FY2020 and $137.8 mil ion.in FY2020 and $137.8 mil ion.
c. Includes $141 mil ionc. Includes $141 mil ion for the Formerlyfor the Formerly Utilized Sites RemedialUtilized Sites Remedial Action Program that is currently managed by Action Program that is currently managed by
USACE. USACE.
d. Uranium Reserve funding of $75 mil ion provided under Weapons Activities account. e. Total excludes $2.2 mil ion rescission from EERE that is included under “offsets and adjustments.” Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) conducts research and DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) conducts research and
development on transportation energy technology, energy efficiency in buildings and development on transportation energy technology, energy efficiency in buildings and
manufacturing processes, and the production of solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable manufacturing processes, and the production of solar, wind, geothermal, and other renewable
energy. EERE also administers formula grants to statesenergy. EERE also administers formula grants to states ~~for making energy efficiency~~
~~improvements to low-income housing units and for state energy planning~~. .
The Sustainable Transportation program area includes electric vehicles, vehicle efficiency, and The Sustainable Transportation program area includes electric vehicles, vehicle efficiency, and
alternative fuels. DOE’s electric vehicle program aims to “reduce the cost of electric vehicle alternative fuels. DOE’s electric vehicle program aims to “reduce the cost of electric vehicle
batteries by more than half, to less than $100/kWh [kilowatt-hour] (ultimate goal is $80/kWh), batteries by more than half, to less than $100/kWh [kilowatt-hour] (ultimate goal is $80/kWh),
increase range to 300 miles, and decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.” DOE’s vehicle fuel increase range to 300 miles, and decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.” DOE’s vehicle fuel
~~cell~~ cel program is focusing on the costs of fuel program is focusing on the costs of fuel ~~cells~~cel s and hydrogen to fuel them. According to the and hydrogen to fuel them. According to the
FY2021 budget request, “Investments in fuel FY2021 budget request, “Investments in fuel ~~cell technologies will~~ cel technologies wil increase the emphasis on increase the emphasis on
heavy-duty vehicles and new applications (e.g., trucks, marine, rail, aviation, data centers).” heavy-duty vehicles and new applications (e.g., trucks, marine, rail, aviation, data centers).”
Regarding biofuels R&D, the DOE request Regarding biofuels R&D, the DOE request ~~says~~said, “By 2030, the U.S. has the potential to produce , “By 2030, the U.S. has the potential to produce
~~1 billion~~ 1 bil ion dry tons of non-food biomass resources without disrupting agricultural markets for food dry tons of non-food biomass resources without disrupting agricultural markets for food
and animal feed.”and animal feed.”60
57 Renewable power programs focus on electricity generation from solar, wind, water, and Renewable power programs focus on electricity generation from solar, wind, water, and
geothermal sources. The solar energy program has a goal of achieving, by 2030, costs of 3 cents geothermal sources. The solar energy program has a goal of achieving, by 2030, costs of 3 cents
per kWh for unsubsidized, utility-scale photovoltaics (PV) and 5 cents/kWh for baseload per kWh for unsubsidized, utility-scale photovoltaics (PV) and 5 cents/kWh for baseload
concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. This would require cost reductions of 40%-65% below concentrating solar power (CSP) systems. This would require cost reductions of 40%-65% below
DOE’s 2018 benchmarks. Wind R&D is to focus on early-stage research and testing to reduce DOE’s 2018 benchmarks. Wind R&D is to focus on early-stage research and testing to reduce
costs and improve performance and reliability. For the geothermal program, DOE costs and improve performance and reliability. For the geothermal program, DOE ~~is requesting~~
requested funding in FY2021 to “support two new subsurface enhancement and sustainability efforts”: one funding in FY2021 to “support two new subsurface enhancement and sustainability efforts”: one
on on ~~well~~ wel technology to isolate geothermal target zones, and the other on assessing reservoir technology to isolate geothermal target zones, and the other on assessing reservoir
properties for enhanced geothermal systems.properties for enhanced geothermal systems.6158
In the energy efficiency program area, the advanced manufacturing program focuses on In the energy efficiency program area, the advanced manufacturing program focuses on
improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes and on the manufacturing of energy-improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes and on the manufacturing of energy-
related products. The building technologies program includes R&D on lighting, space related products. The building technologies program includes R&D on lighting, space
conditioning, windows, and control technologies to reduce building energy-use intensity. The conditioning, windows, and control technologies to reduce building energy-use intensity. The
energy efficiency program energy efficiency program ~~also provides weatherization grants to states~~ provides two types of formula grants to states: weatherization grants for improving the energy for improving the energy
efficiency of low-income housing units and state energy planning efficiency of low-income housing units and state energy planning grants.grants.6259
For more details, see CRS Report R44980, For more details, see CRS Report R44980, DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy (EERE): Appropriations Status, by Corrie E. Clark. , by Corrie E. Clark.
Electricity Delivery, Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Energy Reliability
The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) was created The Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) was created
from programs that were previously part of the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy from programs that were previously part of the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy
Reliability.Reliability. The programs that were not moved into CESER became part of the DOE Office of The programs that were not moved into CESER became part of the DOE Office of
Electricity (OE).Electricity (OE).63

6060 57 DOE, DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 3, part 1, p. 12, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/, vol. 3, part 1, p. 12, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/
04/f73/doe-fy2021-budget04/f73/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-3-part-1.pdf. -volume-3-part-1.pdf.
6158 Ibid., p. 13. Ibid., p. 13.
6259 Ibid., p. 14. Ibid., p. 14.
6360 DOE, “Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Forms New DOE, “Secretary of Energy Rick Perry Forms New Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

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Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations

OE’s mission is to lead DOE efforts “to strengthen, transform, and improve energy infrastructure OE’s mission is to lead DOE efforts “to strengthen, transform, and improve energy infrastructure
so that consumers have access to secure and resilient sources of energy.” Major priorities of OE so that consumers have access to secure and resilient sources of energy.” Major priorities of OE
are developing a model of North American energy vulnerabilities,are developing a model of North American energy vulnerabilities, pursuing megawatt-scale pursuing megawatt-scale
electricity storage, integrating electric power system sensing technology, and analyzing electricity storage, integrating electric power system sensing technology, and analyzing
electricity-related policy issues.electricity-related policy issues.6461 The office also includes the DOE power marketing The office also includes the DOE power marketing
administrations, which are funded from separate appropriations accounts. administrations, which are funded from separate appropriations accounts.
CESER is the federal government’s lead entity for energy sector-specific responses to energy CESER is the federal government’s lead entity for energy sector-specific responses to energy
security emergencies—whether caused by physical infrastructure problems or by cybersecurity security emergencies—whether caused by physical infrastructure problems or by cybersecurity
issues. The office conducts R&D on energy infrastructure security technology; provides energy issues. The office conducts R&D on energy infrastructure security technology; provides energy
sector security guidelines, training, and technical assistance; and enhances energy sector sector security guidelines, training, and technical assistance; and enhances energy sector
emergency preparedness and response.emergency preparedness and response.6562
DOE’s Multiyear Plan for Energy Sector Cybersecurity describes the department’s strategy to DOE’s Multiyear Plan for Energy Sector Cybersecurity describes the department’s strategy to
“strengthen today’s energy delivery systems by working with our partners to address growing “strengthen today’s energy delivery systems by working with our partners to address growing
threats and promote continuous improvement, and develop game-changing solutions that threats and promote continuous improvement, and develop game-changing solutions that ~~will~~
wil create inherently secure, resilient, and self-defending energy systems for tomorrow.”create inherently secure, resilient, and self-defending energy systems for tomorrow.”6663 The plan The plan
includes three goals that DOE has established for energy sector cybersecurity: includes three goals that DOE has established for energy sector cybersecurity:
 strengthen energy sector cybersecurity preparedness;  strengthen energy sector cybersecurity preparedness;
 coordinate cyber incident response and recovery; and  coordinate cyber incident response and recovery; and
 accelerate research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of resilient energy  accelerate research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) of resilient energy
delivery systems. delivery systems.
Nuclear Energy
DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) “focuses on three major mission areas: the nation’s DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) “focuses on three major mission areas: the nation’s
existing nuclear fleet, the development of advanced nuclear reactor concepts, and fuel cycle existing nuclear fleet, the development of advanced nuclear reactor concepts, and fuel cycle
technologies,” according to DOE’s FY2021 budget justification. It technologies,” according to DOE’s FY2021 budget justification. It ~~calls~~cal ed nuclear energy “a key nuclear energy “a key
element of United States energy independence, energy dominance, electricity grid resiliency, element of United States energy independence, energy dominance, electricity grid resiliency,
national security, and clean baseload power.”national security, and clean baseload power.”6764
The Reactor Concepts program area The Reactor Concepts program area ~~includes~~comprises research on advanced reactors, including advanced research on advanced reactors, including advanced
~~small~~ smal modular reactors, and research to enhance the “sustainability” of existing commercial light modular reactors, and research to enhance the “sustainability” of existing commercial light
water reactors. Advanced reactor research focuses on “Generation IV” reactors, water reactors. Advanced reactor research focuses on “Generation IV” reactors, as opposed to the as opposed to the
existing fleet of commercial light water reactors, which are existing fleet of commercial light water reactors, which are ~~generally~~general y classified as generations II classified as generations II
and III. R&D under this program focuses on advanced coolants, fuels, materials, and other and III. R&D under this program focuses on advanced coolants, fuels, materials, and other
technology areas that could apply to a variety of advanced reactors. To help develop those technology areas that could apply to a variety of advanced reactors. To help develop those
technologies, the Reactor Concepts program is developing a Versatiletechnologies, the Reactor Concepts program is developing a Versatile Test Reactor that would Test Reactor that would
~~allow~~al ow fuels and materials to be tested in a fast neutron environment (in which neutrons fuels and materials to be tested in a fast neutron environment (in which neutrons would not would not
be slowed by water, graphite, or other “moderators”). Research on extending the life of existing be slowed by water, graphite, or other “moderators”). Research on extending the life of existing
commercial light water reactors (moderated and cooled by ordinary water) beyond 60 commercial light water reactors (moderated and cooled by ordinary water) beyond 60 ~~years, the~~

Response,” press release, February 14, 2018, https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-energy-rick-perry-forms-new-Response,” press release, February 14, 2018, https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-energy-rick-perry-forms-new-
office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency. office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency.
6461 DOE, DOE, ~~FY 2021~~FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 3, part 1, February 2020, p. 262, https://www.energy.gov/, vol. 3, part 1, February 2020, p. 262, https://www.energy.gov/
sites/prod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budgetsites/prod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-3-part-1.pdf. -volume-3-part-1.pdf.
6562 Ibid., p. 317. Ibid., p. 317.
6663 DOE, DOE, Multiyear Plan for Energy Sector Cybersecurity, March 2018, p. 5, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/, March 2018, p. 5, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/
2018/05/f51/DOE%20Multiyear%20Plan%20for%20Energy%20Sector%20Cybersecurity%20_0.pdf. 2018/05/f51/DOE%20Multiyear%20Plan%20for%20Energy%20Sector%20Cybersecurity%20_0.pdf.
6764 DOE, DOE, ~~FY 2021~~FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 3, part 2, February 2020, p. 9, https://www.energy.gov/sites/, vol. 3, part 2, February 2020, p. 9, https://www.energy.gov/sites/
prod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budgetprod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-3-part-2.pdf. -volume-3-part-2.pdf.
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years, the maximum operating period currently licensed by NRC, is being conducted by this maximum operating period currently licensed by NRC, is being conducted by this program with program with
industry cost-sharing. industry cost-sharing.
The Fuel Cycle Research and Development program includes generic research on nuclear waste The Fuel Cycle Research and Development program includes generic research on nuclear waste
management and disposal. One of the program’s primary activities is the development of management and disposal. One of the program’s primary activities is the development of
technologies to separate the radioactive constituents of spent fuel for reuse or solidifying into technologies to separate the radioactive constituents of spent fuel for reuse or solidifying into
stable waste forms. Other major research areas in the Fuel Cycle R&D program include the stable waste forms. Other major research areas in the Fuel Cycle R&D program include the
development of accident-tolerant fuels for existing commercial reactors, evaluation of fuel cycle development of accident-tolerant fuels for existing commercial reactors, evaluation of fuel cycle
options, and development of improved technologies to prevent diversion of nuclear materials for options, and development of improved technologies to prevent diversion of nuclear materials for
weapons. The program is also developing sources of high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU), weapons. The program is also developing sources of high-assay low enriched uranium (HALEU),
in which uranium is enriched to between 5% and 20% in the fissile isotope U-235, for potential in which uranium is enriched to between 5% and 20% in the fissile isotope U-235, for potential
use in advanced reactors. use in advanced reactors.
~~A new~~DOE’s Advanced Advanced ~~Reactors~~Reactor Demonstration Program was Demonstration Program was ~~included in the Explanatory Statement~~initiated by the explanatory statement for for
the enacted FY2020 appropriations measurethe enacted FY2020 appropriations measure, with continued funding provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The program is to provide up to 50% cost sharing . The program is to provide up to 50% cost sharing
for two nuclear reactor demonstration projects, up to 20% cost sharing for development work for for two nuclear reactor demonstration projects, up to 20% cost sharing for development work for
two to five additional demonstrations, and funding for related advanced reactor two to five additional demonstrations, and funding for related advanced reactor
commercialization commercialization activities. For more information, see CRS Report R45706, activities. For more information, see CRS Report R45706, Advanced Nuclear
Reactors: Technology Overview and Current Issues, by , by ~~Danielle~~Daniel e A. Arostegui and Mark Holt. A. Arostegui and Mark Holt.
Fossil Energy Research and Development
Much of DOE’s Fossil Energy R&D Program focuses on technologies for use by coal-fired power Much of DOE’s Fossil Energy R&D Program focuses on technologies for use by coal-fired power
plants. Major activities include Advanced Coal Energy Systems and Carbon Capture, Utilization, plants. Major activities include Advanced Coal Energy Systems and Carbon Capture, Utilization,
and Storage (CCUS); Natural Gas Technologies; and Unconventional Fossil Energy Technologies and Storage (CCUS); Natural Gas Technologies; and Unconventional Fossil Energy Technologies
from Petroleum—Oil Technologies. from Petroleum—Oil Technologies.
Advanced Coal Energy Systems includes R&D on modular coal-gasification systems, advanced Advanced Coal Energy Systems includes R&D on modular coal-gasification systems, advanced
turbines, solid oxide fuel turbines, solid oxide fuel ~~cells~~cel s, advanced sensors and controls, and power generation efficiency. , advanced sensors and controls, and power generation efficiency.
Elements of the CCUS program include the following: Elements of the CCUS program include the following:
 Carbon Capture subprogram for separating CO2 in both precombustion and  Carbon Capture subprogram for separating CO2 in both precombustion and
postcombustion systems; postcombustion systems;
 Carbon Utilization  Carbon Utilization subprogram for R&D on technologies, including direct air subprogram for R&D on technologies, including direct air
capture, to convert carbon to marketable products, such as chemicals and capture, to convert carbon to marketable products, such as chemicals and
polymers; and polymers; and
 Carbon Storage subprogram on long-term geologic storage of CO2, focusing on  Carbon Storage subprogram on long-term geologic storage of CO2, focusing on
saline formations, oil and natural gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, basalts, saline formations, oil and natural gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, basalts,
and organic shales.and organic shales.6865
For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11501, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11501, Carbon Capture Versus Direct Air Capture, by , by
Ashley J. Lawson. Ashley J. Lawson.
Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Authorized in 1975 by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (P.L. 94-163, as amended; 42 Authorized in 1975 by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (P.L. 94-163, as amended; 42
U.S.C. §6201 et seq.), the SPR U.S.C. §6201 et seq.), the SPR ~~fulfills~~fulfil s two statutory policy objectives: (1) reduce the economic two statutory policy objectives: (1) reduce the economic
impact of oil supply disruptions, and (2) carry out U.S. obligations under the Agreement on an impact of oil supply disruptions, and (2) carry out U.S. obligations under the Agreement on an
~~International Energy Program (IEP)—a multilateral agreement subject to international law.~~

~~68 DOE,~~ ~~FY 2021~~ 65 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 3, part 2, February 2020, p. 195, https://www.energy.gov/, vol. 3, part 2, February 2020, p. 195, https://www.energy.gov/
sites/prod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budgetsites/prod/files/2020/04/f73/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-3-part-2.pdf. -volume-3-part-2.pdf.
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~~Currently, the SPR consists of a crude oil reserve and a refined petroleum product reserve. Most~~
~~SPR stocks consist of crude oil—approximately 635 million barrels as of November 2020—held~~
~~in government-owned storage facilities located in Texas and Louisiana. The SPR also includes a 1~~
~~million barrel~~ Appropriations International Energy Program (IEP)—a multilateral agreement subject to international law. Currently, the SPR consists of a crude oil reserve in Texas and Louisiana and a smal er refined ~~refined~~ petroleum product reserve petroleum product reserve ~~held in leased commercial facilities located in~~
~~the Northeast region.~~
~~Since establishment, SPR~~in several Northeastern states. Since the SPR was established, its crude oil stocks have been used on three occasions in response to crude oil stocks have been used on three occasions in response to
emergency oil supply disruptions. More frequently, SPR authorities have been used to exchange emergency oil supply disruptions. More frequently, SPR authorities have been used to exchange
crude oil with refiners following natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes) and other regional supply crude oil with refiners following natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes) and other regional supply
disruption events.disruption events.6966 The northeast gasoline supply reserve (NGSR)—established in The northeast gasoline supply reserve (NGSR)—established in 2014—has 2014—has
never been utilized. never been utilized.
With limited With limited ~~utilization~~ utilization in response to emergency oil supply disruptions, growing U.S. crude oil in response to emergency oil supply disruptions, growing U.S. crude oil
production, and rapidly declining net petroleum imports—one key metric used to determine IEP production, and rapidly declining net petroleum imports—one key metric used to determine IEP
emergency oil stock obligations—Congress began requiring DOE to draw down and emergency oil stock obligations—Congress began requiring DOE to draw down and ~~sell~~ sel SPR SPR
crude oilcrude oil ~~in order~~ to pay for other legislative priorities. Since 2015, Congress has enacted seven to pay for other legislative priorities. Since 2015, Congress has enacted seven
laws mandating the sale of 271 laws mandating the sale of 271 ~~million~~ mil ion barrels of crude oil. barrels of crude oil. ~~Additionally,~~ Additional y, Congress has required Congress has required
~~DOE to sell~~ DOE to sel approximately $1.5 approximately $1.5 ~~billion~~bil ion of SPR crude oil to pay for an SPR modernization of SPR crude oil to pay for an SPR modernization
program.program.7067
Science and ARPA-E
The DOE Office of Science conducts basic research in six program areas: advanced scientific The DOE Office of Science conducts basic research in six program areas: advanced scientific
computing research, basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, fusion energy computing research, basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, fusion energy
sciences, high-energy physics, and nuclear physics. According to DOE’s FY2021 budget sciences, high-energy physics, and nuclear physics. According to DOE’s FY2021 budget
justification, the Office of Science “is the Nation’s largest Federal sponsor of basic research in the justification, the Office of Science “is the Nation’s largest Federal sponsor of basic research in the
physical sciences and the lead Federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research for our physical sciences and the lead Federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research for our
Nation’s energy future.”Nation’s energy future.”7168
DOE’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program focuses on developing and DOE’s Advanced Scientific Computing Research (ASCR) program focuses on developing and
maintaining computing and networking capabilities for science and research in applied maintaining computing and networking capabilities for science and research in applied
mathematics, computer science, and advanced networking. The program plays a key role in the mathematics, computer science, and advanced networking. The program plays a key role in the
DOE-wide effort to advance the development of exascale computing, which seeks to build a DOE-wide effort to advance the development of exascale computing, which seeks to build a
computer that can solve scientific problems 1,000 times faster than today’s best machines. DOE computer that can solve scientific problems 1,000 times faster than today’s best machines. DOE
has asserted that the department is on a path to have a capable exascale machine by the early has asserted that the department is on a path to have a capable exascale machine by the early
2020s. 2020s.
Basic Energy Sciences (BES), the largest program area in the Office of Science, focuses on Basic Energy Sciences (BES), the largest program area in the Office of Science, focuses on
understanding, predicting, and ultimately controlling matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, understanding, predicting, and ultimately controlling matter and energy at the electronic, atomic,
and molecular levels. The program supports research in disciplines such as condensed matter and and molecular levels. The program supports research in disciplines such as condensed matter and
materials physics, chemistry, and geosciences. BES also provides funding for scientific user materials physics, chemistry, and geosciences. BES also provides funding for scientific user
facilities (e.g., the National Synchrotron Light Source II, and the Linac Coherent Light Source-facilities (e.g., the National Synchrotron Light Source II, and the Linac Coherent Light Source-
II), and certain DOE research centers and hubs (e.g., Energy Frontier Research Centers, as II), and certain DOE research centers and hubs (e.g., Energy Frontier Research Centers, as ~~well as~~
wel as the Batteries and Energy Storage and Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hubs). the Batteries and Energy Storage and Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hubs).

69 Biological and Environmental Research (BER) seeks a predictive understanding of complex biological, climate, and environmental systems across a continuum from the smal scale (e.g., genomic research) to the large (e.g., Earth systems and climate). Within BER, Biological Systems 66 For additional information about SPR releases, see U.S. For additional information about SPR releases, see U.S. Department of Energy, Department of Energy, History of SPR Releases, at , at
https://www.energy.gov/fe/services/petroleum-reserves/strategic-petroleum-reserve/releasing-oil-spr, accessed https://www.energy.gov/fe/services/petroleum-reserves/strategic-petroleum-reserve/releasing-oil-spr, accessed
November 12, 2020. November 12, 2020.
7067 For additional information about congressionally For additional information about congressionally~~-required~~ required SPR oil sales,SPR oil sales, see see Strategic Petroleum Reserve: Mandated
and Modernization Sales, by Phillip Brown, a congressional distribution memo available, by Phillip Brown, a congressional distribution memo available to congressional clients by to congressional clients by
request from the author. request from the author.
7168 DOE, DOE, ~~FY 2021~~FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 4, February 2020, p, 7, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/, vol. 4, February 2020, p, 7, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/
files/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budgetfiles/2020/03/f72/doe-fy2021-budget -volume-4_0.pdf. -volume-4_0.pdf.
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~~Biological and Environmental Research (BER) seeks a predictive understanding of complex~~
~~biological, climate, and environmental systems across a continuum from the small scale (e.g.,~~
~~genomic research) to the large (e.g., Earth systems and climate). Within BER, Biological Systems~~
Appropriations Science focuses on plant and microbial systems, while BiologicalScience focuses on plant and microbial systems, while Biological and Environmental Research and Environmental Research
supports climate-relevant atmospheric and ecosystem modeling and research. BER facilities and supports climate-relevant atmospheric and ecosystem modeling and research. BER facilities and
centers include four Bioenergy Research Centers and the Environmental Molecular Science centers include four Bioenergy Research Centers and the Environmental Molecular Science
Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) seeks to increase understanding of the behavior of matter at very Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) seeks to increase understanding of the behavior of matter at very
high temperatures and to establish the science needed to develop a fusion energy source. FES high temperatures and to establish the science needed to develop a fusion energy source. FES
provides funding for the provides funding for the ~~International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)~~ITER project, a project, a
multinational effort to design and build an experimental multinational effort to design and build an experimental fusion reactor. fusion reactor.
The High Energy Physics (HEP) program conducts research on the fundamental constituents of The High Energy Physics (HEP) program conducts research on the fundamental constituents of
matter and energy, including studies of dark energy and the search for dark matter. Nuclear matter and energy, including studies of dark energy and the search for dark matter. Nuclear
Physics supports research on the nature of matter, including its basic constituents and their Physics supports research on the nature of matter, including its basic constituents and their
interactions. A major project in the Nuclear Physics program is the construction of the Facility for interactions. A major project in the Nuclear Physics program is the construction of the Facility for
Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University. Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University.
Two significant research efforts in the Office of Science cut across multiple program areas: Two significant research efforts in the Office of Science cut across multiple program areas:
quantum information science, which aims to use quantum physics to process information, and quantum information science, which aims to use quantum physics to process information, and
artificial artificial ~~intelligence~~ intel igence and machine learning, which use computerized systems that work and react and machine learning, which use computerized systems that work and react
in ways commonly thought to require in ways commonly thought to require ~~intelligence~~intel igence. .
A separate DOE office, the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy, was authorized by the A separate DOE office, the Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy, was authorized by the
America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69) to support transformational energy technology research America COMPETES Act (P.L. 110-69) to support transformational energy technology research
projects. DOE budget documents describe ARPA-E’s mission as overcoming long-term, high-risk projects. DOE budget documents describe ARPA-E’s mission as overcoming long-term, high-risk
technological barriers to the development of energy technologies. technological barriers to the development of energy technologies.
For more details, see CRS Report R46341, For more details, see CRS Report R46341, Federal Research and Development (R&D) Funding:
FY2021, coordinated by John F. Sargent Jr., coordinated by John F. Sargent Jr.
Loan Guarantees and Direct Loans
DOE’s Loan Programs Office provides loan guarantees for projects that deploy innovative energy DOE’s Loan Programs Office provides loan guarantees for projects that deploy innovative energy
technologies, as authorized by Title 17 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05, P.L. 109-technologies, as authorized by Title 17 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT05, P.L. 109-
58), direct loans for advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies, and loan guarantees for tribal 58), direct loans for advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies, and loan guarantees for tribal
energy projects. Section 1703 of energy projects. Section 1703 of ~~the~~ EPACT05 EPACT05 ~~authorizes~~authorized loan guarantees for advanced energy loan guarantees for advanced energy
technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Section 1705 authorized a temporary technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and Section 1705 authorized a temporary
program through FY2011 for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. program through FY2011 for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
Title 17 Title 17 ~~allows~~al ows DOE to provide loan guarantees for up to 80% of construction costs for eligible DOE to provide loan guarantees for up to 80% of construction costs for eligible
energy projects. Successful applicants must pay an up-front fee, or “subsidy cost,” to cover energy projects. Successful applicants must pay an up-front fee, or “subsidy cost,” to cover
potential losses under the loan guarantee program. Under the loan guarantee agreements, the potential losses under the loan guarantee program. Under the loan guarantee agreements, the
federal government would repay federal government would repay ~~all~~ al covered loans if the borrower defaulted. Such guarantees covered loans if the borrower defaulted. Such guarantees
would reduce the risk to lenders and would reduce the risk to lenders and ~~allow~~al ow them to provide financing at below them to provide financing at below -market interest -market interest
rates.rates.
DOE currently has more than $40 DOE currently has more than $40 ~~billion~~bil ion in authority available in authority available to make direct loans and loan to make direct loans and loan
guarantees in the following categories:guarantees in the following categories:72

~~72 DOE, “Products and Services,”~~ 69  Advanced Fossil Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, $8.5 bil ion;  Advanced Nuclear Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, $10.9 bil ion; 69 DOE, “Products and Services,” as of April 23, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/lpo/title-xvii/products-as of April 23, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/lpo/title-xvii/products-
services#innovativeenergy. services#innovativeenergy.
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~~ Advanced Fossil Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, $8.5 billion;~~
~~ Advanced Nuclear Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, $10.9 billion;~~
 Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, up to $4.5 Renewable Energy and Efficient Energy Projects Loan Guarantees, up to $4.5
~~billion~~bil ion; ;
 Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, $17.7  Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, $17.7 ~~billion~~bil ion in in
direct loan authority; and direct loan authority; and
 Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, up to $2  Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program, up to $2 ~~billion~~bil ion in partial loan guarantee in partial loan guarantee
authority. authority.
The only loan guarantees under Section 1703 have been $8.3 The only loan guarantees under Section 1703 have been $8.3 ~~billion~~bil ion in guarantees provided to the in guarantees provided to the
consortium building two new nuclear reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia. DOE committed an consortium building two new nuclear reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia. DOE committed an
additional $3.7 additional $3.7 ~~billion~~ bil ion in loan guarantees for the Vogtle project on March 22, 2019.in loan guarantees for the Vogtle project on March 22, 2019.7370 Another Another
nuclear loan guarantee is being sought by NuScale Power to build a nuclear loan guarantee is being sought by NuScale Power to build a ~~small~~ smal modular reactor in modular reactor in
Idaho.Idaho.74
71 Energy Information Administration The U.S. Energy Information Administration was established within DOE as the lead federal agency for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on U.S. and world energy supply and consumption. EIA data collection spans the energy system from supply and transport to consumption. Al energy sources are included in EIA’s data and analysis products, though some (e.g., petroleum) are more detailed than others (e.g., renewables). The explanatory statement for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, directed DOE to submit a report to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on improving EIA’s energy modeling capabilities “to be able to simulate deep decarbonization scenarios, including economy-wide net-zero emissions policies.” For more details, see CRS Report R46524, The U.S. Energy Information Administration, coordinated by Ashley J. Lawson. Nuclear Weapons Activities
In the absence of explosive testing of nuclear weapons, the United States has adopted a science- In the absence of explosive testing of nuclear weapons, the United States has adopted a science-
based program to maintain and sustain confidence in the reliabilitybased program to maintain and sustain confidence in the reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile. of the U.S. nuclear stockpile.
Congress established the Stockpile Stewardship Program in the National Defense Authorization Congress established the Stockpile Stewardship Program in the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (P.L. 103-160). The goal of the program, as amended by the National Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (P.L. 103-160). The goal of the program, as amended by the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-84, §3111), is to ensure “that the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (P.L. 111-84, §3111), is to ensure “that the
nuclear weapons stockpile is safe, secure, and reliable without the use of underground nuclear nuclear weapons stockpile is safe, secure, and reliable without the use of underground nuclear
weapons testing.” The program is operated by NNSA, a semiautonomous agency within DOE weapons testing.” The program is operated by NNSA, a semiautonomous agency within DOE
established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (P.L. 106-65, Title established by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (P.L. 106-65, Title
XXXII). NNSA implements the Stockpile Stewardship Program through the activities funded by XXXII). NNSA implements the Stockpile Stewardship Program through the activities funded by
the Weapons Activities account in the NNSA budget. the Weapons Activities account in the NNSA budget.
Most of NNSA’s weapons activities take place at the nuclear weapons complex, which consists of Most of NNSA’s weapons activities take place at the nuclear weapons complex, which consists of
three laboratories (Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM; Lawrence Livermore National three laboratories (Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM; Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory, CA; and Sandia National Laboratories, NM and CA); four production sites (Kansas Laboratory, CA; and Sandia National Laboratories, NM and CA); four production sites (Kansas
City National Security Campus, MO; Pantex Plant, TX; Savannah River Site, SC; and Y-12 City National Security Campus, MO; Pantex Plant, TX; Savannah River Site, SC; and Y-12
National Security Complex, TN); and the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada National Security Complex, TN); and the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada
~~Test Site). NNSA manages and sets policy for the weapons complex; contractors to NNSA~~
~~operate the eight sites. Radiological activities at these sites are subject to oversight and~~
~~recommendations by the independent Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, funded by Title IV~~
~~of the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.~~
~~NNSA has reorganized and renamed its program areas in its FY2021 budget request. The four~~
~~main programs, each with a request of over $2 billion for FY2021, include the following:~~
~~ Stockpile Management, which contains many of the projects included in Directed~~
~~Stockpile Work from previous years, supports work directly on nuclear weapons.~~

73 70 DOE, “Secretary Perry Announces Financial Close on Additional Loan Guarantees During DOE, “Secretary Perry Announces Financial Close on Additional Loan Guarantees During ~~Trip~~ T rip to Vogtle Advanced to Vogtle Advanced
Nuclear Energy Project,” news release, March 22, 2019, https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-perry-announces-Nuclear Energy Project,” news release, March 22, 2019, https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-perry-announces-
financial-close-additional-loan-guarantees-during-trip-vogtle. financial-close-additional-loan-guarantees-during-trip-vogtle.
7471 NuScale NuScale Power, “Power, “~~NuScale~~ NuScale Power, LLC SubmitsPower, LLC Submits Part II of DOE Loan Guarantee ApplicationPart II of DOE Loan Guarantee Application ,” news release, ,” news release,
September 6, 2017, http://newsroom.nuscalepower.com/press-release/nuscale-power-llc-submits-partSeptember 6, 2017, http://newsroom.nuscalepower.com/press-release/nuscale-power-llc-submits-part -ii-doe-loan--ii-doe-loan-
guarantee-application. More information about DOE loans andguarantee-application. More information about DOE loans and loan guarantees is at the Loan Programs Office website, loan guarantees is at the Loan Programs Office website,
https://www.energy.gov/lpo/loan-programs-office. https://www.energy.gov/lpo/loan-programs-office.
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~~These include life extension programs, warhead surveillance~~ Appropriations Test Site). NNSA manages and sets policy for the weapons complex; contractors to NNSA operate the eight sites. Radiological activities at these sites are subject to oversight and recommendations by the independent Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, funded by Title IV of the annual Energy and Water Development appropriations bil . NNSA reorganized and renamed its program areas in its FY2021 budget request. The four main programs, each with a request of over $2 bil ion for FY2021, include the following:  Stockpile Management, which contains many of the projects included in Directed Stockpile Work from previous years, supports work directly on nuclear weapons. These include life extension programs, warhead surveil ance, maintenance, and , maintenance, and
other activities. other activities.
  Stockpile Production programs focus on maintaining and expanding the programs focus on maintaining and expanding the
production capabilities for the components of nuclear weapons that are critical to production capabilities for the components of nuclear weapons that are critical to
weapons performance. According to NNSA, these include primaries, canned weapons performance. According to NNSA, these include primaries, canned
subassemblies, radiation cases, and non-nuclear components.subassemblies, radiation cases, and non-nuclear components.
  Stockpile Research, Technology, and Engineering replaces the Research, replaces the Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation program area. These programs provide the Development, Test, and Evaluation program area. These programs provide the
scientific foundation for science-based stockpile decisions. scientific foundation for science-based stockpile decisions.
  Infrastructure and Operations maintains, operates, and modernizes the NNSA maintains, operates, and modernizes the NNSA
infrastructure. It supports construction of new facilities and funds deferred infrastructure. It supports construction of new facilities and funds deferred
maintenance in older facilities. maintenance in older facilities.
Nuclear Weapons Activities also has several Nuclear Weapons Activities also has several ~~smaller~~smal er programs, including the following: programs, including the following:
  Secure Transportation Asset, providing for safe and secure transport of nuclear providing for safe and secure transport of nuclear
weapons, components, and materials; weapons, components, and materials;
  Defense Nuclear Security, providing operations, maintenance, and construction providing operations, maintenance, and construction
funds for protective forces, physical security systems, personnel security, and funds for protective forces, physical security systems, personnel security, and
related activities; and related activities; and
  Information Technology and Cybersecurity, whose elements include whose elements include
cybersecurity, secure enterprise computing, and Federal Unclassified Information cybersecurity, secure enterprise computing, and Federal Unclassified Information
Technology. Technology.
For more information, see CRS Report R44442, For more information, see CRS Report R44442, Energy and Water Development Appropriations:
Nuclear Weapons Activities, by Amy F. Woolf, and CRS Report R45306, , by Amy F. Woolf, and CRS Report R45306, The U.S. Nuclear
Weapons Complex: Overview of Department of Energy Sites, by Amy F. Woolf and James D. , by Amy F. Woolf and James D.
Werner. Werner.
Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation
DOE’s nonproliferation and national security programs provide technical capabilities to support DOE’s nonproliferation and national security programs provide technical capabilities to support
U.S. efforts to prevent, detect, and counter the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide. These U.S. efforts to prevent, detect, and counter the spread of nuclear weapons worldwide. These
programs are administered by NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN). programs are administered by NNSA’s Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (DNN).
The Materials Management and Minimization The Materials Management and Minimization program conducts activities to minimize and, program conducts activities to minimize and,
where possible, eliminate stockpiles of weapons-useable material around the world. Major where possible, eliminate stockpiles of weapons-useable material around the world. Major
activities include conversion of reactors that use highly enriched uranium (useable for weapons) activities include conversion of reactors that use highly enriched uranium (useable for weapons)
to low-enriched uranium, removal and consolidation of nuclear material stockpiles, and to low-enriched uranium, removal and consolidation of nuclear material stockpiles, and
disposition of excess nuclear materials. disposition of excess nuclear materials.
Congressional Research Service 38 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Global Materials Security has three major program elements. International Nuclear Security Global Materials Security has three major program elements. International Nuclear Security
focuses on increasing the security of vulnerable stockpiles of nuclear material in other countries. focuses on increasing the security of vulnerable stockpiles of nuclear material in other countries.
RadiologicalRadiological Security promotes the worldwide reduction and security of radioactive sources Security promotes the worldwide reduction and security of radioactive sources
((~~typically~~typical y used in medical and industrial devices), including the removal of surplus sources and used in medical and industrial devices), including the removal of surplus sources and
substitution of technologies that do not use radioactive materials. Nuclear Smuggling Detection substitution of technologies that do not use radioactive materials. Nuclear Smuggling Detection
and Deterrence works to improve the capability of other countries to halt and Deterrence works to improve the capability of other countries to halt ~~illicit~~il icit trafficking of trafficking of
nuclear materials. nuclear materials.
Nonproliferation and Arms Control works to “to support U.S. nonproliferation and arms control Nonproliferation and Arms Control works to “to support U.S. nonproliferation and arms control
objectives to prevent proliferation, ensure peaceful nuclear uses, and enable verifiable nuclear objectives to prevent proliferation, ensure peaceful nuclear uses, and enable verifiable nuclear
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

reductions,” according to the FY2021 DOE justification.reductions,” according to the FY2021 DOE justification.7572 This program conducts reviews of This program conducts reviews of
nuclear export applications and technology transfer authorizations, implements treaty obligations, nuclear export applications and technology transfer authorizations, implements treaty obligations,
and analyzes nonproliferation policies and proposals. and analyzes nonproliferation policies and proposals.
National Technical Nuclear Forensics Research and Development (NTNF R&D) National Technical Nuclear Forensics Research and Development (NTNF R&D) iswas proposed as proposed as a a
new NNSA program for FY2021, with the request moving $40 new NNSA program for FY2021, with the request moving $40 ~~million~~mil ion for NTNF from the for NTNF from the
Nuclear Detonation Detection subprogram under Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D. The Nuclear Detonation Detection subprogram under Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation R&D. The
full request was included in the enacted measure. The NTNF operational readiness mission NTNF operational readiness mission ~~is currently~~had been located in the Department of Homeland located in the Department of Homeland
Security. The budget request Security. The budget request ~~says~~said that the NTNF program would that the NTNF program would ~~allow~~al ow NNSA to “take on a more NNSA to “take on a more
active leadership role” in nuclear forensics. Another, existing DNN program, Nuclear active leadership role” in nuclear forensics. Another, existing DNN program, Nuclear
Counterterrorism and Incident Response, carries out activities to “protect our nation and its Counterterrorism and Incident Response, carries out activities to “protect our nation and its
citizens from nuclear terrorism and incidents or accidents involving the release of radiological citizens from nuclear terrorism and incidents or accidents involving the release of radiological
material,” according to the FY2021 budget justification.material,” according to the FY2021 budget justification.76 73 Other DNN programs include R&D Other DNN programs include R&D
and Nonproliferation Construction. and Nonproliferation Construction.
For more information, see CRS Report R44413, For more information, see CRS Report R44413, Energy and Water Development Appropriations
for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation: In Brief , by Mary Beth D. Nikitin. , by Mary Beth D. Nikitin.
Cleanup of Former Nuclear Weapons Production and Research Sites
The development and production of nuclear weapons since the beginning of the Manhattan The development and production of nuclear weapons since the beginning of the Manhattan
~~Project77~~Project74 during World War II resulted in a waste and contamination legacy managed by DOE that during World War II resulted in a waste and contamination legacy managed by DOE that
continues to present substantial continues to present substantial ~~challenges~~chal enges. DOE also manages legacy environmental . DOE also manages legacy environmental
contamination at sites used for nondefense nuclear research. In 1989, DOE established the Office contamination at sites used for nondefense nuclear research. In 1989, DOE established the Office
of Environmental Management primarily to consolidate its responsibilities for the cleanup of of Environmental Management primarily to consolidate its responsibilities for the cleanup of
former nuclear weapons production sites that had been administered under multiple offices.former nuclear weapons production sites that had been administered under multiple offices.7875
DOE’s nuclear cleanup efforts are broad in scope and include the disposal of large quantities of DOE’s nuclear cleanup efforts are broad in scope and include the disposal of large quantities of
radioactive and other hazardous wastes generated over decades; management and disposal of radioactive and other hazardous wastes generated over decades; management and disposal of
surplus nuclear materials; remediation of extensive contamination in soil and groundwater; surplus nuclear materials; remediation of extensive contamination in soil and groundwater;
~~decontamination and decommissioning of excess buildings and facilities; and safeguarding,~~
~~securing, and maintaining facilities while cleanup is underway.79 DOE’s cleanup of nuclear~~
~~research sites adds a nondefense component to EM’s mission, albeit smaller in terms of the scope~~
~~of their cleanup and associated funding.80~~

~~75 DOE,~~ ~~FY 2021~~ 72 DOE, FY2021 Congressional Budget Justification, vol. 1, p. 613, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/03/, vol. 1, p. 613, https://www.energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2020/03/
f72/doe-fy2021-budget-volume-1_2.pdf. f72/doe-fy2021-budget-volume-1_2.pdf.
7673 Ibid., p. 665. Ibid., p. 665.
7774 As described As described by the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, “The Manhattan Project was a massive, top secret by the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, “The Manhattan Project was a massive, top secret
national mobilization of scientists, engineers, technicians, and military personnel charged with producing a deployable national mobilization of scientists, engineers, technicians, and military personnel charged with producing a deployable
atomic weapon duringatomic weapon during World War II. Coordinated by the US Army, Manhattan Project activities were located in World War II. Coordinated by the US Army, Manhattan Project activities were located in
numerous locations across the United States.” numerous locations across the United States.” ~~The~~T he nuclear weapons activities begun nuclear weapons activities begun by the Manhattan Project are now by the Manhattan Project are now
the responsibility of DOE. Seethe responsibility of DOE. See National Park Service, Manhattan Project National Historical Park website, National Park Service, Manhattan Project National Historical Park website,
https://www.nps.gov/mapr/learn/historyculture/index.htm. https://www.nps.gov/mapr/learn/historyculture/index.htm.
7875 In 1989, DOE created the Office of Environmental Restoration and In 1989, DOE created the Office of Environmental Restoration and ~~Waste~~Wast e Management, which later was Management, which later was renamed the Office of Environmental Management. Congressional Research Service 39 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations decontamination and decommissioning of excess buildings and facilities; and safeguarding, securing, and maintaining facilities while cleanup is underway.76 DOE’s cleanup of nuclear research sites adds a nondefense component to EM’s mission, albeit smal er in terms of the scope of their cleanup and associated funding.77 DOE has identified more than 100 separate sites in over 30 states that historical y~~renamed the~~
~~Office of Environmental Management.~~
~~79 The term “cleanup” often refers to the remediation of risks at a site. Cleanup may not necessarily entail the removal~~
~~of all hazards from a site, but in some instances may involve the permanent containment of wastes or contamination to~~
~~address exposure risks. If residual waste or contamination remains on-site after cleanup is complete, long-term~~
~~stewardship may continue to monitor the site and ensure that cleanup measures continue to operate effectively.~~
~~80 For additional information on the history, mission, and scope of the Office of Environmental Management, see~~
~~DOE’s website: http://energy.gov/em/office-environmental-management.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

~~DOE has identified more than 100 separate sites in over 30 states that historically~~ were involved were involved
in the production of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy research for civilian purposes.in the production of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy research for civilian purposes.~~81 The~~
~~geographic scope of these sites is substantial,~~78 These sites collectively collectively ~~encompassing~~encompass a land area of a land area of
approximately 2 approximately 2 ~~million~~ mil ion acres. Cleanup remedies are in place and operational at the majority of acres. Cleanup remedies are in place and operational at the majority of
these sites. Responsibility for these sites. Responsibility for ~~the~~their long-term long-term ~~stewardship of them~~ stewardship has been transferred to the has been transferred to the
Office of Legacy Management and other offices within DOE for the operation and maintenance Office of Legacy Management and other offices within DOE for the operation and maintenance
of cleanup remedies and monitoring.of cleanup remedies and monitoring.8279 Some of the Some of the ~~smaller~~smal er sites for which DOE sites for which DOE ~~initially~~ initial y was was
responsible were transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers in 1997 under the Formerly Utilizedresponsible were transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers in 1997 under the Formerly Utilized
Sites Remedial Action Program. Once USACE completes the cleanup of a FUSRAP site, it is Sites Remedial Action Program. Once USACE completes the cleanup of a FUSRAP site, it is
transferred back to DOE for long-term stewardship under the Office of Legacy Management, transferred back to DOE for long-term stewardship under the Office of Legacy Management,
which is separate from EM and has its own DOE which is separate from EM and has its own DOE funding subaccount within Other Defense funding subaccount within Other Defense
Activities. Activities.
Three appropriations accounts fund the Office of Environmental Management. The Defense Three appropriations accounts fund the Office of Environmental Management. The Defense
Environmental Cleanup account is the largest in terms of funding, and it finances the cleanup of Environmental Cleanup account is the largest in terms of funding, and it finances the cleanup of
former nuclear weapons production sites. The Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account former nuclear weapons production sites. The Non-Defense Environmental Cleanup account
funds the cleanup of federal nuclear energy research sites. Title XI of the Energy Policy Act of funds the cleanup of federal nuclear energy research sites. Title XI of the Energy Policy Act of
1992 (P.L. 102-486) established the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and 1992 (P.L. 102-486) established the Uranium Enrichment Decontamination and
Decommissioning Fund to pay for the cleanup of three federal facilities that enriched uranium for Decommissioning Fund to pay for the cleanup of three federal facilities that enriched uranium for
national defense and civilian purposes.national defense and civilian purposes.8380 Those facilities are located near Paducah, KY; Piketon, Those facilities are located near Paducah, KY; Piketon,
OH (Portsmouth plant); and Oak Ridge, TN. DOE declared the cleanup of the Oak Ridge OH (Portsmouth plant); and Oak Ridge, TN. DOE declared the cleanup of the Oak Ridge
enrichment site complete on October 13, 2020.enrichment site complete on October 13, 2020.8481 Title X of P.L. 102-486 authorized the Title X of P.L. 102-486 authorized the
reimbursement of uranium and thorium producers for their costs of cleaning up contamination reimbursement of uranium and thorium producers for their costs of cleaning up contamination
attributable to uranium and thorium sold to the federal government.attributable to uranium and thorium sold to the federal government.85
82 The adequacy of funding for the Office of Environmental Management to attain cleanup The adequacy of funding for the Office of Environmental Management to attain cleanup
milestones across the entire site inventory has been a recurring issue. Cleanup milestones are milestones across the entire site inventory has been a recurring issue. Cleanup milestones are
enforceable measures incorporated into compliance agreements negotiated among DOE, the enforceable measures incorporated into compliance agreements negotiated among DOE, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the states. These milestones establish time frames for the Environmental Protection Agency, and the states. These milestones establish time frames for the
completion of specific actions to satisfy applicable requirements at individualcompletion of specific actions to satisfy applicable requirements at individual sites. 76 T he term “cleanup” often refers to the remediation of risks at a site. Cleanup may not necessarily entail the removal of all hazards from a site, but in some instances may invo lve the permanent containment of wastes or contamination to address exposure risks. If residual waste or contamination remains on-site after cleanup is complete, long-term stewardship may continue to monitor the site and ensure that cleanup measures continue to operate effectively. 77 For additional information on the history, mission, and scope of the Office of Environmental Management, see the EM website: http://energy.gov/em/office-environmental-management. 78 For a list of active and completed sites, see the EM “Cleanup Sites” web page and interactive map at http://energy.gov/em/cleanup-sites. 79 T he~~sites.~~
~~Power Marketing Administrations~~
~~DOE’s four Power Marketing Administrations were established to sell the power generated by~~
~~various federal dams. Preference in the sale of power is given to publicly owned and~~
~~cooperatively owned utilities. The PMAs operate in 34 states; their assets consist primarily of~~
~~transmission infrastructure in the form of more than 33,000 miles of high voltage transmission~~
~~lines and 587 substations. PMA customers are responsible for repaying all power program~~
~~expenses, plus the interest on capital projects. Since FY2011, power revenues associated with the~~
~~PMAs have been classified as discretionary offsetting receipts (i.e., receipts that are available for~~
~~spending by the PMAs), thus the agencies are sometimes noted as having a “net-zero” spending~~

~~81 For a list of each active and completed site, see DOE’s Office of Environmental Management website,~~
~~http://energy.gov/em/cleanup-sites.~~
~~82 The~~ Office of Legacy Management administers the long-term stewardship of DOE sites that do not have a continuing Office of Legacy Management administers the long-term stewardship of DOE sites that do not have a continuing
mission once cleanup remedies are in place. Sites that have a continuing mission are transferred to the DOE offices that mission once cleanup remedies are in place. Sites that have a continuing mission are transferred to the DOE offices that
administer those missions, which are responsible for their long-term stewardship. administer those missions, which are responsible for their long-term stewardship.
8380 42 U.S.C. 42 U.S.C. §2297g. §2297g.
8481 DOE, Office of Environmental Management, “Workers Achieve Historic Cleanup of Uranium Enrichment DOE, Office of Environmental Management, “Workers Achieve Historic Cleanup of Uranium Enrichment
Complex,” newsComplex,” news release, October 13, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/workers-achieve-historic-cleanup-release, October 13, 2020, https://www.energy.gov/em/articles/workers-achieve-historic-cleanup-
uranium-enrichmenturanium-enrichment -complex. -complex.
8582 42 U.S.C. 42 U.S.C. §2296a. §2296a.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3840

link to page link to page 4347 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Power Marketing Administrations DOE’s four Power Marketing Administrations were established to sel the power generated by various federal dams. Preference in the sale of power is given to publicly owned and cooperatively owned utilities. The PMAs operate in 34 states; their assets consist primarily of transmission infrastructure in the form of more than 33,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines and 587 substations. PMA customers are responsible for repaying al power program expenses, plus the interest on capital projects. Since FY2011, power revenues associated with the PMAs have been classified as discretionary offsetting receipts (i.e., receipts that are available for spending by the PMAs), thus the agencies are sometimes noted as having a “net-zero” spending ~~Appropriations~~

authority. Only the capital expenses of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and authority. Only the capital expenses of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and
Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) are supported by appropriations from Congress. Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA) are supported by appropriations from Congress.
For more information, see CRS Report R45548, For more information, see CRS Report R45548, The Power Marketing Administrations:
Background and Current Issues, by Richard J. , by Richard J. ~~Campbell~~Campbel . .
Independent Agencies
Independent agencies that receive funding in Title IV of the Energy and Water Development Independent agencies that receive funding in Title IV of the Energy and Water Development ~~bill~~
bil include the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Appalachian Regional Commission include the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Appalachian Regional Commission
(ARC), and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. NRC is by far the largest of the (ARC), and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board. NRC is by far the largest of the
independent agencies, with a total budget of nearly $900 independent agencies, with a total budget of nearly $900 ~~million~~mil ion. However, as noted in the . However, as noted in the
description of NRC below, about 90% of NRC’s budget is offset by fees, so that the agency’s net description of NRC below, about 90% of NRC’s budget is offset by fees, so that the agency’s net
appropriation is less than half of the total funding in Title IV. NRC and ARC are discussed in appropriation is less than half of the total funding in Title IV. NRC and ARC are discussed in
more detail below. The recent appropriations history for more detail below. The recent appropriations history for ~~all~~ al the Title IV agencies is shown in the Title IV agencies is shown in
Table 8. Congressional Research Service 41 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~Table 8~~.
Table 8. Independent Agencies Funded by Energy and Water Development
Appropriations
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2018~~
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
~~Program~~
~~Approp.~~FY2021 Program
Approp.
Approp.
Request
House
Draft
Approp. Appalachian Regional Commission Appalachian Regional Commission
~~155~~165.0 .0
~~165~~175.0 .0
~~175~~165.0 .0
~~165~~175.0 .0
~~175~~180.0 .0
180.0 180.0
Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nuclear Regulatory Commission
~~922.0~~
911.0
855.6
863.4
863.4
863.4 863.4
844.4 (Revenues) (Revenues)
-~~790.4~~
-780.8
-728.1
-740.4
-740.4
-740.4 -740.4
-721.4 Net NRC (including Inspector General) Net NRC (including Inspector General)
~~131.6~~
130.1 130.1
127.5 127.5
123.0 123.0
123.0 123.0
123 123.0 123.0 .0
Defense Nuclear Facilities Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board Safety Board
31.0 31.0
31.0 31.0
~~31.0~~
~~28.8~~28.8 31.0
31.0 31.0
31.031.0
Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board
3.6 3.6
3.6 3.6
3.6 3.6
3.6 3.6
3.6 3.6
~~3.6~~
3.60 Denali Commission Denali Commission
~~30.0~~
15.0 15.0
15.0 15.0
7.3 7.3
15.0 15.0
15.0 15.0
15.0 Delta Regional Authority Delta Regional Authority
25.0 25.0
~~25.0~~
30.0 30.0
2.5 2.5
15.0 15.0
30.0 30.0
30.0 Northern Border Northern Border Regional Commission Regional Commission
~~15.0~~
20.0 20.0
25.0 25.0
0.9 0.9
25.0 25.0
30.0 30.0
30.0 Southeast Crescent Regional Commission Southeast Crescent Regional Commission
0.3 0.3
0.3 0.3
0 0.3
0
1.0 1.0
0 0
1.0 Southwest Border Southwest Border Regional Commission Regional Commission

0.3 0.3
0 0
~~Total~~
~~391.5~~0.3 Total
390.0
407.3
333.1
388.9
412.6
~~Sources:~~ 413.9 Sources: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft;draft; H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; FY2021 H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; FY2021
President’s Request; Explanatory Statement for DivisionPresident’s Request; Explanatory Statement for Division C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102; S. S.Rept. 116-102; S.
2470;2470; H.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83;H.R. 2740; CBO Current Status Report; H.Rept. 116-83; H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; S.Rept. 115-H.Rept. 115-929; S.Rept. 115-258; S.Rept. 115-
132; H.Rept. 115-230;132; H.Rept. 115-230; P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement. P.L. 115-31 and explanatory statement.
Note: Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding. Columns may not sum to totals because of rounding.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

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~~link to page 45~~ ~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

Appalachian Regional Commission
Established in 1965,Established in 1965,8683 the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is a regional economic
development agency. It awards grants and contracts to state and local governments and nonprofit development agency. It awards grants and contracts to state and local governments and nonprofit
organizations to foster economic opportunities, improve workforce organizations to foster economic opportunities, improve workforce ~~skills~~skil s, build critical , build critical
infrastructure, strengthen natural and cultural assets, and improve leadership infrastructure, strengthen natural and cultural assets, and improve leadership ~~skills~~skil s and capacity in and capacity in
the region. ARC’s authorizing statute defines the Appalachian Region as including allthe region. ARC’s authorizing statute defines the Appalachian Region as including all of West of West
VirginiaVirginia and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North and parts of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North
Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. More than 25 Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. More than 25 ~~million~~
mil ion people currently live in the region as defined. people currently live in the region as defined.
ARC provides funding to several hundred projects each year, with particular focus on the region’s ARC provides funding to several hundred projects each year, with particular focus on the region’s
most most ~~economically~~economical y distressed counties. Major areas of infrastructure support include broadband distressed counties. Major areas of infrastructure support include broadband
communication systems, transportation, and water and wastewater systems. ARC has supported communication systems, transportation, and water and wastewater systems. ARC has supported
development of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), a planned 3,000-mile development of the Appalachian Development Highway System (ADHS), a planned 3,000-mile
system of highways that connect with the U.S. Interstate Highway System. According to ARC, system of highways that connect with the U.S. Interstate Highway System. According to ARC,
90.8% of ADHS is “complete, open to traffic, or under construction.”90.8% of ADHS is “complete, open to traffic, or under construction.”8784 83 Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, P.L. 89 -4. 84 For more information, see ARC home page at https://www.arc.gov. Congressional Research Service 42 link to page 48 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations
Since FY2016, Congress has appropriated approximately $50 Since FY2016, Congress has appropriated approximately $50 ~~million~~mil ion per year as a set-aside for per year as a set-aside for
ARC’s POWER Initiative (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic ARC’s POWER Initiative (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic
Revitalization),Revitalization), which assists communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry. The which assists communities impacted by the decline of the coal industry. The
POWER Initiative funds a variety of economic, workforce, and community development projects POWER Initiative funds a variety of economic, workforce, and community development projects
to stabilize and stimulate economic activity in affected communities. to stabilize and stimulate economic activity in affected communities.
For more background on ARC and other regional commissions and authorities, see CRS Report For more background on ARC and other regional commissions and authorities, see CRS Report
R45997, R45997, Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities: Structural Features and Function, by , by
Michael H. Cecire, and CRS In Focus IF11140, Michael H. Cecire, and CRS In Focus IF11140, Federal Regional Commissions and Authorities:
Overview of Structure and Activities, by Michael H. Cecire. , by Michael H. Cecire.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NRC is an independent agency that establishes and enforces safety and security standards for NRC is an independent agency that establishes and enforces safety and security standards for
nuclear power plants and users of nuclear materials. Major appropriations categories for NRC are nuclear power plants and users of nuclear materials. Major appropriations categories for NRC are
shown inin Table 9. N~~uclear~~ Nuclear Reactor Safety is NRC’s largest program and is responsible for Reactor Safety is NRC’s largest program and is responsible for
licensing and regulating the U.S. fleet of licensing and regulating the U.S. fleet of 9594 power reactors, plus two under construction. NRC is power reactors, plus two under construction. NRC is
also responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear waste facilities, such as the proposed also responsible for licensing and regulating nuclear waste facilities, such as the proposed
underground nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV (for which no funding underground nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV (for which no funding ~~is requested~~
was requested or provided for FY2021). for FY2021).
NRC is required by law to offset NRC is required by law to offset ~~about 90% of~~ its total budget, excluding specified items, through its total budget, excluding specified items, through
fees charged fees charged to nuclear reactor owners and other holders of NRC licenses. Budget items excluded from fee recovery include prior-year balances, development of advanced reactor regulations, international activities, and generic homeland security. As a result, NRC’s net appropriation for FY2021 is about 15% of the agency’s total budget.~~to nuclear reactor owners and other holders of NRC licenses. As a result, NRC’s net~~
~~appropriation can be as low as 10% of its total funding level, depending on the activities that~~
~~Congress excludes from fee recovery. For example, excluded items in NRC’s FY2020 enacted~~
~~appropriation are prior-year balances, development of advanced reactor regulations, and~~
~~international activities.~~

~~86 Appalachian Regional Development Act of 1965, P.L. 89-4.~~
~~87 For more information, see ARC home page at https://www.arc.gov.~~
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~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

Table 9. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Funding Categories
(budget authority in (budget authority in ~~millions~~mil ions of current of current ~~dollars~~dol ars) )
FY2021
Sen.
Comm.
~~FY2017~~
FY2018
FY2019
FY2020
FY2021
FY2021
Major.
~~Funding Category~~
~~Approp. Approp. Approp. Approp.~~ FY2021 Funding Category Approp. Approp. Approp. Request
House
Draft
Approp. Nuclear Reactor Safety Nuclear Reactor Safety
~~460.2~~
462.6 462.6
469.8 469.8
447.6 447.6
452.9 452.9
452.9 452.9
452 452.8 452.8 .8
Nuclear Materials and Nuclear Materials and
~~114.3~~
113.0 113.0
108.6 108.6
103.2 103.2
102.9 102.9
102.9 102.9
102.9 102.9
102.9 Waste Safety Waste Safety
Decommissioning Decommissioning and and
~~26.8~~
27.1 27.1
25.4 25.4
22.9 22.9
22.8 22.8
22.8 22.8
22.8 22.8
22.8 Low-LevelLow-Level Waste Waste
Yucca Mountain Yucca Mountain
0 0.1
0 0.1
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
Licensing Licensing
Corporate Support Corporate Support
~~306.7~~
296.4 296.4
299.6 299.6
292.6 292.6
271.4 271.4
271.4 271.4
271.4 271.4
271.4 Integrated University Integrated University
15. 15.05
15. 15.5
~~15.0~~
~~16.0~~
0 16.0 0 16.0 0
16.0 16.0
16.0 16.0
Program Program
Prior-Year Prior-Year Balances Balances

-20 -20
-40.0 -40.0

-16.0 -16.0
-16.0 -16.0
~~Inspector General~~
~~12.2~~-35.0 Inspector General
13.3 13.3
12.6 12.6
13.3 13.3
13.5 13.5
13.5 13.5
13.5 13.5
~~Total~~
~~935.2~~13.5 Total
922.0
911.0
855.6
863.4
863.4
863.4
~~Source:~~844.4 Source: Explanatory statement for H.R. 133, 116th Congress; FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee FY2021 Senate Appropriations Committee ~~majority~~ majority draft;draft; H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; NRC FY2021 H.R. 7617; H.Rept. 116-449; NRC FY2021
Budget Justification; Explanatory Statement for Division Budget Justification; Explanatory Statement for Division Congressional Research Service 43 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress;C of H.R. 1865, 116th Congress; S.Rept. 116-102;S.Rept. 116-102; H.R. H.R.
2740;2740; H.Rept. 116-83;H.Rept. 116-83; H.Rept. 115-929,H.Rept. 115-929, NRC FY2020 Budget Justification; H.Rept. 115-697; S.Rept. 115-258. NRC FY2020 Budget Justification; H.Rept. 115-697; S.Rept. 115-258.
Note: Fee offsets and some Fee offsets and some adjustments are excluded.adjustments are excluded.
Congressional Hearings
The following hearings were held by the Energy and Water Development subcommittees of the The following hearings were held by the Energy and Water Development subcommittees of the
House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the FY2021 budget request. Testimony and House and Senate Appropriations Committees on the FY2021 budget request. Testimony and
opening statements are posted on most of the web pages cited for each hearing, along with opening statements are posted on most of the web pages cited for each hearing, along with
webcasts in many cases. webcasts in many cases.
House
  Department of Energy, February 27, 2020, https://appropriations.house.gov/, February 27, 2020, https://appropriations.house.gov/
events/hearings/department-of-energy-budget-request-for-fy2021. events/hearings/department-of-energy-budget-request-for-fy2021.
  DOE Applied Energy Programs, March 3, 2020, , March 3, 2020,
https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/department-of-energy-applied- https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/department-of-energy-applied-
energy-programs-budget-requests-for-fy2021. energy-programs-budget-requests-for-fy2021.
  DOE National Nuclear Security Administration, March 4, 2020, , March 4, 2020,
https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/department-of-energynational- https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/department-of-energynational-
nuclear-security-administration. nuclear-security-administration.
  Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, March 10, 2020, , March 10, 2020,
https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/us-army-corps-of-engineers- https://appropriations.house.gov/events/hearings/us-army-corps-of-engineers-
and-bureau-of-reclamation-budget-requests-for-fy2021. and-bureau-of-reclamation-budget-requests-for-fy2021.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

41

~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

  DOE Advanced Research Projects Agency—Energy, Office of Science, and
Environmental Management, March 11, 2020, https://appropriations.house.gov/, March 11, 2020, https://appropriations.house.gov/
events/hearings/department-of-energy-fy2021-budget-request-for-advanced-events/hearings/department-of-energy-fy2021-budget-request-for-advanced-
research-projects-agency. research-projects-agency.
Senate
  Department of Energy, March 4, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/, March 4, 2020, https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/
hearings/review-of-the-fy2021-budget-request-for-the-us-department-of-energy. hearings/review-of-the-fy2021-budget-request-for-the-us-department-of-energy.
  U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation, March 11, 2020, , March 11, 2020,
https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/review-of-the-fy2021-budget- https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/review-of-the-fy2021-budget-
request-for-us-army-corps-of-engineers-and-bureau-of-reclamation-within-dept-request-for-us-army-corps-of-engineers-and-bureau-of-reclamation-within-dept-
of-interior. of-interior.

Author Information

Mark Holt Mark Holt
Corrie E. Clark Corrie E. Clark
Specialist in Energy Policy Specialist in Energy Policy
Analyst in Energy Policy Analyst in Energy Policy

Congressional Research Service 44 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations Acknowledgments
Former CRS Research Assistant Danielle A. Arostegui developed the spreadsheet used for appropriations Former CRS Research Assistant Danielle A. Arostegui developed the spreadsheet used for appropriations
analysis in this report. analysis in this report.
Key Policy Staff
Area of Expertise
Name
General General (Coordinator) (Coordinator)
Mark Holt Mark Holt
Corps of Engineers Corps of Engineers
Anna Normand Anna Normand
Nicole Carter Nicole Carter
Bureau of Reclamation Bureau of Reclamation
Charles V. Stern Charles V. Stern
Renewable energy Renewable energy
Corrie Corrie E. Clark E. Clark
Energy efficiency Energy efficiency
Corrie Corrie E. Clark E. Clark
Fossil Fossil energy research energy research
Ashley Lawson Ashley Lawson
Strategic Petroleum Reserve Strategic Petroleum Reserve
Phil ip Brown Phil ip Brown
Nuclear energy Nuclear energy
Mark Holt Mark Holt
Science and ARPA-E Science and ARPA-E
Daniel Morgan Daniel Morgan
Quantum Information Science Quantum Information Science
Patricia Moloney Figliola Patricia Moloney Figliola
Artificial Artificial ~~intelligence~~ intel igence
Laurie A. Harris Laurie A. Harris
Nuclear weapons stewardship Nuclear weapons stewardship
Amy Woolf Amy Woolf
Nonproliferation Nonproliferation
Mary Beth Nikitin Mary Beth Nikitin
~~Congressional Research Service~~

42

~~Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations~~

DOE Environmental Management DOE Environmental Management
David Bearden David Bearden
Lance Larson Lance Larson
Power Marketing Administrations Power Marketing Administrations
Charles V. Stern Charles V. Stern
~~Bonneville~~ Bonnevil e Power Administration Power Administration
Charles V. Stern Charles V. Stern
Federal Federal regional authorities and regional authorities and
Michael H. Cecire Michael H. Cecire
commissions commissions
Alyssa R. Casey Alyssa R. Casey
Appropriations legislative Appropriations legislative procedures procedures
James V. Saturno James V. Saturno
BilBil Heniff Megan Lynch Congressional Research Service 45 Energy and Water Development: FY2021 Appropriations ~~Heniff~~
~~Megan Lynch~~

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