John Kennedy (R-LA)
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill provides funding for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. It includes appropriations for the Department of the Army's Corps of Engineers to handle river, harbor, and flood damage projects. The Department of the Interior receives funds for the Bureau of Reclamation, including water and related resources. The Department of Energy is funded for various programs such as nuclear energy, fossil energy, and grid deployment. Additionally, several independent agencies, including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and various regional commissions, receive funding. The bill also establishes various rules for how these funds can be managed and transferred.
Yes· 3 of 16
- Scored +8
Does this put more money into scientific research?
Large appropriations are made for energy research, science, and advanced research projects through ARPA-E.
- Scored +7
Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power?
Significant funds are allocated for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
- Scored +6
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill funds environmental cleanup of former atomic sites and provides for aquatic ecosystem restoration.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced?
The bill continues to fund fossil energy research and development and naval petroleum reserves.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Flood and Storm Protection: Funding is provided for flood and storm damage reduction, shore protection, and aquatic ecosystem restoration (Corps of Engineers--Civil). This could benefit communities by reducing the impact of natural disasters.
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Clean Energy Development: Significant funds are allocated for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and nuclear energy (Department of Energy). This supports the transition to and maintenance of various energy sources.
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Infrastructure Safety: Funds are directed toward safety projects to maintain, upgrade, and repair dams (Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Program Account). This can help prevent accidents and improve the stability of water infrastructure.
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Job and Economic Support through Infrastructure: Money is set aside for the construction of river, harbor, and flood control projects (Corps of Engineers--Construction), which can support local economies and infrastructure needs.
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Environmental Cleanup: Funding is provided for non-defense environmental cleanup (Department of Energy) and for cleaning up contamination from early atomic energy programs (Corps ofs Engineers--Formerly utilized sites remedial action program). This helps mitigate environmental risks to public health.
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Resource Management: The bill provides for the management and development of water and related natural resources (Bureau of Reclamation), which is essential for agriculture and community water supplies.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Water Use: For the Central Valley Project, funds cannot be used for acquiring or leasing water for in-stream purposes if the water is already committed to those purposes (Central Valley Project Restoration Fund). This could impact environmental or water management goals.
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Environmental Concerns for Dredged Material: The bill restricts the use of funds for an open lake placement alternative for dredged material unless approved by a State water quality certification (Sec. 104), which may influence how water bodies are managed.
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Burden of Costs for Cleanup Programs: The Secretary of the Interior is directed to classify costs for the Kesterson Reservoir Cleanup Program and the San Joaquin Valley Drainage Program as reimbursable or nonreimbursable, which involves the collection of funds until fully repaid (Sec. 202). This could place a financial burden on specific beneficiaries.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — Funding for water resource management and the Bureau of Reclamation directly supports agricultural water needs. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill specifically provides funding for Indian energy policy and programs and tribal water projects. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill funds regional development commissions and water projects targeting rural areas. Would business owners be better off under this? — Infrastructure and energy investments provide stability and opportunities for business operations. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Investment in water infrastructure and energy efficiency can provide long-term stability for low-income communities. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — National security and defense funding supports the infrastructure relevant to the veteran community.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this put more money into wind, solar and other renewable power? — Significant funds are allocated for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill funds environmental cleanup of former atomic sites and provides for aquatic ecosystem restoration. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill provides funding for various regional commissions aimed at rural and community development. Does this repair or build roads and bridges? — Funding for the Corps of Engineers includes river and harbor projects that serve as vital transit infrastructure. Does this reduce how much oil, gas and coal is produced? — The bill continues to fund fossil energy research and development and naval petroleum reserves.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — Funding for massive infrastructure projects like river, harbor, and flood control is likely to stimulate job growth. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Allocations for energy research and manufacturing supply chains can support small business innovation.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — Large appropriations are made for energy research, science, and advanced research projects through ARPA-E.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill includes requirements for regular reports to Congress regarding fund transfers and agency operations.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill funds various agencies that support national security and defense infrastructure.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this make housing cost less? — Infrastructure improvements can indirectly support community stability and housing through flood protection.
- 12/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.