The term “Interagency RD&D Coordination Committee” means the Interagency RD&D Coordination Committee on the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (or the “NEWS RD&D Committee”) established under paragraph (3)(A).
The term “Nexus of Energy and Water Sustainability RD&D Office” or the “NEWS RD&D Office” means an office located at the Department and managed in cooperation with the Department of the Interior pursuant to an agreement between the 2 agencies to carry out leadership and administrative functions for the Interagency RD&D Coordination Committee.
Recognizing States’ primacy over allocation and administration of water resources (except in specific instances where preempted under Federal law) and the siting of energy infrastructure within State boundaries on non-Federal lands, it is the national policy that the Federal government, in all energy-water nexus management activities, shall maximize coordination and consultation among Federal agencies and with State and local governments, and disseminate information to the public in the most effective manner.
Not later than 180 days after December 27, 2020, the Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall establish the joint NEWS RD&D Office and Interagency RD&D Coordination Committee on the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability (or the “NEWS RD&D Committee”) to carry out the duties described in subparagraph (C).
The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly manage the NEWS RD&D Office and serve as co-chairs of the Interagency RD&D Coordination Committee.
In developing the strategic plan described in subparagraph (C)(ii), the Secretary shall consult and coordinate with a diverse group of representatives from research and academic institutions, industry, public utility commissions, and State and local governments who have expertise in technologies and practices relating to the energy-water nexus.
The authority provided to the NEWS RD&D Office and NEWS RD&D Committee under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after December 27, 2020.
The termination of authority under subparagraph (A) shall not affect ongoing interagency planning, coordination, or other RD&D activities relating to the energy-water nexus.
The Secretary may provide for such additional RD&D activities as appropriate to integrate the considerations described in subsection (b) into the RD&D activities of the Department.