House Science, Space and Technology Committee ranking member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) has introduced two bills aimed at coordinating federal research into water and the "energy-water nexus."

The two measures, which were filed earlier this month and are similar to legislation that passed the House during the previous Congress, are co-sponsored by Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Md.).

The first (H.R. 5826) would authorize coordination of federal water research across agencies.

Currently, more than 20 federal agencies carry out research on water, water quality and water management.

The bill would improve coordination of those efforts by implementing the National Water Research and Development Initiative at the Office of Science and Technology Policy of the White House.

The second piece of legislation (H.R. 5827) would focus federal energy research on the energy-water nexus, a term that describes the energy used to provide water supplies and the water used to generate electricity.

The bill would direct the secretary of Energy to take water use under greater consideration in the department's energy research.

It seeks to advance energy technologies and practices that would minimize freshwater use, increase water efficiency and tap nontraditional water sources, along with efforts to improve water quality.

Johnson said the bills were the product of committee hearings in the past two Congresses and reports by the National Academies, the Government Accountability Office, the National Science and Technology Council, and the Department of Energy.

She cited Texas' recent epic drought as well as other water problems across the United States as evidence of the need for improved research.

"As a Representative from the great state of Texas, I know how important water is to public health, the economy, and the environment," she said in a statement. "Water is an ever-present topic of dinner conversation and political tension across the country."