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Reauthorization of water research programs and AI focus urged to tackle PFAS and infrastructure challenges
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Summary
Witnesses backed HR 7889 to reauthorize the Water Resources Research Act through FY2029, raise the appropriation ceiling, and legitimize collaborations addressing PFAS, the water–energy nexus, and AI applications. They said multi‑year authorization and 1:1 state matching amplify research impact for local water problems.
Witnesses told the panel HR 7889 would provide stability and direction for the network of state Water Resources Research Institutes established under the Water Resources Research Act, and would recognize emerging priorities including PFAS contamination, the water–energy nexus, and artificial intelligence applications.
Dr. Kevin Maguire, director of the Virginia Water Resources Research Center at Virginia Tech, said the network supports 54 institutes across states and territories and reported that the program provided approximately $14.3 million in federal funding in fiscal year 2025, matched dollar‑for‑dollar by nonfederal sources. He urged reauthorization through FY2029, an updated statutory appropriation ceiling to align with recent appropriations, and codification of AI‑related collaborations to address growing water demands tied to data centers and other uses.
Representative Whitman emphasized the need for sustained, research‑driven investments to inform policy and manage scarce water resources; members asked for concrete examples of return on investment. Dr. Maguire cited applied research on PFAS, harmful algal blooms, and Virginia Tech’s involvement in Flint, Michigan, lead studies as examples of how state institutes deliver usable data to communities and regulators.
Committee members sought assurances that federal research support would complement rather than crowd out state and local leadership; witnesses said institutes operate with local advisory boards, cooperative extension partnerships, and competitive, targeted research funding to address state‑driven priorities.
No vote was taken; the subcommittee left the record open for written follow‑up.
