The Water Council commends Senate Committee on passing the Nexus of Energy and Water Sustainability Act of 2014
MILWAUKEE, November 14 – The Water Council expresses continued support for S. 1971, the Nexus of Energy and Water for Sustainability Act of 2014, which was passed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources yesterday, November 13. This bipartisan bill, introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and cosponsored by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), will establish a federal interagency coordination committee with the leadership of the Department of Energy and the Department of the Interior, focused on the nexus between energy and water production, use, efficiency, and other purposes.
“This bipartisan legislation will streamline the federal government’s approach to energy-water issues and make it easier for the private sector to innovate. I strongly support it because it will move our global leadership on water research forward and help fuel our Made in Wisconsin innovation economy,” said Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, co-sponsor of S. 1971.
One of the objectives of The Water Council is fostering synergistic relationships with a focus on collaboration and partnerships that serve Milwaukee’s water technology cluster and provide solutions for global water challenges. Currently there is a lack of appreciation of the direct connection between water and energy; this water-energy nexus is complex and complicated, therefore, improving coordination between federal agencies on this topic is critical.
S. 1971 is an important step in addressing this issue, as it will enhance federal government information exchange, and eliminate the duplication of efforts by various federal agencies tackling these significant issues for our country, by promoting collaboration and partnerships.
“This legislation will help The Water Council and our water cluster network to efficiently navigate federal programs related to water-energy nexus issues,” said Dean Amhaus, president and CEO of The Water Council. “Creating this streamlined process encourages those businesses and academic institutions to identify and align our cluster resources with federal programming, and provide technological solutions for the water-energy nexus.”
The Water Council has benefited from a similar approach since 2009, aligning our members and resources to strategically advance Milwaukee’s water technology cluster as the global epicenter for freshwater innovation. This bill will assist The Water Council’s efforts as they continue to command the attention of a global audience, and efficiently pinpoint future growth opportunities through this streamlined process.
About The Water Council
The Water Council, the only organization of its kind in the United States, was established in 2009 by Milwaukee-area businesses, education and government leaders. With more than 150 water technology companies in the Milwaukee area, the region’s water industry is a $10.5 billion dollar market and accounts for four percent of the world’s total water business. The non-profit organization, consisting of more than 160 members, is linking together global water technology companies, innovative water entrepreneurs, acclaimed academic research programs and, most importantly, some of the nation’s brightest and most energetic water professionals. The Water Council is capturing the attention of the world and transforming the Milwaukee region into a World Water Hub for freshwater research, economic development and education. For more information, visit www.thewatercouncil.com or contact us by phone at 414.988.8750.
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