Energy and Water Development - Member Day

House Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

2025-04-08

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

This meeting served as a member day hearing where various members of Congress testified before the subcommittee on energy and water issues relevant to their districts for the fiscal year 2026 bill . Members presented their priorities and responded to questions from the subcommittee members [ 00:07:40-00:07:56 ] .

Themes

Texas Infrastructure and Energy Dominance

Congressman Randy Weber Sr. highlighted the critical role of Texas's Gulf Coast as a beating heart of American energy, trade, and security . He stressed the urgent need to invest in deepening and strengthening waterways like the Sabine-Neches Waterway and the Port of Galveston, which have not seen improvements in over 50 years . Weber noted that these waterways facilitate the movement of over 194 million tons of cargo annually . They are also crucial for crude oil and LNG exports, as well as military operations . He also called for advancing the Coastal Texas Protection and Restoration Project and upgrading the Brazos River floodgates . Additionally, he stressed supporting small modular nuclear technology to maintain U.S. energy dominance . Other requested projects included deepening the Galveston Ship Channel and fully funding the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project . The state of Texas has already committed funds for some projects, and Weber urged the federal government to match these efforts .

California Water Management and Agriculture

Congressman Jim Costa detailed the challenges and priorities for water management in California, emphasizing the need for investment in technologies for better reservoir management and upgrades to aging infrastructure . He requested $15 million for both the Water Operations Technical Support Program and the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations programs, which are vital for adapting to changing weather patterns and atmospheric rivers . Costa underscored the importance of full funding for the $134 million Water Infrastructure Investment for the Nation and requested $30 million for the repair of Bureau of Reclamation canals to support California's agricultural sector . He also advocated for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program and funding for fish screens on the Sacramento River to ensure water supply reliability and environmental protection . Costa, a third-generation farmer, discussed significant changes in agriculture, including groundwater overdraft issues and the evolution of the dairy industry [ 00:36:09 ]

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Nuclear Waste and Collaborative Discussions

The discussion touched upon the topic of nuclear waste management, with Congressman Weber recalling his experience with a waste facility in Texas and noting ongoing monthly "nuclear events" (discussions) at the Capitol Hill Club [ 00:20:13 ]

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. Chairman Fleischmann confirmed these bipartisan sessions are substantive and well-attended by members like Weber, highlighting their role in informing legislative work [ 00:21:09 ]

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. This indicates an ongoing commitment to understanding and addressing nuclear power and waste challenges.

Bipartisan Effort in Water Issues

Congressman Simpson inquired about the level of bipartisan cooperation on California's complex water issues [ 00:47:54 ]

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. Congressman Costa explained that California water is complex, complicated, and controversial [ 00:51:52 ]

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. However, recent years have seen improved bipartisan efforts to avoid endless litigation and focus on long-term solutions for water reliability [ 00:52:24 ]

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. He cited the example of the Colorado River Compact, where initial allocations were based on overly optimistic estimates of water supply . This necessitates a re-evaluation of how to manage a scarcer resource . Both members recognized that allocating water becomes harder with less available, underscoring the urgency of collaborative planning .

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was respectful and cooperative [ 00:08:00 ] . It was also highly informative, as members appreciated the witnesses' input [ 00:35:00 ]

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. Members expressed appreciation for the witnesses' testimonies and engaged in detailed questioning, demonstrating a genuine interest in understanding the specific needs and broader implications of the presented issues [ 00:08:00-00:08:09 ] . The discussions were substantive, covering technical details of infrastructure, environmental concerns, and the economic impact on communities and industries . There was a clear acknowledgment of shared challenges, particularly regarding climate change effects on water resources, and a desire for continued collaboration across political lines to find effective solutions .

Participants

Transcript

hearing will come to order good morning i'd like to welcome everyone to today's energy and water member day hearing today our fellow members will have the opportunity to testify on issues under the jurisdiction of this subcommittee that are important to them each witness will have five minutes to present their testimony members of the subcommittee   will then have the opportunity to ask questions if they'd like to do so.  I know everyone has busy schedules today, so I will forego any extended remarks.  I look forward to learning more from our colleagues on their priorities for the fiscal 26 energy and water bill.  At this time, I'd like to recognize my friend, Ms.  Kaptur, for any opening remarks she'd like to make.  Ms.  Kaptur.
Thank you, Chairman Fleischman, and thank you to our colleagues who come before us today.  We appreciate very much the time you've taken to be here and advocate for your communities, and I look forward to hearing your priorities, learning more about your part of the country, including federal programs of importance to you and your district.  I yield back.
I'd like to thank the ranking member.   We will now turn to our witnesses first up.  I'd like to welcome Congressman Randy Weber from the state of Texas.  Mr. Weber, you're recognized for five minutes, sir.
Are we on?  We are on.  Okay.  Well, good morning, Mr. Chairman ranking member of the capture.   and the ranking member, DeLauro and Cole, and Chairman Cole, who I don't see.  But I am Randy Weber.  I have the great honor of representing Texas 14th District, which is the Gulf Coast of Texas, starting at the Louisiana line and going down the curve of Texas.  Let me tell you, my district is not just a dot on the map, nor is it just a curve.  It is the beating heart of American energy, trade, and security.  Why do I say that?  Texas 14 is home to some of the largest refineries in the nation.   We export American-produced LNG through three major terminals.  We operate the most strategic military port in the country.  We move more military personnel and equipment out of the country than any other port in the United States.  On every day, our seven ports operate pipelines and ship channels.  We keep the American economy running and keep our military supplied and keep our military moving, quite frankly.  But here's the hard truth.   If we don't invest in the deepening and strengthening of these waterways, if we let them degrade, they silt in, as most of y'all will know, then what's the point of all this energy production?  Because we can't move it out.  What good is having oil and gas if we can't move it out safely and efficiently?  What good is an American energy dominance?  If the infrastructure support is crumbling, we will fall woefully behind.   The Sabine Nationals Waterway is the longest waterway in the Gulf Coast, second only to the Mississippi River.  It is the most critical waterway, one of the most critical waterway systems in our country.  The impact of the Sabine Nationals Waterway is undeniable.  The waterway moves over, check this out, 194 million tons of cargo every single year.  And it is the largest crude oil and LNG exporter in the nation.   The waterway has not undergone any improvements in over 50, five zero years.
And improving this waterway by deepening the channel from 40 feet to 48 feet will allow larger ships to come up into the channel and get the cargo a lot more quicker and a lot more efficiently.  Unleashing the power of American energy by enabling future growth and increases in shipping volumes, which helps with trade, by the way.  The port of Galveston,   One of my other reports operating since 1825, believe it or not, it was formed by the Mexican government before Texas won its independence in 1836, is a vital commercial hub in my district handling both cargo, not only cargo energy, but cruise traffic, cruise terminals.  We have a lot of cruises out of Galveston.  Each year, Galveston Port moves over 4 million tons of cargo and welcomes over 1 million cruise passengers every year.   To stay competitive and accommodate modern fleets, channel dredging and harbor improvements are absolutely essential.

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