House backs Energy research and innovation bill

Federal legislation designed to offer policy direction to the Department of Energy on basic science research, nuclear energy research and development, research coordination and priorities and reforms to streamline national lab management was recently approved by the House of Representatives.

The legislation, the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act (HR 589), was introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, the committee said in a news release.

“I am pleased to sponsor HR. 589 the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act, which will advance basic research and set clear science priorities for the Department of Energy,” Smith said in the release. “This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will enable the development of next generation technology and promote innovation and economic growth. I thank Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) and my colleagues on the Science Committee, Reps. (Randy) Hultgren (R-IL), (Steve) Knight (R-CA) and Randy Weber (R-TX), for their help writing this legislation. I look forward to the Senate approving this important legislation soon.”

Included in the bill is the first comprehensive authorization of the DOE Office of Science, the largest supporter of physical sciences research in the U.S., Johnson said in the release.

“This is a nearly $6 billion office that manages 10 of our national laboratories, often called the crown jewels of our national research infrastructure,” Johnson said.