DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

3/28/2025, 11:23 AM

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement.

The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions.

Research and development activities may include

  • collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, biofuels and biobased products, grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention;
  • developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information;
  • supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and
  • collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bill 119 hr 1326, also known as the "Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture Joint Research and Development Act," aims to promote collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conducting research and development activities. The bill seeks to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two agencies in order to maximize resources and expertise in addressing key issues related to energy and agriculture.

Specifically, the bill outlines several key provisions, including the establishment of a joint research and development program that will focus on areas such as bioenergy, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. The program will prioritize projects that have the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a joint advisory committee comprised of representatives from both the DOE and USDA to provide guidance and oversight for the research and development program. The committee will be responsible for identifying research priorities, evaluating project proposals, and monitoring the progress of ongoing initiatives. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1326 aims to leverage the resources and expertise of the DOE and USDA to advance research and development efforts in the areas of energy and agriculture. By promoting collaboration between these two agencies, the bill seeks to drive innovation, improve sustainability, and address key challenges facing the energy and agricultural sectors.
Congress
119
Number
HR - 1326
Introduced on
2025-02-13
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

2/13/2025
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an interagency agreement.

The agencies are authorized to (1) carry out reimbursable agreements in order to maximize research and development effectiveness, and (2) collaborate with other federal agencies. Further, the interagency agreement must require the use of a competitive, merit-reviewed process, which considers applications from federal agencies, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, and nonprofit institutions.

Research and development activities may include

  • collaborative research in a variety of focus areas such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, biofuels and biobased products, grid modernization and security, rural technology development, and wildfire risks and prevention;
  • developing methods to accommodate large voluntary standardized and integrated data sets on agricultural, environmental, supply chain, and economic information;
  • supporting research infrastructure and workforce development; and
  • collaborative research and development on ways to improve agriculture operations and processing efficiencies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Bill 119 hr 1326, also known as the "Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture Joint Research and Development Act," aims to promote collaboration between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) in conducting research and development activities. The bill seeks to enhance coordination and cooperation between the two agencies in order to maximize resources and expertise in addressing key issues related to energy and agriculture.

Specifically, the bill outlines several key provisions, including the establishment of a joint research and development program that will focus on areas such as bioenergy, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. The program will prioritize projects that have the potential to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the sustainability of agricultural practices.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a joint advisory committee comprised of representatives from both the DOE and USDA to provide guidance and oversight for the research and development program. The committee will be responsible for identifying research priorities, evaluating project proposals, and monitoring the progress of ongoing initiatives. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1326 aims to leverage the resources and expertise of the DOE and USDA to advance research and development efforts in the areas of energy and agriculture. By promoting collaboration between these two agencies, the bill seeks to drive innovation, improve sustainability, and address key challenges facing the energy and agricultural sectors.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo provide for Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture joint research and development activities, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Agriculture and Food

Comments

Related

Member:  
Claudia Tenney
Member:  
Zoe Lofgren
Member:  
Frank D. Lucas
Vote Totals:  
119 1st 73 - On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Committee:  
Science, Space, and Technology
Committee:  
Energy and Natural Resources
Committee:  
Agriculture

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/19/2025

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

This bill requires the Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture to carry out cross-cutting and collaborative research and development activities through the establishment of an...

Latest Action3/25/2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.