Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB3301

Introduced
11/14/23  

Caption

DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

Impact

If enacted, the bill would allow for significant advancements in various fields including agricultural sciences, rural technology development, and environmental engineering. This collaborative approach is expected to optimize resource use and promote sustainable practices in agriculture and energy. Specific areas of focus include modeling and simulation, data analytics, and the development of efficient agricultural technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, providing potential benefits for both food production and environmental conservation.

Summary

SB3301, titled the 'DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act', seeks to facilitate joint research and development activities between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bill mandates that both departments collaborate to advance their respective mission requirements and priorities through coordinated research efforts. It also encourages a competitive selection process for projects involving federal agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners, which is intended to foster innovation in tackling challenges that intersect agriculture and energy sectors.

Contention

Discussions around SB3301 may arise regarding the balance of responsibilities and priorities between two large federal departments. Opponents might voice concerns over the potential for bureaucratic overreach if too much authority is centralized in the execution of joint activities. There is also the question of how effectively the bill can spur real innovation while ensuring that both departments maintain their essential functions. Notably, there may be differing opinions on the prioritization of agricultural innovations versus energy technologies, which could influence the bill's support among legislators and stakeholders.

Companion Bills

US HB1713

Related DOE and USDA Interagency Research Act

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