Introductory Statement on S. 5352

On 2026-08-06, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) delivered a floor speech titled "Introductory Statement On S. 5352" in the Senate.

Introductory Statement on S. 5352

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4521] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] By Mr. PADILLA (for himself and Mr. Cornyn): S. 5352. A bill to amend the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and the Water Desalination Act of 1996 to reauthorize certain desalination programs, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Desalination Reauthorization Act. This bill would reauthorize BOR's programmatic approval to provide grants for desalination projects, which will otherwise expire this year. It would also allow public- private partnerships to compete for this funding. The bill would also reauthorize the desalination and water purification research program and amend it to authorize advanced pilot projects. Advanced pilots can cover the gap in developing new technologies known as the Valley of Death between a successfully validated laboratory prototype and a commercially viable, scalable product. During this phase, public grants typically dry out, while private investors demand proven market traction before committing capital. The Federal cost-share under the program is limited to 24 percent of the cost of any desalination project. The bill would direct the Reclamation cannot administratively impose a maximum funding amount that each desalination project can receive, which would allow large desalination plants to receive the full 25 percent cost-share. I believe it is important that the bill support desalination projects of varying sizes. Large projects can allow multiple water districts in a region to participate and can lower the unit cost of the water produced. The desalination projects supported by these Bureau of Reclamation programs have supplemented local supplies, provided flexibility during water shortages, and diversified the water supply. Desalination offers a drought-proof water supply alternative, and we need to keep funding both commercial desalination projects and research to lower its costs and reduce its environmental impacts. I would like to thank Senator Cornyn for coleading this bill. ____________________

Referenced legislation: S5352