Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Term Dictionary
If you come across any unfamiliar words while reading, these resources can help make everything clearer. Pick whichever one works best for you!
- Congress.gov Legislative Glossary - Comprehensive congressional terms
- NVFC Congressional Terms Glossary - Concise, easy-to-understand definitions
The gist
Annual spending bill funding the Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Department of Energy (DOE) for 2026, shaping water projects, nuclear programs, and the power grid nationwide.
Who wins, who loses
- Wins: nuclear industry, Western water users, tribal water systems, rural electric customers, flood-prone communities.
- Loses: clean-energy demonstration projects losing redirected funds; carbon capture pipeline programs cut by $1.5B.
What it does
- Provides $10B for Army Corps flood control, harbors, and dredging; $1.4B for Bureau of Reclamation water projects.
- Funds DOE at $20B for nuclear weapons, $8.25B for science, $3.3B for renewables, $1.7B for nuclear energy.
- Redirects $2.4B from Infrastructure Law toward advanced nuclear reactors; launches consent-based spent-fuel storage program.
- Requires DOE to notify Congress before grants over $1M and bans open-lake dumping in Lake Erie.
Why should I care?
Supporters say balanced funding keeps electricity affordable, protects communities from floods, and revives American nuclear power. Critics argue pulling money from clean-energy demonstrations slows climate progress and locks in fossil fuel spending. An alternative debated: keep Infrastructure Law funds with renewables and let states control more water decisions. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.