This bill directs two federal agencies—the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of Engineers—to explore putting floating solar panels on their reservoirs and dams across the country. The idea is to generate clean energy while potentially providing additional benefits like reducing water evaporation, improving water quality, and protecting fish and wildlife.

Here's what happens: First, the Bureau of Reclamation has 18 months to study which of its reservoirs would be good candidates for floating solar panels. They'll look at whether it's technically and economically feasible, what benefits it might bring, and whether the solar panels could damage the dams or interfere with recreation and other uses. They'll then report their findings to Congress. If the study shows promise, the agency can launch a pilot program within two years to actually install these solar panels at select reservoirs, either doing it themselves or partnering with private companies. The federal government would cover up to 100% of costs if they do it directly, or up to 50% if they partner with a private entity.

The Army Corps of Engineers gets similar instructions—they'll include floating solar in their sustainability plans and can launch their own pilot program if the initial research supports it. Both agencies get funding to get started: $12 million for the Bureau of Reclamation and $2 million for the Corps of Engineers. The key point is that this bill doesn't change what these reservoirs are supposed to do (provide water, flood control, recreation, etc.)—it just adds solar energy generation as an additional use of the water's surface.

POWER Our Reservoirs Act

Tonko, Paul

Protect Our Waters and Expand Renewables on Our Reservoirs Act or the POWER Our Reservoirs Act This bill creates a framework for the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to pilot the use of floating solar panels at Reclamation and USACE project sites. Before launching the pilot programs, Reclamation and the USACE must separately analyze and report on expected costs, benefits, technical requirements, and overall feasibility.