Congress members request funding for U.S.-Israel energy and water development

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers requested $2 million in funding for a U.S.-Israel energy and water development program.

Led by Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), 106 members of Congress joined in the request last week for the United States-Israel Energy Cooperation Program, which began in 2006. The funds would be added to the Energy and Water Development Appropriations bill.

The program, which deals with energy security and independence, leverages small grants for private sector innovation. Ongoing projects include funding for research and development in energy technologies and efficiency in the American and Israeli private sectors. The projects involve hydroelectric energy production, the lowering of energy consumption for water treatment, wind energy storage, reduction of fuel consumption and noise control.