Pete Domenici: “nearly every form of energy production requires the use of large quantities of water. Electricity production, oil and…”

“nearly every form of energy production requires the use of large quantities of water. Electricity production, oil and gas production, and certain renewable energy sources are all dependent on having adequate access to water. Because water availability, particularly for human consumption, is an increasingly important international and domestic issue, it is important for us to ensure that we use our water resources in the most efficient manner in the production of energy. As the world's population grows and stores of fresh water are depleted, finding additional sources of fresh water is vital to meeting our energy needs and ensuring peace and security domestically and abroad. For this reason, developing cost-effective technologies that allow us better access to water for human use and energy production is of great significance. Electricity production is entirely dependent on the availability of water, regardless of fuel source. Much of our fossil fuel energy production is entirely dependent on having adequate access to water. Sandia National Laboratories estimates that for every barrel of oil produced, ten gallons of water are required. For this reason, ensuring an adequate supply of water, coupled with efficient use of that water supply in our energy processes, is critical to the United States' energy portfolio. Similarly, making water available to our citizens is largely dependent on energy.…”