Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2025 or the BEACH Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and expands an existing program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that awards grants to states and local governments to (1) monitor the water quality of coastal recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access that are used by the public; and (2) notify the public, local governments, and the EPA when the water is not safe for recreational activities. Specifically, the bill expands the program to allow the EPA to award grants for identifying sources of contamination (i.e., pathogens) for coastal recreation waters. It also allows grants to be used for monitoring and notification of contamination in (1) shallow waters upstream from recreational waters, and (2) recreational waters on beaches.
The Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025 requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish new water quality standards and industry-specific limits for PFAS chemicals (commonly called "forever chemicals") by 2028. It sets specific deadlines for the EPA to publish these standards for targeted industries, including plastics manufacturing and electroplating by 2026, textile mills and landfills by 2027, and leather tanning and paint manufacturing by 2028. The bill mandates immediate monitoring of PFAS discharges from these industries and other entities like airports, and requires the EPA to adopt a standardized testing method by January 2026. Additionally, it authorizes $200 million annually for five years to help wastewater treatment plants address PFAS contamination.
This bill establishes the Water Project Navigators Program under the Department of the Interior to help communities develop multi-benefit water projects. It provides federal grants to eligible entities (such as states, tribes, rural communities, and nonprofits) to fund "navigators" who assist with planning, grant writing, and technical support for projects that address water supply challenges while benefiting ecosystems. The program prioritizes disadvantaged communities, Tribal nations, and rural areas with limited capacity, requiring navigators to focus on projects that enhance climate resilience, improve water access, and protect natural ecosystems. Funding of $15 million annually (2027-2032) supports these efforts, with a 75% federal cost share and flexibility to waive local contributions for qualifying entities.
This bill extends existing federal water infrastructure programs through fiscal year 2031. It reauthorizes the Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency Program (Title I) and two Drinking Water Infrastructure programs (Title II) by updating their funding periods from 2022-2026 to 2027-2031. The key mechanism is amending specific sections of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and Safe Drinking Water Act to adjust the program timelines. These programs directly support communities and water systems working to maintain clean water and safe drinking water infrastructure resilience.
The MORE WATER Act reauthorizes and expands federal water recycling and reuse programs while establishing a new Water Conveyance Improvement Program to fund water infrastructure projects. It authorizes $450 million for water recycling projects and $500 million for conveyance projects from 2028-2032, with specific requirements for multi-benefit projects. The bill mandates that at least 50% of conveyance projects must provide environmental benefits or safe drinking water for low-income communities, with 50% of multi-benefit projects specifically providing each type of benefit. It requires projects to include specific water quality and environmental protections, including benefits for endangered species and low-income communities. The legislation aims to improve water infrastructure while ensuring projects address both community needs and environmental conservation.
This bill reauthorizes a federal grant program that funds large-scale water recycling and reuse projects, directly affecting water utilities, municipalities, and environmental organizations applying for these grants. It extends the program's funding period from 5 to 10 years under the existing Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act framework. The key provision simply modifies the duration of the competitive grant program without adding new requirements or eligibility changes. This change provides longer-term stability for grantees planning multi-year water recycling infrastructure projects.
