Environment (Water Quality)

in committee · United States · Senate Feb 26, 2026

S 3939: Chesapeake WATERS Act

This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and establishes its role as the primary NOAA representative in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The legislation creates a new Director position with expertise in Chesapeake Bay research and resource management, and expands the office's responsibilities to include coastal hazards, climate change, and education initiatives. Key provisions authorize programs for scientific peer review, coastal observing systems, education and training grants, and habitat restoration projects focused on oysters, blue crabs, and other living marine resources. The bill also requires biennial reports to Congress on the office's activities and progress in protecting and restoring the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill reauthorizes NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, strengthens environmental protection, expands climate change and resource management responsibilities, and creates new director position for watershed conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Mar 5, 2026

HR 7788: Maryland Whole Watershed Program Federal Partnership Act

This bill authorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program Office to join state watershed management teams in Maryland and other states with similar programs. It allows the office to coordinate with local and federal agencies while providing technical support and funding for environmental projects in the Chesapeake Bay area. The legislation defines the Chesapeake Bay Program Office as the entity established under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes Chesapeake Bay Program Office to coordinate with agencies and provide technical support and funding for environmental projects, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 29, 2026

S 3617: Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2026

This bill resolves long-standing water rights claims for the Yavapai-Apache Nation regarding the Verde River Watershed and Colorado River by ratifying a settlement agreement. It authorizes construction of the Tú ńlį́į́níchoh Water Infrastructure Project, including a pipeline to deliver water from C.C. Cragin Dam and a drinking water system for the tribe. The bill establishes a $731 million fund for pipeline infrastructure and a $152 million fund for drinking water, with additional funds for water projects and watershed restoration. It includes waivers of water rights claims by the tribe and U.S. government, with specific exceptions for future claims and certain water uses.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds water infrastructure and drinking water systems for the Yavapai-Apache Nation, supporting water conservation and environmental protection through sustainable resource management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Jul 14, 2025

HR 4377: Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 provides federal funding to address the lack of clean water and sanitation on Tribal lands and for the Native Hawaiian Community. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for USDA water infrastructure loans and grants, $500 million annually for Indian Health Service sanitation facilities, $100 million annually for operation and maintenance of water systems, and $30 million annually for technical assistance to help Tribal communities access and manage water infrastructure funding. It specifically expands eligibility to include Native Hawaiian organizations, addresses gaps in previous infrastructure funding, and requires no matching contributions from Tribal communities. The bill targets the situation where nearly half of households on Tribal lands lack reliable water sources and basic sanitation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides federal funding for clean water and sanitation on Tribal lands, directly advancing environmental protection and public health infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · House Jun 10, 2025

HR 3892: Flow Act

HR 3892, the Flow Act, clarifies that replacing privately-owned lead service lines connected to public water systems does not count as "private business use" under federal tax law. This change directly affects public water systems and issuers of tax-exempt bonds by allowing them to use bond proceeds for lead pipe replacement without disqualifying the bonds from tax-exempt status. The bill specifies that funds used to replace lead service lines to comply with federal lead regulations (as defined in the Safe Drinking Water Act) qualify for this tax treatment. The provision applies to bonds issued after December 31, 2025, facilitating future financing for lead pipe removal projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesPreserves tax-exempt bond eligibility for lead pipe replacement, ensuring public water infrastructure projects maintain fiscal management protections under federal tax law.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill facilitates lead pipe replacement in public water systems, reducing lead exposure and protecting public health and water quality.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareEnables tax-exempt bond funding for lead pipe replacement, a public health initiative to reduce lead exposure and comply with federal health regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Feb 13, 2025

HR 1304: Delaware River Basin Restoration Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program through 2032, extending funding for watershed restoration projects. It adds Maryland as a fifth Basin state (previously a 4-State program) and requires the program to prioritize projects benefiting small, rural, or disadvantaged communities. The bill also updates definitions and administrative provisions from the original 2016 program under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. This affects restoration efforts across the Delaware River Basin states (Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill reauthorizes watershed restoration funding, expands program to include Maryland, and prioritizes projects benefiting disadvantaged communities, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Nov 19, 2025

HR 338: Every Drop Counts Act

This bill amends federal water storage grant programs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to expand eligibility for projects. It sets specific capacity limits: surface water projects must store 200-30,000 acre-feet, while groundwater projects must average 200-150,000 acre-feet annually. Eligible projects must increase storage, convey water to/from storage, or stabilize groundwater levels. The bill also increases the number of annual grants from 5 to 10 and explicitly states it does not override state water laws, federal water rights, or water rights protections.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires projects to stabilize groundwater levels, a conservation practice directly supporting natural resource protection under environmental topic description.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Feb 18, 2025

HR 1444: Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025

HR 1444, the Zuni Indian Tribe Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025, establishes a settlement for the Zuni Tribe's water rights in the Zuni River Stream System by confirming the Tribe's water rights held in trust by the U.S. government. The bill creates a $655.5 million Trust Fund for water infrastructure development and management, plus $29.5 million for operation and maintenance, with funds to be used for projects like water treatment, irrigation systems, and watershed protection. It also protects approximately 217,000 acres of culturally significant land around Zuni Salt Lake by withdrawing Federal land from development and imposing management restrictions. The settlement ensures Tribal water rights cannot be forfeited for non-use and maintains existing water rights for individual allottees on Zuni Lands.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds watershed protection and water infrastructure projects, directly advancing environmental conservation and resource management under tribal water rights settlement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Public Lands Water Quality Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · Senate Jul 14, 2025

S 2272: Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025

The Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2025 provides federal funding to improve water infrastructure on Tribal lands and for the Native Hawaiian community. The bill authorizes $100 million annually for water and waste facility loans and grants, $500 million for sanitation facilities construction through the Indian Health Service, and $100 million for operation and maintenance of water systems, all from fiscal years 2026 through 2030. It also provides $30 million annually for technical assistance to help Tribes access funding and develop sustainable water systems. The bill aims to address the lack of clean water access, which affects nearly half of all households on Tribal lands. The funding requires no matching contribution from Tribes and prioritizes facilities most in need of assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes $730M+ in federal funding (2026-2030) for Tribal water infrastructure, sanitation, and operations, directly increasing public service funding.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water infrastructure on Tribal lands, directly advancing clean water access and environmental protection through specific federal allocations for facilities and maintenance.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill provides federal funding for water infrastructure on Tribal lands, which directly supports public health and healthcare access for Native communities by improving sanitation and water quality.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Tags Tribal Nations

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in committee · United States · House Mar 20, 2026

HR 7530: Assistance for Rural Water Systems Act of 2026

This bill provides new grant and low-interest loan options (zero percent or 1 percent interest) for rural water, wastewater, and waste disposal systems. It directly assists eligible rural facilities facing public health/safety needs or financial hardship in disadvantaged or economically distressed areas. Key provisions allow the Secretary to forgive loan principal/interest, modify loan terms, or refinance existing loans - though new loans cannot be combined with these modifications for the same facility. Eligibility for hardship-based assistance requires the Secretary to establish affordability metrics based on water costs relative to median household income in each area. The bill amends existing rural water programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds rural water/wastewater systems to prevent pollution and protect water resources, aligning with environmental protection through infrastructure improvements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Waste Management Water Quality Tags Agriculture Rural Communities

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