Bill Summary
This bill, if passed, would amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to create a pilot program that would award grants to eligible states for the purpose of improving the sharing of water quality data. This pilot program would establish systems for exchanging information on water quality, pollution sources, and water infrastructure needs among counties and other local government units within a state. Eligible states must have a coastal watershed with significant pollution levels and counties or local government units with significant wastewater infrastructure deficits. The bill also outlines the application process and authorizes funding for the program from 2020 to 2025.
Possible Impacts
1) Access to clean water: The establishment of this pilot program could potentially improve the sharing of water quality data, which would help identify sources of pollution and infrastructure needs. This could lead to better management and protection of water resources, ultimately benefiting people by providing them with access to clean and safe water.
2) Local government collaboration: The pilot program requires eligible states to have counties or local government units with significant pollution levels and infrastructure deficits. This could encourage collaboration and communication between these entities in order to address water quality issues and improve infrastructure, benefiting the people living in these areas.
3) Financial impact: The implementation of this pilot program may require additional funding, as indicated by the authorization of appropriations. This could potentially lead to increased taxes or fees for individuals in order to support the program. Alternatively, if the program is successful in improving water quality and infrastructure, it could also potentially save money for individuals in the long run by reducing the need for costly repairs or healthcare expenses related to poor water quality.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2767 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2767
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a pilot
competitive grant program for improving the sharing of water quality
data, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 31, 2019
Mr. Jones (for himself and Mr. Scott of Florida) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish a pilot
competitive grant program for improving the sharing of water quality
data, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. WATER QUALITY DATA SHARING PILOT PROGRAM.
Title V of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 520 (33 U.S.C. 1251 note) as
section 521; and
(2) by inserting after section 519 (33 U.S.C. 1377a) the
following:
``SEC. 520. WATER QUALITY DATA SHARING PILOT PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment.--The Administrator shall establish a
competitive grant pilot program (referred to in this section as the
`pilot program') under which the Administrator may award grants to
eligible States under subsection (b) to establish systems that improve
the sharing of information concerning water quality, sources of water
pollution, and water infrastructure needs among counties and other
units of local government of the State, which may include--
``(1) establishing a website or data hub to exchange water
quality data; and
``(2) inter-county communications initiatives related to
water quality.
``(b) Eligible States.--A State shall be eligible for a grant under
the pilot program if the State--
``(1) has a coastal watershed with significant pollution
levels; and
``(2) has counties or other units of local government with
significant individual wastewater infrastructure deficits.
``(c) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under the
pilot program, an eligible State under subsection (b) shall submit to
the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Administrator may require.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the pilot program such sums as are necessary
for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2025.''.
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