HR 1871, the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act, changes federal tax rules to allow homeowners to exclude certain water-related rebates from taxable income. It expands the existing tax exclusion to cover rebates for water conservation measures (like efficient fixtures), storm water management (such as rain gardens), and wastewater management (like septic system upgrades), but only for the homeowner's principal residence. These rebates must come from public utilities, storm water providers, or state/local governments. The changes apply to rebates received after December 31, 2021, and do not affect tax treatment for rebates received before 2022.
The Watershed Protection and Forest Recovery Act of 2025 creates a federal program to rapidly address watershed damage on National Forest System lands after natural disasters. It authorizes state, local, tribal, or water district sponsors to implement emergency measures like erosion control and flood mitigation within two years of a disaster, with the federal government covering all costs (waiving required matching funds). The program limits sponsor liability for normal operations but holds them responsible for damages resulting from willful or reckless actions. Sponsors may also monitor and maintain projects for up to three years to prevent future risks to downstream water resources.
The Water Preservation and Affordability Act of 2025 amends the Clean Water Act to require federal water infrastructure funding recipients to prioritize "resource preservation techniques," defined as water efficiency (reuse, conservation), energy efficiency, stormwater mitigation, sustainable design, and environmental innovation. It mandates that projects receiving loans for treatment works repairs or expansions must evaluate and use these techniques to the maximum extent practicable. The bill increases annual funding for the Clean Water Infrastructure Resiliency Program from $25 million to $50 million (2026-2031) and authorizes $40 million yearly for a wastewater efficiency pilot program (2026-2031). These changes directly affect municipal water systems and wastewater treatment facilities receiving federal grants or loans under the Clean Water Act.
HR 5852 authorizes a study to evaluate the Upper Raritan River Watershed in New Jersey for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The bill designates specific segments of the North Branch Raritan River, South Branch Raritan River, and Lamington-Black River, along with their tributaries, for this study. The Secretary of the Interior must complete the study within three years of funding and submit a report to Congress detailing the findings. This bill does not protect the rivers directly but initiates a process to assess their eligibility for future conservation designation under federal law. The study would specifically cover the Upper Raritan River watershed in New Jersey.
This bill establishes a new federal program to address urgent water resource risks after natural disasters on National Forest System land. It allows state/local governments, tribes, or water districts (sponsors) to request funding for immediate actions like soil erosion control and flood mitigation to protect downstream communities and water systems. Key provisions include waived matching requirements, expedited project timelines (completion within 2 years), and limited liability for sponsors - though sponsors remain liable for reckless conduct. The program focuses on emergency response, not long-term planning, and streamlines federal coordination for faster action.
HR 1786 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief Act to explicitly include "algal blooms" as a qualifying event for federal disaster declarations. This change expands eligibility for federal disaster assistance to communities affected by harmful algal blooms, which can contaminate water and harm ecosystems. The bill modifies Section 102(2) of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) by adding "algal blooms" to the list of recognized disasters alongside drought. It is a procedural adjustment to the law's definition, not a new funding or program.
This bill extends federal funding for research on PFAS chemicals (often called "forever chemicals") until 2030, instead of ending in 2024. It directly affects the research programs authorized under the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. The key change modifies the funding period in existing law to ensure continued support for studying PFAS contamination and health impacts through 2030.
HR 1390, the Ocean Pollution Reduction Act II, sets new pollution limits for the City of San Diego's Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant. It requires the plant to maintain a deep ocean outfall (300 feet deep, 4 miles from shore) and limits annual total suspended solids discharges to 12,000 metric tons starting in 2024, decreasing to 9,942 tons by 2031. The bill mandates strict removal standards (80% monthly for suspended solids) and requires 10 years of ocean monitoring data before permits are issued, plus a target of 83 million gallons per day of reusable water by 2039. These provisions directly affect the Point Loma Plant's wastewater discharge into marine waters.
The Chesapeake Bay Conservation Acceleration Act of 2025 establishes a new initiative to help agricultural producers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (encompassing parts of six states and the District of Columbia) implement conservation practices that improve water quality and soil health. The bill provides funding for erosion control, nutrient reduction, and habitat restoration, including a new pilot program that allows landowners to install riparian buffers with no cost to them and with technical assistance provided by third-party providers. A new task force will develop better methods for measuring the environmental benefits of conservation activities in the watershed. The legislation also modifies existing conservation programs to prioritize Chesapeake Bay watershed conservation efforts and includes workforce development provisions for agricultural education.
HR 6616, the Clean Water Justice Act, amends criminal penalties under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. It increases maximum fines for water pollution violations: from $5,000 to $25,000, $50,000 to $250,000, and $100,000 to $500,000. The bill also requires annual adjustments to these fines based on the Consumer Price Index, published in the Federal Register, to account for inflation. These changes directly affect polluters who violate federal water pollution laws. The provisions modify existing penalty structures without creating new regulations.
