Environment (Water Quality)

passed · United States · Senate Apr 5, 2025

SRES 157: A resolution designating April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month".

SRES 157 designates April 2025 as "National Native Plant Month" to recognize the environmental and ecological benefits of native plants. The resolution highlights that native plants - indigenous species adapted to specific regions - support biodiversity, improve air and water quality, stabilize soils, and provide essential food and habitat for wildlife like birds and pollinators. As a non-binding Senate resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but aims to raise public awareness about conserving native plant species, which face threats from habitat loss and invasive species.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentResolution explicitly highlights native plants' environmental benefits including biodiversity, air/water quality, and wildlife habitat, aligning with conservation and pollution control goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Wildlife

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in committee · United States · House Jan 22, 2025

HR 583: BEACH Act of 2025

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReauthorizes EPA grants for coastal water quality monitoring and public safety notifications, directly protecting recreational waters from pollution per BEACH Act summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Mar 14, 2025

HR 2093: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to permitting terms, and for other purposes.

HR 2093 sets new maximum terms for wastewater pollution permits under the Clean Water Act. It limits permits issued to states or municipalities to 10 years and permits issued to other entities (like factories or businesses) to 5 years. This directly affects all facilities requiring federal permits to discharge pollutants into waterways. The bill also makes minor technical corrections to existing permit language to clarify references within the law. These changes update the duration rules for pollution permits without altering the core permitting process.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentShorter permit terms (5 years for businesses) require more frequent compliance reviews, strengthening regulatory oversight under Clean Water Act.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · United States · House Oct 14, 2025

HR 5762: New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act of 2025

This bill establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program to coordinate and fund habitat restoration and water quality improvements across the shared watershed region. It creates a competitive grant program providing federal matching funds (up to 90% for small/rural/disadvantaged communities) to state/local governments, nonprofits, and tribes for projects advancing habitat restoration, climate resilience, and public access. The program prioritizes communities facing environmental injustice and requires coordination with existing regional conservation plans like the Hudson River Estuary Program. Funding of $20 million annually (2026-2031) will support these activities, with 75% dedicated to the grant program and all projects supplementing existing conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes federal grant program with up to 90% matching funds for watershed projects, directly funding environmental programs through government spending.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates federal grants for habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and climate resilience projects, explicitly advancing environmental protection and conservation in the watershed region.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Wildlife

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in committee · United States · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 3457: Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates EPA to establish new PFAS water standards and industry limits by 2028, directly strengthening pollution control for 'forever chemicals' in water sources.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareTargets PFAS in water, reducing exposure to chemicals linked to cancer and immune issues, supporting public health outcomes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · United States · Senate Nov 20, 2025

S 3022: Save Our Seas 2.0 Marine Debris Infrastructure Programs Reauthorization Act

This bill reauthorizes existing EPA programs focused on marine debris cleanup infrastructure, extending their funding period from 2025 to 2030. It directly affects the EPA's grant programs that provide funding to states, tribes, and local governments for projects removing marine debris from coastlines and waterways. The key change is a simple deadline extension for these established programs, ensuring continued support for coastal cleanup efforts through 2030. The bill does not create new programs or alter funding amounts, only prolonging the current authorization period.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReauthorizes EPA marine debris cleanup grants, extending funding through 2030 to protect coastal ecosystems and reduce pollution.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Recycling Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 12, 2025

S 2063: ESTUARIES Act of 2025

The ESTUARIES Act of 2025 amends Section 320(i)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1330(i)(1)) to extend the National Estuary Program's authorization period from 2026 to 2031. This change directly affects the National Estuary Program, a federal initiative supporting the protection and restoration of estuaries across the United States. The key provision is a simple year adjustment in the law, altering the program's existing timeline without adding new requirements or funding. The bill focuses solely on updating the program's authorization deadline, with no additional policy changes described in the provided context.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends authorization for National Estuary Program (protecting/restoring estuaries) without cuts, directly advancing environmental conservation under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 3792: Water Project Navigators Act

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds water projects benefiting ecosystems via federal grants, prioritizing environmental outcomes in project goals.95% confidence

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

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in committee · United States · House Feb 13, 2026

HR 7543: Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act

HR 7543, the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act, prohibits plastic pellets and pre-production plastic materials from being discharged into waterways through wastewater, spills, or runoff from specific facilities. It directly affects plastic manufacturing, molding, packaging, and transportation facilities regulated under existing environmental rules. Within 60 days of enactment, the EPA must issue a rule banning these discharges and update all relevant wastewater, stormwater, and performance standards in permits. The law requires all permits and standards for these facilities to reflect the new ban, ensuring plastic pellets cannot enter water systems. This is a concrete regulatory change to prevent plastic pollution at its source.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits plastic pellet discharges into waterways, reducing plastic pollution and strengthening EPA regulations on water pollution per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Water Quality

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in committee · United States · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3590: Water Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability Act of 2026

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reauthorizes and extends federal water infrastructure funding programs through 2031, maintaining government spending on essential public services without defunding.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends reauthorization of Clean Water and Drinking Water programs under federal environmental laws, maintaining funding for infrastructure protecting water quality and public health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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