Environment (Water Quality)

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.

This bill requires the EPA to develop a protocol assessing how multiple pollution sources and climate impacts (like extreme heat, air pollution, and water contamination) affect public health within 180 days, with public input through hearings. It also mandates identifying at least 100 communities with high environmental violations (often low-income or minority areas) and creating action plans to reduce violations significantly below national averages within two years. The EPA must finalize the protocol within a year and fully implement it by year three. This directly affects EPA operations and overburdened communities facing disproportionate pollution exposure.