Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB250

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  

Caption

Clean Water SRF Parity Act This bill expands the state revolving fund established under the Clean Water Act, including by allowing low-interest loans to be given to privately owned treatment works to address wastewater. Currently, loans are given to wastewater systems that are publicly owned.

Impact

If enacted, the Clean Water SRF Parity Act would fundamentally change the way funding for wastewater treatment projects is allocated. Currently, funds are limited to publicly owned entities; however, by allowing private entities to access these funds, the bill aims to enhance the capacity and efficiency of water treatment systems. This change could lead to significant improvements in wastewater management, potentially reducing pollution levels and safeguarding public health. Additionally, it would enable state authorities to use part of the allocated funds for measures that enhance the functionality and security of privately owned treatment facilities.

Summary

House Bill 250, referred to as the Clean Water SRF Parity Act, intends to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to broaden eligibility for financial assistance under state water pollution control revolving funds. This bill specifically allows low-interest loans to be extended not just to publicly owned wastewater treatment facilities but also to qualified nonprofit entities and privately owned treatment works. By expanding the scope of financial assistance, the bill aims to improve infrastructure and ensure better management of water resources across states.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB 250 raises points of contention among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that inclusivity in funding will encourage private investment in water infrastructure and lower the burden on public funds. Critics, however, may express concerns regarding the stipulation of funds directed towards private entities, questioning whether these entities would prioritize public health or focus on profitability. Thus, careful oversight and rigorous evaluation mechanisms would be essential to ensure that the funded projects provide genuine public benefits.

Companion Bills

US HB8916

Related bill Clean Water SRF Parity Act of 2024

Previously Filed As

US HB3862

Clean Water SRF Parity Act of 2025

US HB4746

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023

US HB94

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.

US HB8916

Clean Water SRF Parity Act of 2024

US HB215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP. Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps. This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts. Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project. Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

US HB4643

Nogales Wastewater Improvement Act of 2023

US HB31

Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.

US HB1948

To authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission to accept funds for activities relating to wastewater treatment and flood control works, and for other purposes.

US HB5903

To authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission to accept funds for activities relating to wastewater treatment and flood control works, and for other purposes.

US HB77

This bill establishes which state law governs health insurers offering coverage in multiple states. Specifically, the bill provides that the laws of a state designated by a health insurer (primary state) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that insurer in any other state (secondary state) if the coverage, states, and insurer comply with the conditions of this bill. Insurers are exempted from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the insurer in that state. The primary state is given sole jurisdiction to enforce its covered laws in any secondary state. The Government Accountability Office must study the effect of this bill on specified health insurance issues.

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