The bill mandates that the Secretary of the Interior will oversee the establishment of the program within 180 days following its enactment. Importantly, it outlines that at least 75% of the funding allocated for the program will be directed toward a grant program supporting local, state, and tribal entities, as well as non-profit organizations. This funding is intended to enhance organizational capacities and carry out essential restoration and protection activities aimed at addressing environmental injustices in the region.
Summary
House Bill 2982, titled the New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act, aims to establish the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program. This program will coordinate restoration and protection activities among various governmental bodies and conservation partners throughout the watershed area. The act stipulates that this initiative will focus on sustaining fish and wildlife habitats, improving water quality, and promoting public access and recreation while addressing climate change impacts.
Contention
A notable aspect of HB2982 is its commitment to engage underrepresented communities in environmental decision-making processes. The bill emphasizes the need for outreach and education, specifically targeting communities disproportionately affected by environmental challenges. However, concerns may arise over the effectiveness and implementation of these initiatives as agencies grapple with budget allocations and prioritization of projects. Additionally, the provision that allows for a significant federal funding share, especially for disadvantaged communities, suggests a push towards equitable access to resources which may also spark debate regarding the allocation of federal resources.
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.