Federal Legislation

VRWA tracks legislation that affects the water-wastewater industry. Below are pending or recently passed bills in the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives that may be of interest to our members.

Help us shape VRWA's message to legislators by sending us your comments on these bills. We also encourage you to contact your legislators directly.

For the full text of these bills and the most recent updates available, visit Thomas: Legislative Information on the Internet from the Library of Congress.

Last updated: 5/09/08

S.241/H.R.658
Natural Resource Protection Cooperative Agreement Act

Status in Senate: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 235.
Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 390 - 10.
Main Sponsor in Senate: Ron Wyden; cosponsors: Daniel K. Akaka, Craig Thomas
Main Sponsor in House: Jon C. Porter; cosponsors: Barbara Cubin, Dean Heller, Mark Steven Kirk, Cathy McMorris Rogers
Description: Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into cooperative agreements to protect natural resources of units of the National Park System through collaborative efforts on land inside and outside of units of the National Park System. These agreements must provide for the preservation, conservation, and restoration of coastal and riparian systems, watersheds, and wetlands.

S.836/H.R.569
Water Quality Investment Act of 2007

Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 367 - 58.
Main Sponsor in Senate: Frank R. Lautenberg; cosponsors: Sherros Brown, Susan M. Collins, Chuck Hagel, Robert Menendez, Benjamin E. Nelson, Jack Reed, Charles E. Schumer, Olympia J. Snowe, George V. Voinovich
Main Sponsor in House: Bill Pascrell Jr.; cosponsors: 19
Description: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants.

S.919/H.R.1551
Healthy Farms, Foods, and Fuels Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities.
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Main Sponsor in House: Ron Kind; cosponsors: 125
Main Sponsor in Senate: Robert Menendez; cosponsors: Daniel K. Akaka, Barbara Boxer, Benjamin L. Cardin, John F. Kerry, Frank R. Lautenberg, Joseph I. Lieberman
Description: To reauthorize Department of Agriculture conservation and energy programs and certain other programs of the Department, to modify the operation and administration of these programs, and for other purposes including wetlands reserve program.

S.931/H.R.1832
National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology. Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Main Sponsor in House: Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; cosponsors: Gus M. Bilirakis, Allen Boyd, Vern Buchanan, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Ric Keller, Connie Mack
Main Sponsor in Senate: Mel Martinez; cosponsors: Thad Cochran, Elizabeth Dole, Mary L. Landrieu, Bill Nelson
Description: A bill to establish the National Hurricane Research Initiative to improve hurricane preparedness including researching effects on fresh water supply, water and sewage utilities, and for other purposes.

S.1067/H.R.398
Healthy Places Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Main Sponsor in House: Hilda L. Solis; cosponsors: Robert A. Brady, Danny K. Davis, Raul M. Grijalva
Main Sponsor in Senate: Barack Obama; cosponsors: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Richard Durbin, John F. Kerry, Robert Menendez
Description: Requires Federal agencies to support health impact assessments and take other actions to improve health and the environmental quality of communities, and for other purposes.

S.1248/H.R.1495
Water Resources Development Act of 2007

Status in House: Became Public Law No: 110-114
Status in Senate: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 126.For further action, see H.R.1495, which became Public Law 110-114 on 11/9/2007.
Main Sponsor in House: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: Richard H. Baker, Eddie Bernice Johnson, John L. Mica
Main Sponsor in Senate: Barbara Boxer; cosponsors: none
Description: An original bill to provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, and for other purposes.

S.1434/H.R.2528
Federal Building Renewal and Energy Savings Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Main Sponsor in House: Edward J. Markey; cosponsors: none
Main Sponsor in Senate: Mark L. Pryor; cosponsor: Jeff Bingaman
Description: Amends the National Energy Conservation Policy Act to promote the use of energy and water efficiency measures in Federal buildings, to promote energy savings performance contracts and utility energy service contracts, and for other purposes.

S.1751/H.R.2641
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 312 - 112.
Status in Senate: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 263.
Main Sponsor in House: Peter J. Visclosky; cosponsors: none
Main Sponsor in Senate: Byron L. Dorgan; cosponsors: none
Description: Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

S.1870/H.R.2421
Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Committee Hearings Held.
Status in Senate: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held.
Main Sponsor in House: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: 176
Main Sponsor in Senate: Russell D. Feingold; cosponsors: 20
Description: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify the jurisdiction of the United States over waters of the United States.

S.1926/H.R.3401
National Infrastructure Bank Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
Main Sponsor in House: Keith Ellison; cosponsors: Neil Abercrombie, Barney Frank
Main Sponsor in Senate: Christopher J. Dodd; cosponsors: 9
Description: Establishes an independent National Infrastructure Bank to: (1) designate qualified transit, public housing, water, highway, bridge, or road infrastructure projects for loans, loan guarantees, and other financial assistance; and (2) issue general purpose and project-based infrastructure bonds exempt from state and local taxation.

S.24
Perchlorate Monitoring and Right-to-Know Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Barbara Boxer; cosponsors: Benjamin L. Cardin, Dianne Feinstein, Frank R. Lautenberg
Description: A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require a health advisory and monitoring of drinking water for perchlorate.

S.50
Paul Coverdell Homestead Open Space Preservation and Conservation Act of 2006

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Main Sponsor: Johnny Isakson; cosponsors: none
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow certain tax-exempt conservation organizations a tax credit for expenditures to acquire and maintain real property interests exclusively for conservation purposes. The purpose of this Act is to provide an economic mechanism that will restore and conserve our Nation's natural estate in the form of forests, farms, ranches, and wetlands while protecting our waterways and our forests and open space in a manner that keeps them subject to private ownership.

S.150
Protecting Pregnant Women and Children From Perchlorate Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Barbara Boxer; cosponsors: Benjamin L. Cardin, Dianne Feinstein, Frank R. Lautenberg
Description: To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the health of pregnant women, fetuses, infants, and children by requiring a health advisory and drinking water standard for perchlorate.

S.272
To amend Public Law 87-383 to reauthorize appropriations to promote the conservation of migratory waterfowl and to offset or prevent the serious loss of important wetland and other waterfowl habitat essential to the preservation of migratory waterfowl, and for other purposes.

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Norm Coleman; cosponsors: none
Description: Amends the Wetlands Loan Act to increase and extend funding for conservation of migratory waterfowl and habitat essential to the preservation of such waterfowl for FY2008-FY2017.

S.285
CAFO Tax Credit Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Main Sponsor: Chuck Hagal; cosponsor: Johnny Isakson
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to certain concentrated animal feeding operations for the cost of complying with environmental protection regulations.

S.564
Water Resources Planning and Modernization Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Russell D. Feingold; cosponsor: John McCain
Description: A bill to modernize water resources planning, and to ensure public health, safety, and welfare.

S.725
National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Carl Levin; cosponsors: 10
Description: A bill to amend the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to reauthorize and improve that Act.

S.775
National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to House subcommittee: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Main Sponsor: Thomas R. Carper; cosponsors: Robert P. Casey Jr., Hillary Rodham Clinton, Norm Coleman, John F. Kerry, Amy Klobuchar, Joseph I. Lieberman, Charles E. Schumer, George V. Voinovich
Description: Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand and facilitates economic growth.

S.843
Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Act

Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Status in House: none
Main Sponsor: Susan M. Collins; cosponsors: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joseph I. Lieberman, Lisa Murkowski, Olympia J. Snowe
Description: A bill to provide for the establishment of a national mercury monitoring program.

S.1018
Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.
Main Sponsor: Richard Durbin; cosponsors: 9
Description: A bill to address security risks posed by global climate change and for other purposes including the effect on water resources.

S.1029
A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide incentives to landowners to protect and improve streams and riparian habitat.

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Main Sponsor: Herb Kohl; cosponsors: none
Description: A bill to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to provide incentives to landowners to protect and improve streams and riparian habitat to improve water flows and water quality.

S.1072
Federal Agency Environmental Responsibility Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Main Sponsor: Ted Stevens; cosponsors: none
Description: A bill to require Federal agencies to conduct their environmental, transportation, and energy-related activities in support of their respective missions in an environmentally, economically, and fiscally sound manner, and for other purposes including water conservation.

S.1116
More Water, More Energy, and Less Waste Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
Main Sponsor: Ken Salazar; cosponsors: Jeff Bingaman, Pete V. Domenici, Michael B. Enzi, Craig Thomas
Description: To facilitate the use for irrigation and other purposes of water produced in connection with development of energy resources.

S.1297
Advanced Clean Fuels Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Barbara Boxer; cosponsors: Susan M. Collins, Joseph I. Lieberman
Description: A bill to amend the Clean Air Act to promote the use of advanced clean fuels that help reduce air and water pollution and protect the environment.

S.1303
Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: James M. Inhofe; cosponsors: Johnny Isakson, David Vitter
Description: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to enhance the security of wastewater treatment works.

S.1429
To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to reauthorize the provision of technical assistance to small public water systems.

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 534.
Main Sponsor: James M. Inhofe; cosponsors: Larry E. Craig, Johnny Isakson, Craig Thomas, John Warner
Description: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to authorize appropriations to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for FY2008-FY2012 for technical assistance to enable small public water systems to comply with national primary drinking water regulations.

S.1531
Clean Renewable Energy and Economic Development Incentives Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Main Sponsor: Harry Reid; cosponsors: Wayne Allard, Ken Salazar
Description: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives and extend existing incentives for the production and use of renewable energy resources, and for other purposes which include water quality protection.

S.1554
Energy Independence, Clean Air, and Climate Security Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Main Sponsor: Susan M. Collins; cosponsor: Joseph I. Lieberman
Description: A bill to comprehensively address challenges relating to energy independence, air pollution, and climate change facing the United States.

S.1641
Wetlands Loan Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Norm Coleman; cosponsor: Max Baucus, Saxby Chambliss, Joseph I. Lieberman
Description: To amend Public Law 87-383 to reauthorize appropriations to promote the conservation of migratory waterfowl and to offset or prevent the serious loss of important wetland and other waterfowl habitat essential to the preservation of migratory waterfowl, and for other purposes.

S.1910
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that amounts derived from Federal grants and State matching funds in connection with revolving funds established in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act will not be treated as proceeds or replacement proceeds for purposes of section 148 of such Code.

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Main Sponsor: Jack Reed; cosponsors: Edward M. Kennedym, John F. Kerry, Olympia J. Snowe, Sheldon Whitehouse
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that amounts derived from Federal grants and State matching funds in connection with revolving funds established in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act will not be treated as proceeds or replacement proceeds for purposes of section 148 of such Code.

S.1911
Toxic Chemical Exposure Reduction Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Hillary Rodham Clinton; cosponsors: Barbara Boxer, Elizabeth Dole, John F. Kerry, Frank R. Lautenberg, Joseph I. Lieberman, Bill Nelson
Description: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the health of susceptible populations, including pregnant women, infants, and children, by requiring a health advisory, drinking water standard, and reference concentration for trichloroethylene vapor intrusion, and for other purposes.

S.1931
Surface Owner Protection Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Main Sponsor: Jon Tester; cosponsors: none
Description: Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to ensure that development of certain Federal oil and gas resources will occur in a manner that protects water resources and respects the rights of surface owners, and for other purposes.

S.1933
Small Community Drinking Water Funding Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Harry Reid; cosponsors: Max Baucus, Barbara Boxer, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Kent Conrad, John Ensign, Patty Murray, Bernard Sanders
Description: A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide grants to small public drinking water systems.

S.1962
Regional Ground and Surface Water Enhancement Program Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Main Sponsor: Jeff Sessions; cosponsors: Mel Martinez, Olympia J. Snowe
Description: The purpose of this Act is to authorize a regional water enhancement program, within the environmental quality incentives program, to enhance performance-based, cost-effective conservation carried out through cooperative agreements entered into by the Secretary of Agriculture with producers, governmental entities, and Indian tribes.

S.1968
Water Security Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: James M. Inhofe; cosponsors: Wayne Allard, Elizabeth Dole, David Vitter
Description: To provide for security at public water systems and publicly owned treatment works.

S.2080
Sewage Overflow Right-to-Know Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Frank R. Lautenberg; cosponsors: Benjamin L. Cardin, Robert Menendez, Sheldon Whitehouse
Description: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that sewage treatment plants monitor for and report discharges of raw sewage, and for other purposes.

S.2156
Science and Engineering to Comprehensively Understand and Responsibly Enhance (SECURE) Water Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
Main Sponsor: Jeff Bingman; cosponsors: Maria Cantwell, Pete V. Domenici, Tim Johnson, Ken Salazar, Jon Tester
Description: To authorize and facilitate the improvement of water management by the Bureau of Reclamation, to require the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Energy to increase the acquisition and analysis of water-related data to assess the long-term availability of water resources for irrigation, hydroelectric power, municipal, and environmental uses, and for other purposes.

S.2509
Small System Safe Drinking Water Act of 2007

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: James M. Inhofe; cosponsors: Norm Coleman, Chuck Hagel, E. Benjamin Nelson
Description: A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to prevent the enforcement of certain national primary drinking water regulations unless sufficient funding is available or variance technology has been identified.

S.2728
Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2008

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Johnny Isakson; cosponsors: none
Description: A bill to establish the Twenty-First Century Water Commission to study and develop recommendations for a comprehensive water strategy to address future water needs.

S.2842
Aging Water Infrastructure and Maintenance Act

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Main Sponsor: Harry Reid; cosponsors: Jeff Bingaman, Ken Salazar, Jon Tester
Description: A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to carry out annual inspections of canals, levees, tunnels, dikes, pumping plants, dams, and reservoirs under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, and for other purposes.

S.Res.354
Expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Clean Water Act.

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Main Sponsor: Frank R. Lautenberg; cosponsors: Barbara Boxer, James M. Inhofe, David Vitter
Description: Calls for U.S. citizens and governments to: (1) recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the United States under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act); and (2) recommit to restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the United States.

S.Res.478
A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "World Water Day".

Status in House: none
Status in Senate: Passed/agreed to in Senate. Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
Main Sponsor: Gordon H. Smith; cosponsors: John F. Kerry
Description: A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of "World Water Day", urges an increased effort and the investment of greater resources toward providing sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poor and the very poor; and encourages the people of the United States to observe the week with appropriate activities that promote awareness of the importance of access to clean water.

H.R.6
Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

Status: Became Public Law No: 110-140
Main Sponsor: Nick J. Rahall II; cosponsors: 198
Description: An Act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers from price gouging, to increase the energy efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.

H.R.68
To amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to allow the Secretary of the Army to extend the period during which the Secretary may provide beach nourishment for a water resources development project.

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Mike McIntyre; cosponsors: none
Description: Amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1976 to allow the Secretary of the Army to extend the period during which the Secretary may provide beach nourishment for a water resources development project.

H.R.70
State Waste Empowerment and Enforcement Provision Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Jo Ann Davis; cosponsors: none
Description: Authorizes States to regulate the receipt and disposal of out-of-State municipal solid waste, including residuals from any sewage treatment plant.

H.R.110
Rural America Protection Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Jo Ann Davis; cosponsors: none
Description: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to impose limitations on wetlands mitigation activities carried out through the condemnation of private property.

H.R.135
Twenty-First Century Water Commission Act of 2007

Status in House: House Committee on Transportation Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than April 30, 2008.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: John Linder; cosponsors: 27
Description: To establish the Twenty-First Century Water Commission to study and develop recommendations for a comprehensive water strategy to address future water needs.

H.R.143
To provide for the security of critical energy infrastructure.

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Gene Green; cosponsors: none
Description: To provide for the security of critical energy infrastructure, including assistance to restore access to water.

H.R.204
Right to Know About Airport Pollution Act of 2005

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Steven R. Rothman; cosponsor: Raul M. Girjalva
Description: Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a feasibility study for applying airport bubbles as a method of identifying, assessing, and reducing the adverse environmental impacts of airport ground and flight operations and improving the overall quality of the environment, and for other purposes.

H.R.260
Aquatic Invasive Species Research Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Vernon J. Ehlers; cosponsors: 35
Description: Establishes marine and freshwater research, development, and demonstration programs to support efforts to prevent, control, and eradicate invasive species, as well as to educate citizens and stakeholders and restore ecosystems.

H.R.274
Solid Waste Interstate Transportation Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Jo Ann Davis; cosponsors: Steve Buyer, Eric Cantor, Joe Donnelly, Thelma D. Drake, Virgil H. Goode, Jr., James P. Moran, Sue Wilkins Myrick
Description: Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to prohibit a landfill or incinerator (facility) from receiving out-of-state municipal solid waste (including residuals from any sewage treatment plant) for disposal or incineration unless the waste is received pursuant to a new or existing host community agreement or an exemption from this prohibition (which may be limited by the state). Prior to seeking an authorization to receive out-of-State municipal solid waste information must be provided including a description of ground water use in the area, and a discussion of alterations that may be necessitated by, or occur as a result of, the facility. The description of groundwater use shall include identification of private wells and public drinking water sources.

H.R.307
To impose limitations on the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to claim title or other rights to water absent specific direction of law or to abrogate, injure, or otherwise impair any right to the use of any quantity of water.

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Stevan Pearce; cosponsors: none
Description: To impose limitations on the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to claim title or other rights to water absent specific direction of law or to abrogate, injure, or otherwise impair any right to the use of any quantity of water.

H.R.398
Healthy Places Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials. Introductory remarks on measure.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Hilda L. Solis; cosponsors: Robert A. Brady, Danny K. Davis, Raul M. Grijalva
Description: Requires Federal agencies to support health impact assessments and take other actions to improve health and the environmental quality of communities, and for other purposes.

H.R.700
Healthy Communities Water Supply Act of 2007

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 368 - 59.
Status in Senate: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: Jerry McNerney; cosponsors: Steve Kagen M.D., Ellen O. Tauscher
Description: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for the pilot program for alternative water source projects. Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in making grants under the program, to consider whether a project is located in an area which is served by a public water system serving 10,000 individuals or fewer.

H.R.720
Water Quality Financing Act of 2007

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 303 - 108.
Status in Senate: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Main Sponsor: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: 32
Description: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds, and for other purposes.

H.R.902
More Water and More Energy Act of 2007

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 256.
Main Sponsor: Mark Udall; cosponsors: Chet Edwards, Stevan Pearce
Description: To facilitate the use for irrigation and other purposes of water produced in connection with development of energy resources.

H.R.909
Safe Water Improvement and Modernization Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Brian P. Bilbray; cosponsors: Ken Calvert, Sam Farr, Peter Hoekstra, Peter T. King, Thaddeus G. McCotter, Adam H. Putnam, Jim Saxton
Description: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations for activities to improve the quality of coastal recreation waters, and for other purposes.

H.R.1217
CAFO Tax Credit Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Adrian Smith; cosponsors: Michael K. Conaway, Robin Hayes, Marilyn N. Musgrave, Randy Meugebaur
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow owners or operators of a concentrated animal feeding operation a business-related tax credit, up to $500,000 in a taxable year, for the cost of compliance with a national pollutant discharge elimination system permit issued under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Terminates such credit after 2014.

H.R.1495
Water Resources Development Act of 2007

Status: Became Public Law No: 110-114.
Main Sponsor: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: Richard H. Baker, Eddie Bernice Johnson, John L. Mica
Description: To provide for the conservation and development of water and related resources, to authorize the Secretary of the Army to construct various projects for improvements to rivers and harbors of the United States, and for other purposes.

H.R.1533
Comprehensive National Mercury Monitoring Program Establishment Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Thomas H. Allen; cosponsors: 9
Description: To provide for the establishment of a national mercury monitoring program.

H.R.1564
National Estuary Protection Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Timothy H. Bichop; cosponsors: 8
Description: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide additional protection to estuaries of national significance.

H.R.1587
National Levee Safety Program Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Jean Schmidt; cosponsors: none
Description: To direct the Secretary of the Army to carry out programs and activities to enhance the safety of levees in the United States.

H.R.1747
Safe Drinking Water for Healthy Communities Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Hilda L. Solis; cosponsors: 49
Description: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require a national primary drinking water regulation for perchlorate.

H.R.1959
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and essential community facilities loans to be tax exempt.

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Ron Lewis; cosponsors: 20
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permit interest on federally guaranteed water, wastewater, and essential community facilities loans to be tax exempt.

H.R.1961
Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Readiness.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Edward J. Markey; cosponsors: 13
Description: To address security risks posed by global climate change including water resources, and for other purposes.

H.R.2076
Lead-Free Drinking Water Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Eleanor Holmes Norton; cosponsor: Henry A. Waxman
Description: To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to ensure that the District of Columbia and States are provided a safe, lead-free supply of drinking water.

H.R.2088
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to provide cost-share payments in support of on-farm water conservation projects to enhance regional water availability and quality.

Status in House: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Executive Comment Requested from USDA.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Terry Everett; cosponsors: Robert B. Aderholt, Sanford D. Bishop Jr., Jo Bonner, Jim Marshall, Charles W. Pickering, Mike D. Rogers, Zach Wamp
Description: Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to: (1) provide cost-share payments to agricultural producers for water conservation projects on farms involving the construction, improvement, or maintenance of irrigation ponds and the implementation of other measures that improve groundwater and surface water conservation; and (2) administer such payments as part of the environmental quality incentives program.

H.R.2141
Small Community Options for Regulatory Equity Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Michael K. Conaway; cosponsors: Jeff Flake, Frank D. Lucas, Michael K. Simpson, Adrian Smith
Description: Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require states exercising primary enforcement responsibility for public water systems to exempt any nonprofit small public water system that so requests in accordance with this Act from the requirements of any national primary drinking water regulation for naturally occurring contaminants, including arsenic, radon, radium, uranium, and specified disinfection byproducts.

H.R.2169
Clean Water Protection Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Frank Pallone Jr.; cosponsors: 133
Description: Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to define "fill material" to mean any pollutant that replaces portions of waters of the United States with dry land or that changes the bottom elevation of a water body for any purpose and to exclude any pollutant discharged into the water primarily to dispose of waste.

H.R.2339
Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Ralph M. Hall; cosponsors: none
Description: To encourage research, development, and demonstration of technologies to facilitate the utilization of water produced in connection with the development of domestic energy resources, and for other purposes.

H.R.2452
Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Timothy H. Bishop; cosponsors: 55
Description: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure that sewage treatment plants monitor for and report discharges of raw sewage, and for other purposes.

H.R.2483
Energy for America Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Ralph M. Hall; cosponsors: Judy Biggert, Mario Diaz-Balart, Phil Gingrey, Bob Inglis, Michael T. McCaul, Randy Neugebauer, Lamar Smith
Description: Produced Water Utilization Act of 2007 - Requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a program of research, development, and demonstration of technologies for environmentally sustainable utilization of produced water for agriculture, irrigation, municipal, industrial uses, or other environmentally sustainable purposes.

H.R.2641
Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 312 - 112.
Status in Senate: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274. For further action, see H.R. 2764, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008.
Main Sponsor: Peter J. Visclosky; cosponsors: none
Description: Making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

H.R.2701
Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act of 2007

Status in House: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote. This bill text was generally incorporated in H.R. 3221, Division A, the New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: 15
Description: To strengthen our Nation's energy security and mitigate the effects of climate change by promoting energy efficient transportation and public buildings, creating incentives for the use of alternative fuel vehicles and renewable energy, and ensuring sound water resource and natural disaster preparedness planning, and for other purposes.

H.R.2812
Clean Air and Water Investment Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Nick Lampson; cosponsor: Kevin Brady, Ron Paul
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include air and water pollution control facilities among the projects for which tax exempt facility bonds may be issued.

H.R.3398
National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Keith Ellison; cosponsors: none
Description: To establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States which includes water supply and distribution systyems, and wastewater collection, treatment, and related facility.

H.R.3400
Rebuilding America's Infrastructure

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Dennis J. Kucinichi; cosponsor: Steven C. LaTourette
Description: To fund capital projects of State and local governments, and for other purposes including improving contaminated water supplies.

H.R.3452
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit with respect to clean renewable water supply bonds.

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Xavier Becerra; cosponsors: 22
Description: Amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit with respect to clean renewable water supply bonds.

H.R.3465
Greater Cooperation with Local Governments in Water Project Analysis Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water and Power.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Mark Udall; cosponsor: John T. Salazar
Description: To promote greater cooperation with local governments in connection with environmental analyses of certain water projects.

H.R.3538
National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Collin C. Peterson; cosponsors: none
Description: To establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States which includes water supply and distribution systyems, and wastewater collection, treatment, and related facility.

H.R.3542
To declare water hoses containing lead to be banned hazardous substances.

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Darlene Hooley; cosponsors: none
Description: To declare water hoses containing lead to be banned hazardous substances.

H.R.3896
National Infrastructure Development Act of 2007

Status in House: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Rosa L. DeLauro; cosponsors: 15
Description: To facilitate efficient investments and financing of infrastructure projects such as rebuilding, repairing, and upgrading the Nation's wastewater treatment plants, and new job creation through the establishment of a National Infrastructure Development Corporation, and for other purposes.

H.R.3957
Water Use Efficiency and Conservation Research Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Jim Matheson; cosponsor: Gabrielle Giffords
Description: Requires the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Assistant Administrator for Research and Development to establish a research and development program to promote water use efficiency and conservation.

H.R.3989
Healthy Air and Clean Water Act

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition and Forestry.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: John M. McHugh; cosponsors: Kristen E. Gillibrand, Peter T. King, Louise McIntosh Slaughter, James T. Walsh
Description: To amend the Clean Air Act to protect the quality of our Nation's air and water quality by substantially reducing the emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric generating units.

H.R.5161
Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act

Status in House: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science and Technology. H. Rept. 110-576, Part I.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: David Wu; cosponsors: 21
Description: To provide for the establishment of Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Centers, and for other purpose. and reference concentration for trichloroethylene vapor intrusion, and for other purposes including developing holistic approaches to integrating green infrastructure into existing wastewater management systems.

H.R.5527
Toxic Chemical Exposure Reduction Act of 2008

Status in House: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Maurice D. Hinchey; cosponsors: Kristen E. Giffords, John J. Hall, Joe Sestak
Description: To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to protect the health of susceptible populations, including pregnant women, infants, and children, by requiring a health advisory, drinking water standard, and reference concentration for trichloroethylene vapor intrusion, and for other purposes.

H.R.5867
Energy Conservation Through Trees Act

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Doris O. Matsui; cosponsors: none
Description: To establish a grant program to assist retail power providers with the establishment and operation of energy conservation programs using targeted residential tree-planting, for the purpose of protecting water quality and public health by reducing stormwater runoff and keeping harmful pollutants from entering waterways, and for other purposes.

H.R.5881
Environment and Public Health Restoration Act of 2008

Status in House: Referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Barbara Lee; cosponsors: Raul M. Grijalva, Michael M. Honda
Description: To direct the President to enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate certain Federal rules and regulations for potentially harmful impacts on public health, air quality, water quality, plant and animal wildlife, global climate, or the environment; and to direct Federal departments and agencies to create plans to reverse those impacts that are determined to be harmful by the National Academy of Sciences.

H.R.5976
United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century Act

Status in House: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Earl Blumenauer; cosponsors: 21
Description: To establish the United States Commission on Rebuilding America for the 21st Century, and for other purposes including improving water and wastewater infrastructure.

H.Res.196
Supporting the goals and ideals of World Water Day.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 393 - 22.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Earl Blumenauer; cosponsors: 26
Description: Supports World Water Day. Recognizes the importance of increasing access to safe drinking water and sanitation as well as the conservation and sustainable management of water resources. Urges an increased effort and the investment of greater resources by the Department of State, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and all relevant federal agencies towards providing sustainable and equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation for the poor and very poor.

H.Res.214
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 569) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Doris O. Matsui; cosponsors: none
Description: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 569) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for sewer overflow control grants.

H.Res.215
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 700) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Dennis A. Cardoza; cosponsors: none
Description: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 700) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the pilot program for alternative water source projects.

H.Res.229
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 720) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds, and for other purposes.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 229 - 179.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Kathy Castor; cosponsors: none
Description: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 720) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize appropriations for State water pollution control revolving funds, and for other purposes.

H.Res.352
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: 23
Description: Recognizes the important contributions that public works professionals make to improve the public infrastructure of the United States and the communities they serve.

H.Res.481
Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2641) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Doris O. Matsui; cosponsors: none
Description: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2641) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes.

H.Res.725
Recognizing the 35th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and for other purposes.

Status in House: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Earl Blumenauer; cosponsors: 36
Description: Recommits to restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's waters and expresses dedication to working toward a sustainable, long-term solution to address the nation's decaying water infrastructure. Encourages the public and all levels of government to renew commitment to restoring and protecting the nation's rivers, lakes, streams, marine waters, and wetlands for future generations.

H.Res.1137
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week, and for other purposes.

Status in House: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: James L. Oberstar; cosponsors: 29
Description: Supports the goals and ideals of National Public Works Week; and recognizes and celebrates the important contributions that public works professionals make every day to improve the public infrastructure of the United States and the communities that those professionals serve.

H.Con.Res.266
Expressing the sense of the Congress with regard to the world's freshwater resources.

Status in House: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Status in Senate: none
Main Sponsor: Janice D. Schakowsky; cosponsors: Rick Boucher, Alcee L. Hastings, James P. McGovern
Description: Asserts that: (1) water management priorities should reflect the goals of safeguarding and sustaining water resources; (2) U.S. executive directors of international financial institutions should not approve loans that require increased cost recovery or water privatization or public-private partnerships that would result in significant increases in consumer water fees or in other ways restrict affordable access to water; and (3) federal policies should ensure that sources of water pollution are adequately regulated and those responsible held accountable for the pollution they cause.

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