To amend the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to expand eligibility for certain wastewater infrastructure grants, and for other purposes.

Bill Number

H.R. 1265

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-04-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Last Updated

2025-05-02T13:58:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, H.R. 1265, aims to broaden access to federal grants for wastewater infrastructure and efforts to keep waters free of trash by explicitly including states as eligible recipients. This builds on the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, a law focused on reducing marine debris and improving water quality.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 302 of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (codified at 33 U.S.C. 4282).
• In subsection (c)(1), which covers grants for wastewater infrastructure:
• Adds "States" before "municipalities" in the list of eligible applicants.
• Inserts a comma before "or Indian Tribes" for clarity in the eligibility phrasing.
• In subsection (d)(1), which covers grants for trash-free waters programs:
• Adds "States" before "units of local government" in the list of eligible applicants.

These changes ensure states are formally recognized as eligible alongside other entities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Previously, eligibility for these grants was limited to municipalities, units of local government, and Indian Tribes (sovereign Native American nations recognized by the U.S. government).
• The bill explicitly includes states (state governments) as eligible applicants, removing any ambiguity about their participation.
• No other substantive alterations, such as funding levels or grant criteria, are made.

Potential Impacts

• On government agencies: State environmental and infrastructure agencies could more easily access federal funding, potentially speeding up projects to upgrade wastewater systems and prevent trash from entering oceans and waterways.
• On citizens: Communities in states with aging infrastructure may benefit from cleaner water and reduced pollution, improving public health and coastal recreation areas.
• On international relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. marine debris reduction efforts could support global environmental commitments, like those under international ocean treaties.
• Overall, the changes could lead to broader implementation of anti-pollution programs without increasing federal spending.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• States: Newly eligible to apply for and receive grants, enabling larger-scale projects.
• Municipalities and local governments: Continue as eligible but may see increased competition or collaboration with states.
• Indian Tribes: Retain eligibility; no changes to their status.
• Environmental organizations and coastal communities: Indirect beneficiaries through improved water quality and reduced marine trash.
• Federal agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency): May handle more grant applications from states, affecting administrative workload.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Simplifies grant administration by clarifying eligibility, potentially reducing disputes over who can apply. Aligns with existing federal environmental laws without creating new mandates.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; expands access to federal funds in line with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.
• Political: Supports bipartisan environmental goals by facilitating state-level action on water pollution, which could appeal to lawmakers focused on infrastructure and conservation. As an amendment to a prior act, it promotes continuity rather than overhaul.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-04-01: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
• 2025-02-12: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
• 2025-02-12: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-12: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E120)
• 2025-02-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• To amend the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to expand eligibility for certain wastewater infrastructure grants, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-02-12 — PDF (2 pages)