To provide technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 337
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2025-04-02T14:50:06Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 337, aims to provide technical and financial support for projects that recharge groundwater (replenishing underground water supplies), store water in aquifers (natural underground layers that hold water), and substitute water sources (using alternative supplies to reduce strain on existing ones). It builds on existing federal efforts to improve water management, particularly in areas facing shortages.
Key Provisions
- Funding Transfer: Authorizes the transfer of up to $3,000,000 annually from unobligated (unused) funds available under Section 40901 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the Secretary (likely of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) for fiscal years 2026 through 2031.
- Use of Funds: The transferred funds will support the implementation of groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects as outlined in subsection (a) of Section 40910 of the same Act.
- Scope: Focuses on technical assistance (expert guidance) and financial aid to help local entities develop and operate these water projects.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 40910 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (enacted in 2021) by adding a new subsection (g) on transfer authority.
- This is the primary change: It enables the reallocation of existing federal infrastructure funds specifically for water recharge and storage initiatives, without creating new appropriations. Previously, such projects relied on broader funding pools without this dedicated transfer mechanism.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Enhances the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (or relevant agency's) ability to fund water projects efficiently by repurposing unused funds, potentially streamlining federal water resource management.
- Citizens: Benefits communities in water-stressed regions (e.g., Western U.S. states like California) by improving groundwater sustainability, which could lead to more reliable water supplies for drinking, agriculture, and ecosystems, reducing risks from droughts.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it supports U.S. water security, which could indirectly aid cross-border water management (e.g., with Mexico on shared aquifers).
- Overall, it promotes long-term water resilience without significant new spending, totaling up to $18 million over six years.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Local and State Entities: Water districts, irrigation agencies, and municipalities implementing recharge and storage projects.
- Agricultural Sector: Farmers and ranchers who rely on groundwater for irrigation, especially in arid areas.
- Federal Government: The Secretary of Agriculture and related agencies overseeing fund transfers and project approvals.
- Environmental Groups: Organizations focused on sustainable water use and aquifer protection.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens implementation of the 2021 Infrastructure Act by clarifying fund usage, ensuring compliance with federal budgeting rules on unobligated balances. No new mandates or penalties are introduced.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, as it reallocates existing appropriations rather than raising new taxes or infringing on states' rights.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from California representatives) highlights regional priorities for water in drought-prone areas; it could influence future infrastructure debates by demonstrating efficient use of prior investments, potentially setting a precedent for targeted fund transfers in environmental policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-4], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-13: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-01-13: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-13: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To provide technical and financial assistance for groundwater recharge, aquifer storage, and water source substitution projects. — issued 2025-01-13 — PDF (2 pages)