Federal-State Partnership for Clean Water Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5445
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2025-11-17T18:28:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Federal-State Partnership for Clean Water Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize and expand federal funding for clean water programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). It focuses on supporting state-led efforts to develop and implement water pollution control strategies, with a particular emphasis on protecting and restoring wetlands.
Key Provisions
- Wetlands Program Grants (Section 2): Authorizes $300 million annually from fiscal year (FY) 2026 through 2030 for grants to states, interstate agencies, municipalities (including Indian tribes) to develop and implement wetland protection, management, and restoration programs. At least $100 million of this funding must support programs related to section 404 of the Clean Water Act, which regulates activities like dredging and filling in wetlands to prevent pollution.
- State Management Assistance Funding (Section 3): Authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for state water pollution management programs from FY 1991 through 2025, and increases funding to $500 million annually for FY 2026 through 2030. Includes a minor technical update to clarify the start of funding authorizations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Increases annual funding for wetlands grants from $75 million (previously authorized for FY 2022–2026) to $300 million (for FY 2026–2030), with a new minimum allocation of $100 million specifically for wetland-related activities.
- Boosts state management assistance funding from prior levels (which were not specified in fixed amounts beyond earlier years) to a dedicated $500 million per year for FY 2026–2030, extending and enhancing long-term support.
- These changes reauthorize expiring provisions and shift toward higher, more predictable federal investments in state-level clean water initiatives.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will administer increased grants, potentially requiring expanded oversight and coordination with states. States and local governments gain more resources to enforce water quality standards, reducing federal workload in program implementation.
- On Citizens: Improves water quality and wetland ecosystems, benefiting communities through cleaner water sources, flood protection (wetlands act as natural buffers), and enhanced recreational opportunities. Rural and tribal areas may see targeted restoration efforts.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though stronger U.S. wetland protections could align with international environmental agreements like the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, indirectly supporting global biodiversity efforts.
- Overall, the bill could lead to more effective pollution control and habitat restoration, but implementation depends on state priorities and federal budget approvals.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States, Interstate Agencies, Municipalities, and Indian Tribes: Primary recipients of grants for program development and wetland management.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Responsible for distributing funds and ensuring compliance.
- Environmental Groups and Conservationists: Benefit from increased focus on wetland protection.
- Developers and Industries: May face stricter regulations under enhanced section 404 programs, potentially increasing permitting requirements for projects in wetland areas.
- Local Communities and Taxpayers: Gain from improved environmental health but could see indirect costs through state-level program funding.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the federal-state partnership framework in the Clean Water Act by mandating minimum funding for wetlands, which could reduce litigation over inadequate protection (e.g., challenges to section 404 permitting). No major alterations to enforcement mechanisms.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate waters and pollution, promoting cooperative federalism without overriding state sovereignty.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan opportunity for environmental investment, though introduced by Democratic representatives; it extends existing programs amid debates over federal spending and regulatory burdens, potentially influencing future appropriations bills. No controversial overrides of executive authority.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. McDonald Rivet, Kristen [D-MI-8], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-18: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2025-09-17: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Federal-State Partnership for Clean Water Act of 2025 — issued 2025-09-17 — PDF (3 pages)