To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make certain technology investments eligible for additional subsidization, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5513
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill, H.R. 5513, aims to update the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to expand financial support for innovative technologies in water infrastructure projects. It focuses on subsidizing tools and methods that promote efficiency, sustainability, and environmental protection in managing water pollution and wastewater.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 603(i)(1)(B) of the Clean Water Act, which deals with state revolving funds (SRF) for water infrastructure financing.
- Expands eligibility for additional subsidies to cover the implementation or use of processes, materials, techniques, or technologies—including software for asset management, operational analysis, and advanced digital construction management systems—that achieve one or more of the following:
- Address water-efficiency goals (e.g., reducing water waste).
- Address energy-efficiency goals (e.g., lowering energy use in treatment processes).
- Mitigate stormwater runoff (e.g., reducing pollution from rain that flows into waterways).
- Support cost-effective and sustainably planned, designed, and constructed projects (e.g., long-term viable infrastructure with minimal environmental harm).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The amendment replaces the prior language in Section 603(i)(1)(B) with broader criteria, adding new subclauses (iii) through (vi) to include efficiency, runoff mitigation, and sustainable project planning.
- Previously, subsidies under this section were more limited; this change explicitly incorporates modern technologies like software tools, making it easier for states and localities to access federal funds for green innovations in water systems.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies may see increased applications for SRF loans and grants, potentially accelerating upgrades to aging water infrastructure while aligning with national goals for climate resilience and pollution reduction.
- Citizens: Could lead to lower water and sewer bills over time through efficiency gains, improved water quality, and reduced flood risks from better stormwater management; benefits communities by promoting cleaner rivers, lakes, and drinking water.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it supports U.S. commitments to global environmental standards (e.g., under UN agreements on water and climate), potentially enhancing the country's leadership in sustainable water practices.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Municipalities and Water Utilities: Primary beneficiaries, as they can now subsidize tech upgrades for wastewater treatment plants and stormwater systems using federal funds.
- Technology Providers: Companies developing software and hardware for water management gain new market opportunities through eligible subsidization.
- Environmental and Public Health Groups: Likely to support the bill for its focus on pollution reduction and sustainability, indirectly benefiting ecosystems and public health.
- Taxpayers and Ratepayers: Affected through federal funding allocations, with potential cost savings from efficient projects but possible short-term increases in infrastructure spending.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the Clean Water Act's framework for state revolving funds without altering core enforcement mechanisms; ensures subsidies align with existing federal water quality standards, potentially reducing future litigation over infrastructure delays.
- Constitutional: No significant issues, as it involves Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate waters and pollution; promotes federalism by empowering states in fund allocation.
- Political: Aligns with bipartisan priorities on infrastructure and environmental protection (introduced by Representatives Fong and Pappas from different parties), supporting broader initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; could face debate over funding levels but advances goals of innovation and climate adaptation without major controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-20: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2025-09-19: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make certain technology investments eligible for additional subsidization, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-19 — PDF (2 pages)