Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act

Bill Number

H.R. 6204

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Environmental Protection

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-05-20T08:08:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation, titled the "Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act," aims to extend the authorized period for a federal grant program that funds large-scale projects to recycle and reuse water. This supports efforts to conserve water resources, particularly in areas facing shortages.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The Act is officially named the "Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act."
• Authorization Extension: Amends Section 40905(k) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), a 2021 law, by changing the program's authorization duration from 5 years to 10 years. This allows the grant program to continue providing federal funding for water recycling and reuse initiatives without needing new legislation sooner.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The primary change is the extension of the program's authorization timeline from 5 years to 10 years, ensuring longer-term stability for funding water recycling projects.
• No other modifications are made to the original program's structure, eligibility, or funding amounts; it simply prolongs its legal basis.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Federal agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Bureau of Reclamation, can continue administering grants more predictably, potentially streamlining project approvals and reducing administrative disruptions.
• Citizens: Residents in water-stressed regions (e.g., the Western U.S.) may benefit from improved water supply reliability through enhanced recycling projects, which could lower water costs and support agriculture, urban development, and drought resilience.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly bolsters U.S. water management capabilities, which could influence cross-border water agreements (e.g., with Mexico) by promoting sustainable practices.
• Overall, the extension could lead to more large-scale projects, fostering environmental sustainability and reducing reliance on traditional water sources like rivers or aquifers.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal and State Governments: Agencies responsible for water infrastructure (e.g., Department of the Interior) and state water boards that apply for or manage grants.
• Local Communities and Utilities: Municipal water districts, farmers, and cities in arid areas that rely on recycled water for daily needs.
• Environmental and Industry Groups: Organizations focused on conservation (e.g., nonprofits like the Natural Resources Defense Council) and sectors like agriculture or construction that benefit from water reuse technologies.
• Taxpayers: Indirectly affected through continued federal spending on these grants, potentially from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's funding pool.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: This is a minor, technical amendment that reinforces existing federal authority under the 2021 Infrastructure Act without creating new powers or liabilities. It avoids potential lapses in program operation, which could otherwise lead to legal challenges over funding continuity.
• Constitutional: No significant issues; it aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, to promote general welfare through infrastructure.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Rep. Lee of Nevada and Rep. Ciscomani of Arizona) highlights regional priorities in water-scarce states, potentially encouraging similar extensions for other environmental programs. It signals ongoing congressional commitment to climate adaptation without introducing controversy.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1], Rep. Horsford, Steven [D-NV-4], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-20: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House
• 2025-11-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act — issued 2025-11-20 — PDF (1 pages)