Local Water Protection Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7376
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 487.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:41:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Local Water Protection Act (H.R. 7376) aims to extend federal support for managing nonpoint source pollution—diffuse water pollution from sources like farm runoff or urban stormwater, rather than from a single pipe or outlet—under the Clean Water Act (formally the Federal Water Pollution Control Act). It reauthorizes related grant programs to help states and local entities implement pollution control measures.
Key Provisions
- Reauthorization of Programs: Amends Section 319(j) of the Clean Water Act to extend funding authorization for nonpoint source management programs.
- Fiscal Year Extension: Shifts the authorized funding period from fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031, providing five additional years of support.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill makes a minor but targeted update to the Clean Water Act by extending the expiration date of existing nonpoint source programs, without altering program structure, eligibility, or funding amounts. It prevents a lapse in federal backing for these initiatives after 2027.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will continue administering grants, potentially stabilizing workloads and partnerships with states for water quality monitoring and restoration projects.
- On Citizens and Communities: Local areas, especially rural and agricultural regions, may see sustained efforts to reduce water pollution, improving drinking water safety, recreation (e.g., fishing, swimming), and ecosystem health.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though better U.S. water management could indirectly support broader environmental diplomacy, such as shared waterways with Canada or Mexico.
- Overall, it promotes ongoing environmental protection without introducing new requirements or costs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and Local Governments: Primary recipients of grants for developing and implementing pollution management plans.
- Environmental and Conservation Groups: Benefit from continued funding for habitat restoration and pollution reduction.
- Agricultural and Urban Communities: Farmers, developers, and residents in areas with runoff issues may need to adapt practices but gain from cleaner waterways.
- Federal Agencies: EPA and related bodies, which oversee program distribution and compliance.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the Clean Water Act's framework for cooperative federalism, where states lead implementation with federal funding, without expanding regulatory authority or raising constitutional concerns like federal overreach.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate waters and pollution affecting trade or health.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from both parties) for routine environmental reauthorization, potentially serving as a model for future extensions amid debates on water policy and climate resilience. No major controversies or shifts in power dynamics are introduced.
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 (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-20: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 487.
- 2026-03-20: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-566.
- 2026-03-20: Reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 119-566.
- 2026-02-11: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-11: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-02-11: Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment Discharged
- 2026-02-05: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Local Water Protection Act — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)
- Local Water Protection Act — issued 2026-03-20 — PDF (4 pages)