WISE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8459
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Environmental Protection
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T08:05:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency Act (WISE Act), H.R. 8459, aims to promote environmentally friendly water projects by mandating that states allocate a portion of federal funding for water infrastructure to "green" initiatives, such as green infrastructure (nature-based solutions like rain gardens for stormwater management), water or energy efficiency improvements, and other innovative environmental activities.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 602(b) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also known as the Clean Water Act), which governs federal capitalization grants to states for revolving loan funds used for wastewater and water quality projects.
- Adds a new requirement (paragraph (15)): States must use at least 20% of capitalization grant funds received through appropriations acts for eligible green projects.
- This applies beginning on the date of enactment, but only if there are enough qualified project applications.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a mandatory minimum allocation (20%) for green and efficiency-focused projects in state revolving funds, which previously had no such fixed percentage requirement.
- Makes technical edits to existing paragraphs (13) and (14) for grammatical consistency (adding "and" and a semicolon).
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which administers these grants, may need to update guidance and oversight to ensure state compliance; states must prioritize green projects in grant planning.
- Citizens and communities: Could lead to more sustainable water systems, potentially reducing flooding, energy costs, and pollution through efficient, eco-friendly upgrades.
- No direct international relations impact noted.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- States and local governments: Primary recipients of funds, now required to shift project priorities.
- Water utilities and municipalities: Benefit from or must pursue green project funding for infrastructure like sewers and treatment plants.
- Environmental groups and ratepayers: Gain from innovative, low-impact projects that may lower long-term costs.
- EPA and Congress: Involved in enforcement and future appropriations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens federal conditions on grant spending without new appropriations, relying on existing funds; enforceable through grant agreements, with potential for audits or clawbacks for non-compliance.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power to attach conditions to federal grants (no apparent federalism issues, as states voluntarily accept funds).
- Political: Encourages shift toward climate-resilient infrastructure; may spark debate on federal mandates versus state flexibility in project selection.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13], Rep. Case, Ed [D-HI-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-22: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-22: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Water Infrastructure Sustainability and Efficiency Act — issued 2026-04-22 — PDF (2 pages)