Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3693
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Water Resources Development
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T12:33:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, titled the "Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act," aims to extend the duration of federal authorization for a competitive grant program that funds large-scale projects to recycle and reuse water. The program supports efforts to improve water supply sustainability, particularly in areas facing water shortages.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 40905(k) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58, codified at 43 U.S.C. 3205(k)).
- Changes the authorization period for the grant program from its current limit to a longer timeframe, enabling continued funding for water recycling initiatives.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Extends the program's authorization from 5 years to 10 years, allowing it to operate longer without needing new congressional approval for reauthorization.
- No other substantive changes are made; the focus is solely on prolonging the existing program's lifespan.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Provides the U.S. Department of the Interior (and related agencies like the Bureau of Reclamation) with extended authority to award grants, potentially streamlining water infrastructure planning and reducing administrative disruptions.
- On Citizens: Could enhance water availability and affordability in drought-prone regions by supporting projects that treat and reuse wastewater, benefiting communities reliant on sustainable water sources.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though improved domestic water management might indirectly support U.S. leadership in global water security discussions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation, which administer the grants.
- State and Local Governments: Municipalities and water districts eligible for funding to develop recycling projects.
- Environmental and Industry Groups: Organizations focused on conservation, agriculture, and urban planning that rely on these grants for water-efficient technologies.
- Citizens in Water-Stressed Areas: Residents in the western U.S. and other regions where water recycling addresses scarcity.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens continuity in federal water policy under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act without altering grant eligibility or funding mechanisms; no challenges to constitutional authority, as it falls under Congress's spending power.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the federal government's role in interstate commerce and resource management, particularly for water resources spanning state lines.
- Political: Represents bipartisan support (introduced by Sens. Cortez Masto (D) and Curtis (R)), potentially easing passage in a divided Congress; highlights ongoing priorities in climate resilience and infrastructure without introducing controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-10: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2026-03-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held.
- 2026-01-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (2 pages)