To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make certain technology investments eligible for additional subsidization, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 5513 aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, expanding eligibility for subsidization to include technology investments focused on water and energy efficiency, stormwater mitigation, and sustainable project design. The bill specifically targets the implementation or utilization of processes, materials, techniques, or technologies, including software and advanced digital construction management systems, to achieve these goals. This could lead to modernization of water infrastructure and improved environmental outcomes.
Expected Effects
The amendment would broaden the scope of projects eligible for federal subsidies under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This could encourage greater investment in innovative technologies for water management and infrastructure. Ultimately, the bill could lead to more efficient and sustainable water resource management practices across the United States.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Water and Energy Efficiency: Encourages the adoption of technologies that reduce water and energy consumption.
- Stormwater Mitigation: Promotes solutions to manage and reduce stormwater runoff, lessening its impact on water bodies.
- Sustainable Infrastructure: Supports projects that are cost-effective and sustainably planned, designed, and constructed.
- Modernization of Infrastructure: Incentivizes the use of advanced software and digital systems for asset and operational management.
- Environmental Protection: Contributes to the overall health of water resources and ecosystems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Costs: Implementing new technologies may require significant upfront investment.
- Risk of Inefficient Spending: Subsidies may not always be allocated to the most effective or beneficial projects.
- Complexity of Implementation: Defining and measuring 'cost-effective' and 'sustainably planned' projects can be challenging.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses primarily on technological solutions, potentially overlooking other important aspects of water management.
- Possible unintended consequences: New technologies could have unforeseen environmental or social impacts.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Preamble of the US Constitution), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. Additionally, the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to enact laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, including regulating interstate waters. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).