To waive certain requirements under section 306018 of title 54, United States Code, with respect to undertakings to upgrade public water systems and treatment works.
Summary
H.R. 6353 proposes to waive certain requirements under section 306018 of title 54, United States Code, concerning undertakings to upgrade public water systems and treatment works. Specifically, it allows projects aimed at structurally rehabilitating or upgrading these systems to be excluded from Section 106 requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The waiver applies if the entity carrying out the project requests exclusion from these requirements to the responsible agency. This aims to streamline the process of upgrading critical infrastructure.
The bill defines key terms such as 'public water system,' 'responsible agency,' 'section 106 requirements,' 'treatment works,' and 'undertaking' to ensure clarity and consistent application of the waiver.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would likely expedite upgrades to public water systems and treatment works by removing potential delays associated with historical preservation reviews. This could lead to faster improvements in water quality and infrastructure resilience.
However, it might also result in the unintentional disturbance or destruction of historically significant sites during these upgrades. The balance between infrastructure improvement and historical preservation will be shifted.
Potential Benefits
- Faster upgrades to aging water infrastructure.
- Reduced bureaucratic hurdles for essential projects.
- Potential cost savings due to streamlined processes.
- Improved water quality and public health outcomes.
- Increased resilience of water systems to environmental challenges.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential damage or destruction of historically significant sites.
- Reduced public input and oversight in infrastructure projects.
- Risk of overlooking important cultural resources.
- Possible negative impacts on tourism and local economies dependent on historical sites.
- Could set a precedent for waiving environmental and cultural protections for other types of projects.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble), as it aims to improve public water systems, which directly impacts public health and well-being. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare, which could be interpreted to include infrastructure improvements.
However, the bill's potential impact on historical preservation could raise concerns related to the stewardship of national resources. While not explicitly addressed in the Constitution, the implied responsibility of the government to preserve national heritage could be considered.
Ultimately, the constitutionality hinges on whether the benefits of expedited infrastructure upgrades outweigh the potential loss of historical preservation, a balance that Congress must consider.
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).