Water Agency and Transparency Enhancement Review (WATER) Act
Summary
The WATER Act aims to codify sections of Executive Order 14181, focusing on emergency water resource measures in California and improving disaster response. It directs the Secretaries of Interior and Commerce to identify major water-supply and storage projects and address regulatory hurdles. The Act seeks to streamline processes under the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act to expedite water projects.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to expedite the approval and construction of water-supply and storage projects in California. This could lead to increased water availability, especially during droughts. It may also reduce the time and cost associated with regulatory compliance for these projects.
Potential Benefits
- Increased water supply and storage capacity in California.
- Streamlined regulatory processes for water projects.
- Improved coordination between federal agencies.
- Potential reduction in project costs.
- Enhanced disaster response capabilities related to water resources.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential weakening of environmental protections under the Endangered Species Act and NEPA.
- Risk of overlooking important environmental impacts in the rush to expedite projects.
- Possible negative impacts on endangered species and their habitats.
- Concerns about transparency and public input in the regulatory process.
- Potential for unintended consequences due to the suspension or revision of regulations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's focus on water resources and environmental regulations falls under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including navigable waters and activities affecting them. The Act also touches upon the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8), as it seeks to implement existing laws like the Endangered Species Act and NEPA. However, the specific provisions regarding the suspension or revision of regulations could raise concerns about due process if not implemented carefully.
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).