H.R. 2368, H.R. 2454, and S. 1005

2009-05-28

Congress acted on major water efficiency legislation in the House and Senate last week, including amending the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill on May 20 to add a new federal program that would provide $50 million dollars in funding for a water-efficiency and conservation rebates.

The Water Advanced Technologies for Efficient Resource Use (WATER) Act was introduced by Reps. Holt (NJ) and Miller (CA) in the House on May 12, 2009 and provides for $50 million dollars in funding for state and local rebate and incentive programs that encourage the early adoption of water efficient products and services.  Additionally, the bill authorizes WaterSense as a permanent EPA program, expands the scope of products covered under the program and directs the federal government to purchase water efficient products and services.  The bill, H.R. 2368, has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform and Armed Services.

The latest development is the addition of H.R. 2368 to the major climate change legislation being considered in Congress.  The Waxman-Markey Bill, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, now includes these water efficiency provisions and with the amendment was approbed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on May 21, 2009 by a vote of 33-25.  This is major news for the water efficiency community!

The Water Infrastructure Financing Act, which passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on May 14, 2009 with overwhelming bipartisan support, contains authorization for EPA's WaterSense program and provides for up to $10 million dollars in funding for the program.  In addition, the bill authorizes both the Clean Water and the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF), expanding eligibility for funding for storm water management projects, water efficiency or conservation projects and reuse and recycling projects.  The bill, S. 1005, has been referred to the full Senate for action.

The Alliance for Water Efficiency will continue to track and report on federal water efficiency legislation.  Stay abreast of continued developments by bookmarking our Legislative Watch page.