Bill 118 s 2385, also known as the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to improve access to clean water for Native American tribes across the country.
The bill includes provisions that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical assistance and grants to tribal governments for the development and implementation of water quality standards and monitoring programs. It also aims to increase funding for water infrastructure projects on tribal lands, such as the construction of new water treatment facilities and the repair of existing systems.
Additionally, the bill seeks to strengthen the EPA's enforcement of water quality standards on tribal lands and improve coordination between federal, state, and tribal governments in addressing water quality issues. It also includes provisions to increase tribal participation in the development of water quality standards and regulations.
Overall, the Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 is aimed at addressing the longstanding issue of inadequate access to clean water on tribal lands and ensuring that Native American communities have the resources and support they need to protect their water resources and public health.