WATER for California

Hozzl · 2024-12-21T09:23:18Z

Explore the details of House Bill 215 WATER for California currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Water Resources Development. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/21/2024, 9:23 AM

Summary of Bill HR 215

The WATER for California Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 215, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to address water scarcity issues in California by providing funding for various water infrastructure projects.

One of the key provisions of the WATER for California Act is the authorization of $500 million in federal funding for the construction of new water storage facilities, such as reservoirs and dams. These projects are intended to increase the state's water supply and improve water management in times of drought.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for funding research and development of new water conservation technologies, as well as grants for local water agencies to implement water efficiency programs. This is aimed at promoting sustainable water use and reducing waste in the state. Furthermore, the WATER for California Act also includes measures to improve water quality by funding projects to address pollution and contamination in water sources. This includes funding for wastewater treatment facilities and efforts to reduce agricultural runoff. Overall, the goal of the WATER for California Act is to address the pressing water issues facing the state and ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for future generations. The bill is currently being debated in Congress, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to invest in water infrastructure to ensure the state's long-term water security.

Congressional Summary of HR 215

Working to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California Act or the WATER for California Act

This bill addresses the operation of the Central Valley Project (CVP), a federal water project in California owned and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, and the California State Water Project (SWP), which is operated jointly with the CVP.

Specifically, the bill requires that Reclamation operate the CVP and SWP pursuant to a specified alternative to a proposed action in a final environmental impact statement and 2019 agency published Biological Opinions (BiOps). The bill also requires Reclamation and the Department of Commerce to submit a justification to Congress that meets certain requirements prior to requesting or completing a reinitiation of consultation that will result in new BiOps.

This bill also requires Reclamation to allocate water to existing agricultural water service contractors within the CVP's Sacramento River Watershed based on the water year type (e.g., dry, wet). These allocations must not affect the United States' ability or obligations to deliver water under other designated contracts.

Further, the bill repeals certain eligibility requirements for water infrastructure construction funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make the Shasta Dam and Reservoir Enlargement Project in California eligible for funding. The bill also requires that Reclamation funds made available but not used for this project in previous appropriations years be made available to the project.

Finally, the bill reauthorizes Reclamation's support for the construction or expansion of water storage projects.

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Current Status of Bill HR 215

Bill HR 215 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 215 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023. Bill HR 215's most recent activity was Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 751. as of December 18, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 215

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

Democrat Cosponsors

Republican Cosponsors

Unaffiliated Cosponsors

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 215

Primary Policy Focus

Water Resources Development

Potential Impact Areas

Agricultural conservation and pollutionCaliforniaCongressional oversightDams and canalsEndangered and threatened speciesFishesIntergovernmental relationsLakes and riversPublic contracts and procurementWater resources fundingWater storageWater use and supplyWatersheds

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 215

WATER for California ActWATER for California ActWorking to Advance Tangible and Effective Reforms for California ActTo provide long-term water supply and regulatory reliability to drought-stricken California, and for other purposes.

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