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Stop Sewage Overflow Act
3/9/2023, 5:47 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1660
The main goal of the Stop Sewage Overflow Act is to reduce the amount of untreated sewage that is discharged into waterways during heavy rain events. This is a significant problem in many communities across the country, as outdated sewer systems are often overwhelmed during storms, leading to harmful pollutants being released into rivers, lakes, and oceans.
The bill proposes several measures to tackle this issue. It calls for the development of a national strategy to reduce sewage overflows, including the implementation of green infrastructure projects and the upgrading of aging sewer systems. The bill also seeks to increase funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides grants to states for water infrastructure projects. Additionally, the Stop Sewage Overflow Act aims to improve monitoring and reporting of sewage overflows, as well as increase public awareness of the issue. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting water quality and public health, and highlights the need for coordinated efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to address sewage overflows. Overall, the Stop Sewage Overflow Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation that seeks to address a pressing environmental and public health issue. If passed, the bill has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing sewage overflows and protecting our nation's waterways.
Congressional Summary of HR 1660
Stop Sewage Overflow Act
This bill extends through FY2030 and revises a grant program that addresses stormwater and sewer overflows into rivers or other water bodies. Under the existing program, the Environmental Protection Agency awards grants to states, which in turn provide subgrants for projects that address the infrastructure needs for municipal combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and stormwater management.
The bill reduces the share of the cost of grant projects that financially distressed communities must pay, increases the minimum allocation for green infrastructure and other environmentally innovative activities, and prioritizes grant assistance for municipalities with high levels of sewage in rivers, lakes, and bays.




