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MAPWaters Act
12/28/2024, 12:53 AM
Summary of Bill HR 6127
The bill aims to provide a more precise and consistent definition of which bodies of water are subject to regulation under the Clean Water Act. This is important because the current definition has been the subject of much debate and confusion, leading to inconsistent enforcement and legal challenges.
The MAPWaters Act seeks to address this issue by specifically defining which waters are considered "navigable waters" and therefore fall under the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act. The bill also aims to provide clarity on which bodies of water are considered "isolated" and therefore not subject to regulation. Overall, the MAPWaters Act is intended to streamline the regulatory process and provide more certainty to landowners, businesses, and regulators. It is currently being debated in Congress and may undergo further revisions before being voted on.
Congressional Summary of HR 6127
Modernizing Access to Our Public Waters Act or the MAPWaters Act
This bill directs the Forest Service and the Department of the Interior to standardize and publish data relating to public outdoor recreational use of federal waterways.
Specifically, the Forest Service and Interior must jointly develop and adopt interagency standards for data collection and dissemination of geospatial data relating to public outdoor recreational use of federal waterways and federal fishing restrictions. The standards must ensure compatibility and interoperability among applicable federal databases with respect to collection and dissemination of such data.
The Forest Service and Interior must also (1) digitize and make publicly available online certain geographic information system data about federal waterway restrictions and federal fishing restrictions, (2) update the information at least twice per year, and (3) develop a process to allow members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 6127
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 6127
Total Number of Sponsors
9Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
9Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
7Democrat Cosponsors
6Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 6127
Primary Policy Focus
Public Lands and Natural ResourcesPotential Impact Areas
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 6127
Comments
Lukas May
11 months ago
This MAPWaters Act is a disaster! It's gonna make it harder for me to use my own land without jumping through a million hoops. I don't need the government telling me what I can and can't do on my property. This is just another example of government overreach and I won't stand for it.
Freya Bullock
11 months ago
I think this bill is a good idea because it helps protect our waterways and ensures clean drinking water for all Americans. It also provides funding for important water infrastructure projects that will benefit communities across the country. I'm glad to see our government taking steps to prioritize clean water and environmental conservation.
