H.R. 4675: Columbia River Clean-Up Act

The Columbia River Clean-Up Act is a piece of legislation aimed at reauthorizing a program focused on the restoration of the Columbia River Basin, which involves efforts to improve water quality and the overall health of the river ecosystem. The main points of the bill include:

Program Reauthorization

The bill proposes to amend an existing section of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Specifically, it seeks to extend the authorization of the Columbia River Basin Restoration program for an additional five years, from 2026 through 2030. The program was previously authorized for the years 2020 and 2021.

Goals of the Program

The Columbia River Basin Restoration program is designed to address various environmental concerns related to the Columbia River. This includes:

• Improving Water Quality: Efforts to reduce pollution and enhance the cleanliness of the water.
• Restoring Ecosystems: Work to rehabilitate habitats critical for fish and wildlife populations.
• Community Engagement: Involvement of local communities and stakeholders in restoration activities and planning.

Funding and Implementation

While the bill itself doesn’t detail specific funding amounts, extending the program typically implies continued federal financial support for restoration initiatives, which may involve collaboration with state and local entities.

Impact on Water Bodies

The Columbia River is a significant waterway in the Pacific Northwest, and the bill's provisions aim to support environmental resilience not only for the river itself but also for the various tributaries and ecosystems within the basin.

Legislative Process

The bill was introduced by Ms. Hoyle of Oregon and has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for further consideration. This is a standard procedure for new legislation in the U.S. Congress.

Summary

In summary, the Columbia River Clean-Up Act seeks to reauthorize a key environmental program aimed at improving and restoring the Columbia River Basin over the next several years, enhancing both water quality and ecological health.

Relevant Companies

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