H.R. 4961: Public Utility Remediation and Enhancement for Water Act

This bill, known as the Public Utility Remediation and Enhancement for Water Act, aims to improve the management and treatment of water by addressing "emerging contaminants." Here are the main points of the bill:

Grants for Treatment of Emerging Contaminants

The bill focuses on establishing a grant program managed by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program would provide financial assistance specifically to owners and operators of publicly owned treatment works (like wastewater treatment plants). The grants can be used for:

• Planning, design, and construction: This allows treatment facilities to enhance their infrastructure to prevent, limit, or treat substances such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, which are examples of emerging contaminants.
• Compliance with standards: Grants can also help facilities meet existing requirements related to the discharge of these contaminants.

Cost Sharing

The bill stipulates that:

• The federal government will cover at least 75% of the total costs of projects funded through the grants.
• The remaining non-federal share can come from various sources, including public or private contributions and in-kind services. It can also include financial assistance from state water pollution control revolving funds.

Administrative Requirements

Any projects funded under this grant program must adhere to similar requirements that apply to projects receiving support from state water pollution control revolving funds, unless the EPA Administrator decides otherwise. There are specific provisions that prevent the Administrator from exempting certain requirements related to the application of existing laws that are deemed essential.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes the appropriation of $200 million each year for the next three fiscal years (2026 to 2028) to implement the provisions of this act.

Relevant Companies

None found