S. 3317: Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act of 2025
The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act of 2025 is designed to enhance the effectiveness of clean water-related technical assistance programs managed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Here’s a breakdown of what the bill entails:
Purpose
The primary purpose of this bill is to mandate a thorough review of the technical assistance programs related to clean water infrastructure offered by the EPA. This review aims to assess their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Key Definitions
- Administrator: Refers to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Comptroller General: The official who leads the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
- Covered Technical Assistance: Programs or initiatives by the Administrator that relate to supporting clean water infrastructure.
Review Requirements
Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Comptroller General must begin a comprehensive review of all covered technical assistance provided by the EPA. The review must include the following elements:
- Description of Assistance: A detailed overview of the technical assistance available to states, local governments, Indian Tribes, and non-profits, including the regions served and outcomes achieved over the past five years.
- Evaluation of Partnerships: An examination of how the EPA identifies and collaborates with technical assistance providers, including criteria for selection and the extent of coordination with various governmental and regional entities.
- Analysis of Duplication: An assessment of any overlap between different technical assistance programs under the EPA.
- Community Capacity Building: Evaluation of how these assistance programs help communities access additional water infrastructure funding and programs.
- Needs Assessment: Identification of unaddressed needs in economically distressed communities eligible for funding under clean water programs.
- Federal Coordination: A review of how the EPA’s assistance programs coordinate with other federal agencies that provide similar support.
- Technology Support: An examination of how assistance helps communities understand and implement cost-effective technologies for water treatment and quality improvement.
Reporting Requirements
Once the review is complete, the Comptroller General is required to submit a report that includes the findings of the review and any recommendations for improving the technical assistance programs. This report must be shared with the Administrator and relevant congressional committees.
Compliance Plan
The Administrator must then submit a compliance plan to Congress detailing actions taken in response to the recommendations within 90 days of receiving the report, and annually for the following five years. This aims to ensure ongoing accountability and improvement of the programs reviewed.
Objectives of the Bill
The overarching goal of the Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act is to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of technical assistance provided to communities facing clean water challenges. By identifying best practices and areas needing improvements, the legislation seeks to optimize the use of federal resources in support of clean water initiatives.
Relevant Companies
- GE: As a major player in water treatment technologies, General Electric could be impacted by any changes in federal preferences for technology and water solutions.
- VEON: VEON’s interests in telecommunications and infrastructure support, including water management systems, might shift based on federal reviews and recommendations.
- WM: Waste Management, Inc. may see changes in operational protocols or investment in water-related resources as technical assistance programs are revised.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
2 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Dec. 03, 2025 | Introduced in Senate |
| Dec. 03, 2025 | Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. |
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