Columbia River Clean-Up Act
Summary
The Columbia River Clean-Up Act reauthorizes the Columbia River Basin Restoration program by amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Specifically, it extends the program's authorization from 2020-2021 to 2026-2030. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by Ms. Hoyle of Oregon and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill is the continuation of funding and activities related to the restoration of the Columbia River Basin. This will allow ongoing efforts to improve water quality and ecosystem health to continue. The bill ensures that the program remains active for an additional five years.
Potential Benefits
- Continued funding for environmental restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin.
- Potential improvements in water quality and ecosystem health.
- Support for local economies dependent on the river.
- Preservation of natural resources for future generations.
- Reinforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending.
- Possible delays in project implementation.
- Limited scope, focusing only on the Columbia River Basin.
- Potential for unintended consequences from restoration efforts.
- Dependence on continued congressional appropriations.
Constitutional Alignment
The Columbia River Clean-Up Act aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the well-being of the nation. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which can be interpreted to include environmental regulations affecting navigable waters like the Columbia River. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).