Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.1382 - To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act with respect to San Francisco Bay restoration, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 1382 aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, specifically focusing on the restoration of the San Francisco Bay. The bill modifies Section 125 of the Act, removing the term 'grant' from the section heading and revising subsection (e) concerning program implementation. It outlines funding mechanisms for various entities involved in San Francisco Bay restoration projects.

Expected Effects

The bill will likely lead to increased funding and focused efforts towards the restoration of the San Francisco Bay. It establishes clear guidelines for the distribution of funds, including limitations on non-federal recipients, particularly those with ties to foreign countries of concern. This could improve the bay's ecosystem and benefit the surrounding communities.

Potential Benefits

  • Environmental Improvement: Enhanced restoration efforts for the San Francisco Bay.
  • Funding Opportunities: Provides funding to various agencies and organizations for restoration projects.
  • Local Economy: Potential boost to the local economy through restoration projects and related activities.
  • Community Engagement: Encourages participation from local communities in restoration efforts.
  • Water Quality: Improvement of water quality in the San Francisco Bay.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Administrative Overhead: Increased administrative burden associated with managing and distributing funds.
  • Potential Delays: Bureaucratic processes could slow down the implementation of restoration projects.
  • Limited Scope: The bill focuses solely on the San Francisco Bay, potentially neglecting other areas in need of restoration.
  • Dependency on Funding: Restoration efforts may become dependent on continued federal funding.
  • Exclusion of Foreign Entities: May limit access to specialized expertise or resources from international organizations.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align 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 and provide for the general welfare, which can be interpreted to include environmental protection measures. The bill does not appear to infringe on 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).