Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act
Summary
The Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act requires the Comptroller General to review the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) clean water technical assistance programs. This review aims to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and coordination of these programs. The Act mandates a report to Congress with findings and recommendations, followed by EPA's plan for compliance.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to increased oversight and potential improvements in the EPA's clean water technical assistance programs. It could result in better allocation of resources, reduced duplication of efforts, and enhanced support for communities in addressing water quality challenges. The EPA will be required to respond to the Comptroller General's recommendations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency and accountability of EPA's clean water programs.
- Improved coordination among federal agencies providing water infrastructure assistance.
- Increased capacity building in communities to access water infrastructure programs.
- Better identification and support for economically distressed communities.
- Promotion of cost-effective technologies for water quality improvements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential administrative burden on the Comptroller General's office and the EPA.
- Possible delays in the implementation of clean water projects due to the review process.
- Risk that the review may not lead to significant improvements if recommendations are not effectively implemented.
- The act focuses primarily on review and reporting, potentially lacking concrete action-oriented measures.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on technical assistance rather than broader water resource management issues.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate on matters concerning the environment and infrastructure. Oversight of executive agencies like the EPA falls under Congress's implied powers to ensure laws are faithfully executed (Article I, Section 8).
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).