Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act
Summary
The "Safe Drinking Water for Disadvantaged Communities Act" (H.R. 4816) aims to ensure that funds allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for lead service line replacement projects are directed towards disadvantaged communities. These funds, intended for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, would be disbursed as forgivable loans or grants. The bill references section 1452(d)(3) of the Safe Drinking Water Act for the definition of 'disadvantaged communities'.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would change the distribution mechanism of existing funds. It mandates that funds for lead service line replacement projects be provided as forgivable loans or grants, specifically to disadvantaged communities. This could accelerate the removal of lead service lines in areas most vulnerable to lead contamination.
Potential Benefits
- Improved Public Health: Reduces lead exposure in disadvantaged communities, leading to better health outcomes.
- Targeted Assistance: Directs resources to communities most in need of infrastructure improvements.
- Financial Relief: Forgivable loans or grants ease the financial burden on disadvantaged communities.
- Infrastructure Improvement: Upgrades water infrastructure, ensuring safer drinking water.
- Reduced Health Disparities: Addresses environmental justice concerns by prioritizing vulnerable populations.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Inefficient Allocation: Forgivable loans might not incentivize efficient project management.
- Limited Scope: Focuses solely on lead service lines, neglecting other potential water quality issues.
- Possible Delays: Increased bureaucracy in distributing funds as forgivable loans or grants.
- Risk of Mismanagement: Funds could be misused or misallocated if oversight is insufficient.
- Unclear Definition: Reliance on existing definitions of 'disadvantaged communities' may exclude some deserving areas.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution's Preamble, which aims to "promote the general Welfare." Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The bill utilizes funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was enacted under this constitutional authority.
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).