Summary:
Clean Water Affordability Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a comprehensive and integrated planning approach to the permit obligations under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program of a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) or a municipal separate storm sewer system.

A state may extend the term of a NPDES permit to up to 25 years under a state-administered NPDES program, if the permittee has an approved integrated plan.

The EPA must update the guidance entitled "Combined Sewer Overflows--Guidance for Financial Capability Assessment and Schedule Development," to ensure that the evaluations by the EPA of financial capability assessment and schedule development meet specified criteria.

States must set aside 15% of the amount of each capitalization grant they receive for water pollution control revolving funds to provide assistance to municipalities of fewer than 10,000 individuals that meet specified affordability criteria for activities on the state's priority list of POTW construction projects.

Effluent limitations must be applied at the final point of discharge from a POTW treatment facility and not to flows within the facility.

The EPA may issue NPDES permits with modified effluent limits for discharges of pollutants from a collection system servicing a POTW during periods of peak wet weather if a state concurs and the permit applicant has an approved peak wet weather management plan. States may adopt peak wet weather-related water quality standards for receiving waters during periods of peak wet weather events. The EPA must develop and publish guidance with respect to peak wet weather-related water quality standards and waste water management practices.

clean water affordability act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require environmental_protection_agency epa establish comprehensive integrated planning approach permit obligations national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes program publicly owned treatment works potw municipal separate storm sewer system state extend term npdes permit years state administered npdes program permittee approved integrated plan epa update guidance entitled combined sewer overflows guidance financial capability assessment schedule development ensure evaluations epa financial capability assessment schedule development meet specified criteria states set aside capitalization grant receive water pollution control revolving funds provide assistance municipalities fewer individuals meet specified affordability criteria activities state priority list potw construction projects effluent limitations applied final point discharge potw treatment facility flows facility epa issue npdes permits modified effluent limits discharges pollutants collection system servicing potw periods peak wet weather state concurs permit applicant approved peak wet weather management plan states adopt peak wet weather related water quality standards receiving waters periods peak wet weather events epa develop publish guidance respect peak wet weather related water quality standards waste water management practices


Summary:
Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw, within 30 days, the proposed rule, "Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act," dated April 21, 2014, describing the water bodies that fall under the scope of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act), as well as any final rule based on the proposed rule.

(Sec. 3) The Army Corps and the EPA must develop a new proposed rule to define the term, "waters of the United States" as used in that Act. In developing the new rule, the Army Corps and the EPA must meet requirements concerning consultation with states and localities enumerated in this bill. The new rule must specifically identify those waters covered and not covered by the Clean Water Act and incorporate the areas and issues where consensus was reached by the interested parties.

The Army Corps and the EPA must prepare a report with details about the new proposed rule and its development, including: (1) explanations of how the rule addresses public comments filed on certain related rules and reports and addresses recommendations provided in the consultation process; and (2) comprehensive regulatory and economic impact analyses of how the rule will impact interested parties and each program under the Clean Water Act.

The Army Corps and the EPA must: (1) publish the report, a description of the areas and issues where consensus was reached with the state and local officials consulted, and the new proposed rule; and (2) make them available for public review and comment for at least 180 days.

(Sec. 5) Within 90 days of issuing a final rule to define the term, the EPA must determine whether each permit program administered by states under the Clean Water Act's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program, the program to regulate the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, and the program regulating the disposal of sewage sludge is in compliance with the rule. States are given two years to bring any noncompliant programs into compliance before the EPA withdraws approval of the state program.

regulatory integrity protection act sec bill requires army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency epa withdraw days proposed rule definition waters united_states clean water act dated april describing water bodies fall scope federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act final rule based proposed rule sec army corps epa develop new proposed rule define term waters united_states act developing new rule army corps epa meet requirements concerning consultation states localities enumerated bill new rule specifically identify waters covered covered clean water act incorporate areas issues consensus reached interested parties army corps epa prepare report details new proposed rule development including explanations rule addresses public comments filed certain related rules reports addresses recommendations provided consultation process comprehensive regulatory economic impact analyses rule impact interested parties program clean water act army corps epa publish report description areas issues consensus reached state local officials consulted new proposed rule available public review comment days sec days issuing final rule define term epa determine permit program administered states clean water act national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system program program regulate discharge dredged fill material waters united_states program regulating disposal sewage sludge compliance rule states given years bring noncompliant programs compliance epa withdraws approval state program


Summary: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Requires not less than 1.5% of the annual authorized funding amount or $10 million, whichever is greater, to be used for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act permanent authorization land_and_water_conservation_fund requires annual authorized funding million whichever greater projects secure recreational public access existing federal public land hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Ban Toxic Dispersants Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements governing the schedule of the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances.

A dispersant, chemical, or other spill mitigating device or substance that is not included on the schedule may be used in carrying out the plan only if it is proposed to be included on the schedule.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must issue a revised regulation for the development of the schedule for the use of those devices and substances. In issuing the regulation, the EPA must: (1) establish minimum toxicity and efficacy testing criteria; (2) establish a requirement that the volume of oil or hazardous substance discharged, and the volume and location of any spill mitigating substance used, be measured and made publicly available on a daily basis; and (3) require the public disclosure of all ingredients of those substance. The EPA must: (1) require manufacturers of mitigating devices to study their risks and effectiveness; (2) provide a mechanism for the delisting of a substance or device that poses a risk to or impact on human health, water quality, or the environment; and (3) initiate a formal review of the potential risks and impacts associated with a substance or device prior to delisting it.

The EPA must: (1) study those potential risks and impacts, (2) impose a moratorium on approval of the use of dispersants until the study is complete, (3) review the schedule for the use of the devices and substances and revise it as necessary every five years, and (4) establish a schedule of fees to be collected from the manufacturers of the substances or devices to offset the costs of evaluating their use.

ban toxic dispersants act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise requirements governing schedule national contingency plan removal oil hazardous substances chemical spill mitigating device substance included schedule carrying plan proposed included schedule environmental_protection_agency epa issue revised regulation development schedule use devices substances issuing regulation epa establish minimum toxicity efficacy testing criteria establish requirement volume oil hazardous substance discharged volume location spill mitigating substance measured publicly available daily basis require public disclosure ingredients substance epa require manufacturers mitigating devices study risks effectiveness provide mechanism substance device poses risk impact human health water quality environment initiate formal review potential risks impacts associated substance device prior epa study potential risks impacts impose moratorium approval use dispersants study complete review schedule use devices substances revise necessary years establish schedule fees collected manufacturers substances devices offset costs evaluating use


Summary: This bill requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, acting as chair of the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, to appoint a coordinator to work with appropriate governments to address harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes.

bill requires administrator environmental_protection_agency acting chair great_lakes interagency_task_force appoint coordinator work appropriate governments address harmful algal blooms great_lakes


Summary:
Great Lakes Nutrient Removal Assistance Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide grants to states in the Great Lakes System (i.e., Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) and municipalities in those states to install nutrient removal technologies at a municipal wastewater treatment facility that has a permitted design capacity to treat an annual average of at least 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day.

The EPA must give priority to facilities at which nutrient removal technology installations would: (1) produce the greatest nutrient load reductions at points of discharge, (2) result in the greatest environmental benefits to the Great Lakes System, and (3) help meet the objectives related to nutrients outlined in Annex 4 of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

great_lakes nutrient removal assistance_act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require environmental_protection_agency epa establish program provide grants states great_lakes system illinois indiana michigan minnesota new_york ohio pennsylvania wisconsin municipalities states install nutrient removal technologies municipal wastewater treatment facility permitted design capacity treat annual average gallons wastewater day epa priority facilities nutrient removal technology installations produce greatest nutrient load reductions points discharge result greatest environmental benefits great_lakes system help meet objectives related nutrients outlined annex great_lakes_water_quality_agreement


Summary:
Ocean Acidification Innovation Act of 2015

 Amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to authorize any federal agency with a representative serving on the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Acidification, either individually or in cooperation with other agencies, to carry out a program to award prizes competitively under the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the nation's ability to understand, research, or monitor ocean acidification or its impacts or to develop management or adaptation options for responding to ocean acidification.

Grants priority to establishing programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the impacts of ocean acidification.

ocean acidification innovation_act amends federal ocean acidification research monitoring act authorize federal agency representative serving interagency_working_group ocean acidification individually cooperation agencies carry program award prizes competitively stevenson-wydler_technology innovation_act purpose innovation advance nation ability understand research monitor ocean acidification impacts develop management adaptation options responding ocean acidification grants priority establishing programs address communities environments industries distress impacts ocean acidification


Summary:
Protecting Our Great Lakes Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit discharges of dredged material into the Great Lakes System, except for discharges: (1) into a confined disposal facility; or (2) in connection with a beneficial use or habitat establishment, improvement, and/or restoration. The prohibition becomes effective in five years.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or a state with an approved permit program, may waive application of the prohibition on a discharge during the first two years of the prohibition if: (1) the Environmental Protection Agency or the state determines that the waiver is necessary and appropriate, and (2) each concerned state approves of the waiver in the case of a waiver issued by the Corps of Engineers.

In determining the least costly manner, and the least costly and most practicable location, for discharges of dredged material resulting from Corps of Engineers operations and maintenance activities in the Great Lakes System, the Corps of Engineers must exclude from consideration the use of open-water placement of dredged material.

protecting great_lakes act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit discharges dredged material great_lakes system discharges confined disposal facility connection beneficial use habitat establishment improvement restoration prohibition effective years army_corps_of_engineers state approved permit program waive application prohibition discharge years prohibition environmental_protection_agency state determines waiver necessary appropriate concerned state approves waiver case waiver issued corps_of_engineers determining costly manner costly practicable location discharges dredged material resulting corps_of_engineers operations maintenance activities great_lakes system corps_of_engineers exclude consideration use open water placement dredged material


Summary:
North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act

This bill amends the North American Wetlands Conservation Act to extend the authorization for the Department of the Interior to carry out certain wetlands conservation projects through FY2020.

north american wetlands conservation extension act bill amends north_american_wetlands_conservation_act extend authorization department_of_the_interior carry certain wetlands conservation projects fy2020


Summary: This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to repeal the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to make grants to states or local governments for monitoring water quality standards for pathogens, or disease-causing organisms, in coastal recreation waters adjacent to beaches that are used by the public and notifying the public when those standards are exceeded.

bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act repeal environmental_protection_agency authority grants states local governments monitoring water quality standards pathogens disease causing organisms coastal recreation waters adjacent beaches public notifying public standards exceeded


Summary:
Don't Ignore the Will of the American People Act

This bill prohibits the obligation of funds made available under the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its Office of the Administrator until the EPA rescinds the rule entitled, "Clean Water Rule: Definition of Waters of the United States," about the scope of the Clean Water Act.

american people act bill prohibits obligation funds available consolidated continuing appropriations act environmental_protection_agency epa office administrator epa rescinds rule entitled clean water rule definition waters united_states scope clean water act


Summary:
Federal Regulatory Certainty for Water Act

This bill nullifies the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Rule signed on May 27, 2015, which describes the scope of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act).

Under this bill, the Clean Water Act applies to waters of the United States that are: (1) navigable-in-fact; or (2) permanent or continuously flowing bodies of water that form geographical features commonly known as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes that are connected to waters that are navigable-in-fact.

Under this bill, the Act does not apply to: (1) waters that do not physically abut those waters of the United States through an actual and continuous surface water connection; (2) man-made or natural structures or channels through which water flows intermittently or ephemerally; or (3) wetlands (including playa lakes, prairie potholes, wet meadows, wet prairies, and vernal pools) that lack that continuous surface water connection.

The aggregation of wetlands or waters may not be used to determine whether the wetlands or waters are navigable waters.

federal regulatory certainty water act bill nullifies environmental_protection_agency clean water rule signed describes scope federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act bill clean water act applies waters united_states navigable fact permanent continuously flowing bodies water form geographical features commonly known streams oceans rivers lakes connected waters navigable fact bill act apply waters physically abut waters united_states actual continuous surface water connection man natural structures channels water flows intermittently wetlands including lakes prairie wet wet pools lack continuous surface water connection aggregation wetlands waters determine wetlands waters navigable waters


Summary:
Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to revise and reauthorize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) and the National Science Foundation's (NSF) ocean acidification programs through FY2019.

The scope of the Act is expanded to cover acidification in estuaries and the Great Lakes, not just oceans. Acidification is the decrease in pH of those waters and changes in their chemistry caused by chemical inputs, including carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The National Science and Technology Council's Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology must: (1) oversee the development of adaptation and mitigation strategies to address socioeconomic impacts resulting from ocean acidification, (2) ensure that agencies represented on the interagency working group on ocean acidification deliver data and information to support the Ocean Acidification Information Exchange and a data archive, and (3) establish an Ocean Acidification Advisory Board to provide advice to the subcommittee and the interagency working group and certain information to Congress and the public.

The strategic plan for federal research and monitoring on ocean acidification must include: (1) modeling to determine impacts of acidification on marine food webs, and (2) research to understand related and cumulative stressors and other biogeochemical processes occurring in conjunction with ocean acidification.

NOAA must establish data processing, storage, and archive facilities and procedures to provide for the long-term stewardship of environmental data, products, and information necessary for carrying out the Act.

federal ocean acidification research monitoring act bill amends federal ocean acidification research monitoring act revise reauthorize national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa national_science_foundation nsf ocean acidification programs fy2019 scope act expanded cover acidification estuaries great_lakes oceans acidification decrease waters changes chemistry caused chemical inputs including carbon dioxide atmosphere national_science_and_technology_council subcommittee ocean science_and_technology oversee development adaptation mitigation strategies address socioeconomic impacts resulting ocean acidification ensure agencies represented interagency_working_group ocean acidification deliver data information support ocean acidification information exchange data archive establish ocean acidification advisory_board provide advice subcommittee interagency_working_group certain information congress public strategic plan federal research monitoring ocean acidification include modeling determine impacts acidification marine food research understand related cumulative processes occurring conjunction ocean acidification noaa establish data processing storage archive facilities procedures provide long term stewardship environmental data products information necessary carrying act


Summary:
Tribal Coastal Resiliency Act

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the Department of Commerce to award grants to qualified Indian tribes to further achievement of any of the following tribal coastal zone objectives:

 protecting, restoring, or preserving areas in the zone that hold important ecological, cultural, or sacred significance for the tribes, or traditional, historic, and esthetic values essential to the tribes; preparing and implementing a special area management plan and technical planning for important coastal areas; and implementing any coastal or shoreline stabilization measure for the purpose of public safety, public access, or cultural or historical preservation.

tribal coastal resiliency act bill amends coastal_zone_management_act authorize department_of_commerce award grants qualified indian tribes achievement following tribal coastal zone objectives protecting restoring preserving areas zone hold important ecological cultural sacred significance tribes traditional historic values essential tribes preparing implementing special_area management plan technical planning important coastal areas implementing coastal shoreline stabilization measure purpose public safety public access cultural historical preservation


Summary:
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act Amendments of 2015

This bill reauthorizes through FY2019 and revises the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009.

integrated coastal ocean observation system act amendments bill reauthorizes fy2019 revises integrated coastal ocean observation system act


Summary:
Great Lakes Water Protection Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) from discharging untreated or partially treated sewage into the Great Lakes or a tributary of the Great Lakes when the discharge is the result of the POTW intentionally diverting waste streams to bypass any portion of a treatment facility. A bypass is allowed if: (1) it is unavoidable to prevent loss of life, personal injury, or severe property damage, there is no feasible alternative, and the treatment works provides notice; or (2) it does not cause effluent (waste) limitations to be exceeded and is for essential maintenance to ensure efficient operation of the treatment facility.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must work with relevant states to create requirements for providing immediate notice to the public about discharges.

The EPA must establish procedures to ensure that permits issued to POTWs under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System include requirements to comply with this bill.

This bill establishes a maximum civil penalty of $100,000 per day for violations of the bill occurring on or after January 1, 2035. The penalties must be deposited into the Great Lakes Cleanup Fund, which is established by this bill. The Fund must be used for improving wastewater discharges.

great_lakes water protection act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit publicly owned treatment works potw discharging untreated partially treated sewage great_lakes tributary great_lakes discharge result potw intentionally diverting waste streams bypass portion treatment facility bypass allowed unavoidable prevent loss life personal injury severe property damage feasible alternative treatment works provides notice cause effluent waste limitations exceeded essential maintenance ensure efficient operation treatment facility environmental_protection_agency epa work relevant states create requirements providing immediate notice public discharges epa establish procedures ensure permits issued potws national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system include requirements comply bill bill establishes maximum civil penalty day violations bill occurring january penalties deposited great_lakes cleanup fund established bill fund improving wastewater discharges


Summary:
Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Act

This bill reauthorizes the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study, the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act of 2006, the Long Island Sound Grants, and Long Island Sound Stewardship Grants through FY2020.

The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to direct the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of the Management Conference of the Long Island Sound Study to include in studies on strengthening the implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Long Island Sound: (1) environmental impacts on the Sound watershed; and (2) planning initiatives that identify areas most suitable for various activities in order to reduce conflicts among uses, reduce adverse environmental impacts, facilitate compatible uses, or preserve critical ecosystem services.

The Office must: (1) develop and implement strategies to increase education and awareness about the ecological health and water quality of the Sound; and (2) monitor progress toward meeting the goals, actions, and schedules of the Plan.

The limit on the federal share for certain grants for projects and studies to help implement the Plan is revised by increasing the limit for grants other than citizen involvement and education grants.

A federal agency that owns or occupies real property, or carries out activities, within the Sound watershed must: (1) participate in regional and subwatershed planning, protection, and restoration activities; and (2) ensure that the property and activities are consistent with the Plan to the maximum extent practicable.

long_island_sound restoration stewardship act bill reauthorizes management conference long_island_sound study long_island_sound_stewardship_act long_island_sound_grants long_island_sound stewardship grants fy2020 bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act direct environmental_protection_agency epa office management conference long_island_sound study include studies strengthening implementation comprehensive conservation management plan long_island_sound environmental impacts sound watershed planning initiatives identify areas suitable activities order reduce conflicts uses reduce adverse environmental impacts facilitate compatible uses preserve critical ecosystem services office develop implement strategies increase education awareness ecological health water quality sound monitor progress meeting goals actions schedules plan limit federal share certain grants projects studies help implement plan revised increasing limit grants citizen involvement education grants federal agency owns occupies real property carries activities sound watershed participate regional subwatershed planning protection restoration activities ensure property activities consistent plan maximum extent practicable


Summary:
Great Lakes Assurance Program Verification Act of 2015

This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a Great Lakes basin initiative for agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention. (Nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources and is caused by precipitation moving over or through the ground and carrying pollution.)

In implementing the initiative, USDA must:

 provide grants to Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Wisconsin) for education and outreach, technical assistance, and voluntary programs to verify implementation of practices to reduce nonpoint pollution from agricultural activities; establish a funding priority within the Great Lakes basin for payments to producers that participate in the initiative to achieve verification through a state verification program; and use existing data. In carrying out the initiative, states may collaborate with entities that have agricultural or environmental expertise, including academic or nonprofit organizations.

great_lakes assurance program verification act bill amends food security act require department_of_agriculture usda establish great_lakes_basin initiative agricultural nonpoint source pollution prevention nonpoint source pollution comes sources caused precipitation moving ground carrying pollution implementing initiative usda provide grants great_lakes states illinois indiana michigan minnesota new_york ohio pennsylvania wisconsin education outreach technical assistance voluntary programs verify implementation practices reduce nonpoint pollution agricultural activities establish funding priority great_lakes_basin payments producers participate initiative achieve verification state verification program use existing data carrying initiative states collaborate entities agricultural environmental expertise including academic nonprofit organizations


Summary: This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to exempt Indian tribes from any requirement to provide compensatory mitigation as a condition of a permit to discharge dredged or fill material into waters of the United States when the permitted activity is conducted on Indian land. If the Indian tribe ceases to maintain the permitted activity on that land, or seeks to abandon that activity without a good faith transfer, the Indian tribe must obtain a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers may require restoration and rehabilitation of the area.

bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act exempt indian tribes requirement provide compensatory mitigation condition permit discharge dredged fill material waters united_states permitted activity conducted indian land indian tribe ceases maintain permitted activity land seeks abandon activity good faith transfer indian tribe obtain permit modification army_corps_of_engineers corps_of_engineers require restoration rehabilitation area


Summary:
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow a permittee under the Act to satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements for discharging dredged or fill material into the waters of the United States (permitted activity) by entering into a preservation lease with a state or Indian tribe whose wetlands are affected.

A preservation lease is an agreement under which a permittee leases wetlands or other aquatic sites on state or Indian land for the sole purpose of preserving the wetlands or other aquatic sites in an undisturbed state during the term of the lease to mitigate for a permitted activity. The term of the lease may not be less than the life of the permitted activity and must be adjusted to account for the cessation of the impacts caused by such activity.

If a permittee enters into a preservation lease and subsequently ceases to maintain the permitted activity, or seeks to abandon the permitted activity without a good faith transfer, the permittee must obtain a permit modification from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which may require restoration and rehabilitation of the area.

bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act allow permittee act satisfy compensatory mitigation requirements discharging dredged fill material waters united_states permitted activity entering preservation lease state indian tribe wetlands affected preservation lease agreement permittee leases wetlands aquatic sites state indian land sole purpose preserving wetlands aquatic sites state term lease mitigate permitted activity term lease life permitted activity adjusted account cessation impacts caused activity permittee enters preservation lease subsequently ceases maintain permitted activity seeks abandon permitted activity good faith transfer permittee obtain permit modification army_corps_of_engineers require restoration rehabilitation area


Summary:
Commonsense Permitting for Job Creation Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements for permit guidelines applicable to the designation of disposal sites for discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States. Those guidelines may not prohibit the designation of a disposal site due to the lack of a final site plan because there is not an identified end user, industry, or industrial classification for the site.

commonsense permitting job creation act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise requirements permit guidelines applicable designation disposal sites discharges dredged fill material waters united_states guidelines prohibit designation disposal site lack final site plan identified end user industry industrial classification site


Summary:
Save our Bays Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new tax credit, through 2020, for developing and implementing a plan to address non-point pollution carried by surface water runoff on real property located in the United States within the boundaries of an estuary of national significance.

save act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow new tax credit developing implementing plan address non point pollution carried surface water runoff real property located united_states boundaries estuary national significance


Summary:
Great Bay Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015

This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to postpone for five years establishing water quality standards or effluent limitations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) if those standards or limitations reduce nitrogen discharges into the Great Bay Estuary. That estuary extends from the mouth of Portsmouth Harbor, in the vicinity of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to the head-of-tide for the eight rivers (including the tributaries of those rivers) that flow into Great Bay, Little Bay, and the Piscataqua River.

During that five-year period, the EPA may not require a publicly owned treatment works (POTW) to commence construction on any upgrade of a facility for the purpose of enforcing those standards or limitations if the POTW contributes nitrogen loadings in that estuary.

The EPA must study eelgrass levels and the causes of any loss of eelgrass habitat in the Great Bay Estuary, and allow public participation in the development of the study.

great bay regulatory improvement act bill directs environmental_protection_agency epa postpone years establishing water quality standards effluent limitations federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act standards limitations reduce nitrogen discharges great bay estuary estuary extends mouth portsmouth harbor vicinity portsmouth new_hampshire head tide rivers including tributaries rivers flow great bay little bay river year period epa require publicly owned treatment works potw commence construction upgrade facility purpose enforcing standards limitations potw contributes nitrogen estuary epa study levels causes loss habitat great bay estuary allow public participation development study


Summary:
Promoting United Government Efforts to Save Our Sound Act or the PUGET SOS Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to provide for the coordination of federal Puget Sound recovery efforts with state, local and tribal recovery efforts, including by establishing:

 conditions for approval by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan for the Puget Sound region; a Puget Sound Recovery National Program Office within the EPA; a Puget Sound Federal Leadership Task Force; a Save America's Puget Sound Fund in the Department of the Treasury for certain Puget Sound recovery and protection efforts that are included in the Puget Sound Partnership's Action Agenda; and reporting requirements on the status of Puget Sound's recovery. The Puget Sound is an estuary in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Washington.

promoting united government efforts save sound act puget sos act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act provide coordination federal puget_sound recovery efforts state local tribal recovery efforts including establishing conditions approval environmental_protection_agency epa comprehensive conservation management plan puget_sound region puget_sound recovery national program_office epa puget_sound federal leadership task_force save america puget_sound fund department_of_the_treasury certain puget_sound recovery protection efforts included puget_sound partnership action agenda reporting requirements status puget_sound recovery puget_sound estuary pacific_ocean coast washington


Summary:
Offending Oil Polluters Act

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny any tax credit or deduction to an offending oil polluter. The bill defines "offending oil polluter" as any person who is responsible for a vessel or facility from which oil or a hazardous substance is discharged and any person who is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as the offending oil polluter.

Specifically, the bill denies a tax benefit for any amount paid or incurred: (1) in connection with a discharge of oil or a hazardous substance, (2) for any attorney fees and court costs in connection with any legal action involving such discharge, (3) as a payment or restitution related to such discharge, and (4) for any costs or penalties required by federal law or certified in a settlement by a federal court.

The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to conduct, and report on, an annual study to determine: (1) the revenue loss as a result of tax deductions allowed for cleaning up oil that is discharged after April 19, 2010, and (2) the amount of revenue savings resulting from this Act.

offending oil act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code deny tax credit deduction offending oil polluter bill defines offending oil polluter person responsible vessel facility oil hazardous substance discharged person member expanded affiliated group offending oil polluter specifically bill denies tax benefit paid incurred connection discharge oil hazardous substance attorney fees court costs connection legal action involving discharge payment restitution related discharge costs penalties required federal law certified settlement federal court bill requires department_of_the_treasury conduct report annual study determine revenue loss result tax deductions allowed cleaning oil discharged april revenue savings resulting act


Summary:
Imperial Valley Desert Conservation and Recreation Act of 2015

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey to the state of California approximately 934 acres of specified public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in San Diego County in order to allow California to include it as part of the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

The Department of Transportation shall seek a conveyance from Interior of approximately 3,500 acres of BLM-administered land adjacent to the Imperial County Holtville Airport in Imperial County, California, to allow the county to expand the airport.

The bill establishes the Vinagre Wash Special Management Area in California, which shall consist of approximately 81,880 acres of certain public lands in Imperial County. Interior shall manage specified lands in the Management Area to preserve their character for eventual inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System.

valley desert conservation recreation act bill directs department_of_the_interior convey state california approximately acres specified public lands administered bureau_of_land_management blm san_diego_county order allow california include desert state park department_of_transportation shall seek conveyance interior approximately acres blm administered land adjacent county airport county california allow county expand airport bill establishes wash special_management_area california shall consist approximately acres certain public lands county interior shall manage specified lands management area preserve character eventual inclusion national_wilderness_preservation_system


Summary:
Beach Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize through FY2020 a grant program for monitoring, and notifying the public of, any pathogens in coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches.

The bill reauthorizes through FY2018 the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000.

The bill establishes requirements with respect to: (1) using rapid testing methods to detect unsafe levels of pathogens or pathogen indicators in those waters, and (2) notifying governmental agencies when pathogens exceed water quality standards. Those methods must provide testing results within four hours of receiving a sample. Communication with governments must occur within two hours of the receipt of the results of water quality samples.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess state and local compliance with coastal recreation water quality monitoring and notification legal requirements and grant conditions. The bill limits federal support of grants to non-compliant state or local governments. The Government Accountability Office must review the EPA's compliance assessments and corrective actions.

States with coastal recreation waters must adopt the most protective water quality criteria and standards practicable for pathogens.

The EPA must: (1) update the national list of beaches that are used by the public regardless of the presence of a lifeguard within 12 months and biennially thereafter (currently, periodically); (2) study the long-term impact of climate change on pathogenic contamination of coastal recreation waters; and (3) study the impacts of excess nutrients on coastal recreation waters.

beach act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize fy2020 grant program monitoring notifying public pathogens coastal recreation waters bordering public beaches bill reauthorizes fy2018 beaches_environmental_assessment coastal health act bill establishes requirements respect rapid testing methods detect unsafe levels pathogens pathogen indicators waters notifying governmental agencies pathogens exceed water quality standards methods provide testing results hours receiving sample communication governments occur hours receipt results water quality samples environmental_protection_agency epa assess state local compliance coastal recreation water quality monitoring notification legal requirements grant conditions bill limits federal support grants non compliant state local governments government_accountability_office review epa compliance assessments corrective actions states coastal recreation waters adopt protective water quality criteria standards practicable pathogens epa update national list beaches public regardless presence months biennially currently periodically study long term impact climate change pathogenic contamination coastal recreation waters study impacts excess nutrients coastal recreation waters


Summary:
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise requirements concerning citizen suits. Litigation costs (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) must be awarded to the prevailing party, thus the bill removes a court's discretion to award the fees. A prevailing party is defined as the party that prevails on more than half of the claims at issue.

The bill repeals the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny or restrict the use of any area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material when the discharge of such materials would have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas.

Current law requires compensatory mitigation to replace the loss of aquatic resource functions in a watershed when a permit to discharge dredged or fill materials into navigable waters has unavoidable impacts on aquatic resources. This bill prohibits government entities from carrying out compensatory mitigation in excess of existing regulatory requirements.

discouraging frivolous lawsuits act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise requirements concerning citizen suits litigation costs including reasonable attorney expert witness fees awarded prevailing party bill removes court discretion award fees prevailing party defined party prevails half claims issue bill repeals authority environmental_protection_agency epa deny restrict use area disposal site dredged fill material discharge materials unacceptable adverse effect municipal water supplies shellfish beds fishery areas wildlife recreational areas current law requires compensatory mitigation replace loss aquatic resource functions watershed permit discharge dredged fill materials navigable waters unavoidable impacts aquatic resources bill prohibits government entities carrying compensatory mitigation excess existing regulatory requirements


Summary:
This bill makes permanent the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

 Of the appropriations from the LWCF: (1) at least 40% shall be used collectively for federal purposes for certain land and water acquisitions (as currently); (2) at least 40% shall be used collectively to provide financial assistance to states for LWCF purposes and for outdoor recreation, for the Forest Legacy Program, for cooperative endangered species grants, and for the American Battlefield Protection Program; and (3) at least 1.5% or $10 million, whichever is greater, shall be used for projects that secure recreational public access to federal public land for hunting, fishing, or other recreational purposes.

The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall consider the acquisition of conservation easements and other similar interests in land where it is appropriate and feasible, taking specified considerations into account.

The bill establishes a National Park Service Critical Maintenance and Revitalization Conservation Fund in the Treasury for the deposit of specified amounts from revenues due and payable to the United States under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.

Amounts deposited in the Fund shall: (1) be used only for the high priority deferred maintenance needs of the National Park Service that support critical infrastructure and visitor services, and (2) be available for expenditure only after amounts are appropriated for such purposes.

Amounts in the Fund shall not be used for acquiring land.

bill makes permanent land_and_water_conservation_fund appropriations shall collectively federal purposes certain land water acquisitions currently shall collectively provide financial assistance states purposes outdoor recreation forest legacy program cooperative endangered species grants american battlefield protection program million whichever greater shall projects secure recreational public access federal public land hunting fishing recreational purposes department_of_the_interior_and_the_department_of_agriculture shall consider acquisition conservation easements similar interests land appropriate feasible taking specified considerations account bill establishes national_park_service critical maintenance revitalization conservation fund treasury deposit specified amounts revenues payable united_states outer_continental_shelf_lands_act amounts deposited fund shall high priority deferred maintenance needs national_park_service support critical infrastructure visitor services available expenditure amounts appropriated purposes amounts fund shall acquiring land


Summary:
Groundwater Conservation Incentive Act of 2015

This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the tax deduction for soil and water conservation expenditures to include expenditures to reduce groundwater use and for the conversion from groundwater use to surface water use.

groundwater conservation incentive act bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code expand tax deduction soil water conservation expenditures include expenditures reduce groundwater use conversion groundwater use surface water use


Summary:
This bill makes certain rocks, pinnacles, reefs, and islands in the Pacific Ocean within a mile of the coast of Orange County, California, part of the California Coastal National Monument and repeals their current temporary reservation.

The Department of the Interior shall ensure that economic and recreational activities conducted on the lands added to the California Coastal Monument shall continue to be allowed to the same extent they were authorized and ongoing on the day before such lands were added.

Likewise repealed is the lighthouse reservation with respect to the San Juan and San Mateo Rocks and the two rocks in the vicinity of Laguna Beach, off the coast of Orange County.

bill makes certain rocks reefs islands pacific_ocean mile coast orange_county california california coastal national_monument repeals current temporary reservation department_of_the_interior shall ensure economic recreational activities conducted lands added california coastal monument shall continue allowed extent authorized ongoing day lands added likewise repealed lighthouse reservation respect san_juan san rocks rocks vicinity beach coast orange_county


Summary: This bill revises the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Unit M13 in Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

bill revises boundaries john chafee coastal barrier resources system unit island south_carolina


Summary:
This bill amends the Estuary Restoration Act of 2000 to authorize a nongovernmental organization, that is allowed to serve as a non-federal interest for an estuary habitat restoration project, to provide lands owned and managed by a legally constituted public body (including a federally recognized Indian tribe) for habitat or fish and wildlife conservation. Such body must agree to: (1) operate and maintain, or allow the nongovernmental organization to operate and maintain, the project; and (2) retain the land in public ownership for uses compatible with the project.

The Secretary of the Army may not carry out such a project unless a non-federal interest has agreed to provide for operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the project (current law requires that such interest has agreed to provide for long-term maintenance and monitoring of the project).

The bill authorizes a nongovernmental organization serving as the non-federal interest for a project to pay the operation, maintenance, and replacement and rehabilitation costs of the project and the non-federal share of the costs of construction of the project.

The Secretary shall: (1) issue guidelines for implementing such projects, making every effort to streamline implementation requirements and reduce overhead costs, including by maximizing consistency with the requirements of restoration programs administered by other federal agencies; and (2) develop and revise the guidelines through a public process.

bill amends estuary restoration act authorize nongovernmental organization allowed serve non federal interest estuary habitat restoration project provide lands owned managed legally constituted public body including federally recognized indian tribe habitat fish wildlife conservation body agree operate maintain allow nongovernmental organization operate maintain project retain land public ownership uses compatible project secretary army carry project non federal interest agreed provide operation maintenance monitoring project current law requires interest agreed provide long term maintenance monitoring project bill authorizes nongovernmental organization serving non federal interest project pay operation maintenance replacement rehabilitation costs project non federal share costs construction project secretary shall issue guidelines implementing projects making effort streamline implementation requirements reduce overhead costs including maximizing consistency requirements restoration programs administered federal agencies develop revise guidelines public process


Summary:
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Investment Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to assist state, tribal, and local governments toinvest in green stormwater infrastructure.Green stormwater infrastructure is a stormwater management technique that uses natural or engineered systems designed to promote the uptake and filtration of stormwater at its source to protect habitats and reduce flood risks.

The bill establishes a 20% reserve within each state's Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for installation, operation, and maintenance of green stormwater infrastructure.

The Department of Transportation must prioritize projects that include green stormwater infrastructure for competitive federal transportation infrastructure grants.

The bill also authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency to extend National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for green stormwater infrastructure systems for up to 10 years.

green stormwater infrastructure investment act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act assist state tribal local governments green stormwater infrastructure green stormwater infrastructure stormwater management technique uses natural engineered systems designed promote uptake stormwater source protect habitats reduce flood risks bill establishes reserve state water pollution control revolving fund installation operation maintenance green stormwater infrastructure department_of_transportation prioritize projects include green stormwater infrastructure competitive federal transportation infrastructure grants bill authorizes environmental_protection_agency extend national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permits green stormwater infrastructure systems years


Summary: This bill directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove specific properties in Brick, New Jersey, from the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System.

bill directs fish_and_wildlife_service remove specific properties new_jersey john chafee coastal barrier resources system


Summary:
Digital Coast Act of 2016

This bill authorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management to establish a Digital Coast program for the sharing of digital information to help coastal communities better prepare for storms, plan for long-term coastal resilience, and manage coastal resources. The program launches the next phase of development at NOAA for the use of coastal mapping. In order for coastal communities to effectively use coastal mapping to solve coastal problems there must be coordination and information sharing among federal, state, local, and private participants in each coastal area.

NOAA's Office for Coastal Management should optimize the development and use of coastal mapping data by:

 integrating the data to make it readily accessible via the internet, developing visualization and predictive tools that makes the data easier to find and use, providing training on how to decipher and use the data to make accurate decisions, making sure the data meets federal standards, and archiving the data at the NOAA data center. In addition, the Digital Coast program requires NOAA's Office for Coastal Management to prioritize the collection of coastal mapping data in critical coastal areas, and support existing efforts to improve the acquisition of the key data sets necessary for coastal communities to effectively solve coastal problems.

digital_coast act bill authorizes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa office coastal management establish digital_coast program sharing digital information help coastal communities better prepare storms plan long term coastal resilience manage coastal resources program phase development noaa use coastal mapping order coastal communities effectively use coastal mapping solve coastal problems coordination information sharing federal state local private participants coastal area noaa office coastal management optimize development use coastal mapping data integrating data readily accessible internet developing predictive tools makes data find use providing training use data accurate decisions making sure data meets federal standards archiving data noaa data center addition digital_coast program requires noaa office coastal management prioritize collection coastal mapping data critical coastal areas support existing efforts improve acquisition key data sets necessary coastal communities effectively solve coastal problems


Summary:
Coral Reef Sustainability Through Innovation Act of 2016

This bill amends the Coral Reef Conservation Act to authorize the 12 federal agencies on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which includes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to carry out, either individually or cooperatively, prize competitions that promote coral reef research and conservation. The prize competitions should be designed to help the United States achieve its goal of developing new and effective ways to advance the understanding, monitoring, and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.

Priority is given to establish programs that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems.

coral reef sustainability innovation_act bill amends coral_reef_conservation_act authorize federal agencies coral reef task_force includes national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration carry individually cooperatively prize competitions promote coral reef research conservation prize competitions designed help united_states achieve goal developing new effective ways advance understanding monitoring sustainability coral reef ecosystems priority given establish programs address communities environments industries distress decline degradation coral reef ecosystems


Summary:
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Study Act

This bill directs the Department of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the lands, waters, and interests of the coastline and specified areas adjacent to the Santa Monica Bay in California to evaluate a range of alternatives for protecting the study area's resources, including:

 expanding and redesignating the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area as the "Santa Monica Mountains and Coastal Recreation Area," or creating a new coastal recreation area designated as the "Los Angeles Coastal Recreation Area."

santa mountains national recreation_area boundary adjustment study act bill directs department_of_the_interior conduct special resource study lands waters interests coastline specified areas adjacent santa bay california evaluate range alternatives protecting study area resources including expanding santa mountains recreation_area santa mountains coastal recreation_area creating new coastal recreation_area designated los_angeles coastal recreation_area


Summary:
Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a Working Waterfront Grant Program. Under the program, NOAA may award grants to coastal states with approved working waterfront plans in place to preserve and expand access to coastal waters for people engaged in fishing, aquaculture, boat building, and other water-dependent businesses.

In addition, NOAA is authorized to award grants to coastal states for the purpose of developing or revising working waterfront plans.

States are allowed to allocate any grant money received to eligible local governments and other entities. Each state that is awarded a grant must contribute at least 25% of matching funds towards the total cost of the project carried out with the grant, subject to certain exceptions.

The Department of the Interior must establish a Working Waterfront Task Force that will be designed to identify and address critical working waterfront needs with respect to cultural and economic importance, climate change and other environmental threats, and market conditions for water-dependent businesses.

america waterfronts working act bill amends coastal_zone_management_act direct national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa establish working waterfront grant program program noaa award grants coastal states approved working waterfront plans place preserve expand access coastal waters people engaged fishing aquaculture boat building water dependent businesses addition noaa authorized award grants coastal states purpose developing revising working waterfront plans states allowed allocate grant money received eligible local governments entities state awarded grant contribute matching funds total cost project carried grant subject certain exceptions department_of_the_interior establish working waterfront task_force designed identify address critical working waterfront needs respect cultural economic importance climate change environmental threats market conditions water dependent businesses


Summary:
Improving Access to Farm Conservation Act of 2016

 This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to exempt certain recipients of Department of Agriculture (USDA) conservation assistance from specified reporting requirements. The bill exempts producers that receive $450,000 or less in USDA conservation assistance during the year or are Indian tribes from reporting requirements related to subawards, executive compensation, the Universal Identifier, and the System for Award Management.

improving access farm conservation act bill amends food security act exempt certain recipients department_of_agriculture usda conservation assistance specified reporting requirements bill exempts producers receive usda conservation assistance year indian tribes reporting requirements related executive compensation universal identifier system award management


Summary:
Wetland Determinations Efficiency and Transparency Act

This bill amends the Food Security Act of 1985 to revise the process that the Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses to make a wetland determination, delineation, or certification.

The NRCS must make a determination, delineation, or certification within 60 days. If the NRCS misses the deadline, it must provide a reasonable transition period for a person to come into compliance with the decision without losing eligibility for certain payments and loans.

A decision is subject to judicial review, and a person is not required to exhaust all administrative remedies prior to bringing a suit in federal court. In the case of a dispute, the NRCS must bear the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence and provide a copy of the agency record upon request.

USDA must permit a person to secure technical assistance from an approved source, other than the NRCS, for the preparation of: (1) a conservation plan or similar plan required as a condition for USDA assistance, and (2) a wetland delineation or determination.

wetland determinations efficiency transparency_act bill amends food security act revise process department_of_agriculture usda natural_resources_conservation_service uses wetland determination delineation certification determination delineation certification days deadline provide reasonable transition period person come compliance decision losing eligibility certain payments loans decision subject judicial review person required exhaust administrative remedies prior bringing suit federal court case dispute bear burden proof preponderance evidence provide copy agency record request usda permit person secure technical assistance approved source preparation conservation plan similar plan required condition usda assistance wetland delineation determination


Summary:
Increasing Local Autonomy for Shore Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to increase the non-federal share of the cost of the periodic nourishment of any water resources development project or any measure for shore protection or beach erosion control for such project to 65% (current law sets such non-federal share at lower levels of up to 50% based on the dates after which the projects are carried out).

increasing local autonomy shore protection act bill amends water_resources_development_act increase non federal share cost periodic nourishment water resources development project measure shore protection beach erosion control project current law sets non federal share lower levels based dates projects carried


Summary:
Advancing Conservation and Education Act of 2016

 This bill allows the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming (western states) to relinquish state land grant parcels wholly or primarily within eligible areas and select, in exchange, public land within the state.

The bill defines "eligible areas" as lands within the outer boundaries of units of the National Park, National Wilderness Preservation, National Wildlife Refuge, or National Landscape Conservation Systems, areas identified by the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior as having wilderness characteristics, and certain designated lands within the National Forest System.

 Interior shall create a process for the relinquishment of such parcels.

 A western state may select, and Interior may convey, lands that are mineral in character.

 The overall value of the state land grant parcels and the public land to be conveyed shall be equal.

The bill sets forth requirements regarding hazardous materials on land conveyed, water rights, and grazing permits.

advancing conservation education act bill allows states alaska arizona california colorado idaho montana new_mexico north_dakota oregon south_dakota utah washington wyoming western states relinquish state land grant parcels wholly primarily eligible areas select exchange public land state bill defines eligible areas lands outer boundaries units national park national wilderness preservation national wildlife refuge national landscape conservation systems areas identified bureau_of_land_management department_of_the_interior having wilderness characteristics certain designated lands national_forest_system interior shall create process relinquishment parcels western state select interior convey lands mineral character overall value state land grant parcels public land conveyed shall equal bill sets forth requirements hazardous materials land conveyed water rights grazing permits


Summary:
Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016

This bill reauthorizes for FY2016-FY2021 the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 1990 and revises requirements for: (1) funding requests to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for proposals and regional projects that restore the fish and wildlife resources and habitat of the Great Lakes Basin, and (2) cost-share requirements for the proposals and projects.

The bill renames: (1) the Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office as the Lower Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, and (2) the Upper Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office as the Upper Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office.

great_lakes fish wildlife restoration act bill reauthorizes fy2016 fy2021 great_lakes fish wildlife restoration act revises requirements funding requests fish_and_wildlife_service proposals regional projects restore fish wildlife resources habitat great_lakes_basin cost share requirements proposals projects bill renames lower great_lakes fishery resources office lower great_lakes fish wildlife conservation office upper great_lakes fishery resources office upper great_lakes fish wildlife conservation office


Summary:
California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area Designation and Management Act

This bill establishes the California Seamounts and Ridges National Marine Conservation Area to protect certain seamounts, ridges, and banks locatedin federal waters off the coast of California.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)and the Department of the Interior shall have joint responsibility for managing the conservation area.Development of a management plan must include a public consultation process with tribes, fisherman, and other stakeholders to better understand the activities occurring in the conservation area.

Additionally, any management plan developed by NOAA and Interior must prohibit oil and gas development, deep sea-mining, aquaculture, and damaging fishing practices in the area.Certain activities including recreational fishing and exercises by the Armed Forces are allowed to be conducted in the area.

california national marine conservation_area designation management act bill establishes california national marine conservation_area protect certain banks federal waters coast california national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration department_of_the_interior shall joint responsibility managing conservation_area development management plan include public consultation process tribes fisherman stakeholders better understand activities occurring conservation_area additionally management plan developed noaa interior prohibit oil gas development deep sea mining aquaculture damaging fishing practices area certain activities including recreational fishing exercises armed_forces allowed conducted area


Summary:
Flood Prevention Act of 2016

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to make the District of Columbia eligible to receive federal coastal zone management funding, including flood mitigation and prevention funds.

flood prevention act bill amends coastal_zone_management_act district_of_columbia eligible receive federal coastal zone management funding including flood mitigation prevention funds


Summary:
Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Assessment Act

This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)to assess and report on the cultural and historic resources in the waters of the Great Lakes.

NOAA must recommend in its report whether: (1) underwater geographic areas in the Great Lakes should be designated as national marine sanctuaries to protect resources of historical and archeological significance; and (2) the designation of a network of underwater Great Lakes areas that protect those resources could bring significant educational opportunities, economic development, jobs, and tourism to the Great Lakes region.

great_lakes maritime heritage assessment act bill directs national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration assess report cultural historic resources waters great_lakes noaa recommend report underwater geographic areas great_lakes designated national marine sanctuaries protect resources historical archeological significance designation network underwater great_lakes areas protect resources bring significant educational opportunities economic development jobs tourism great_lakes region


Summary:
Regulatory Fairness Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to define the period of time in which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized to restrict or deny a permit for the discharge of dredged or fill materials into navigable waters as the period that:

 begins on the date that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers publishes a notice for the discharge of dredged or fill material into navigable waters at specified disposal sites, and ends on the date that the Army Corps issues the permit. The EPA must make all the information and data that it reviewed in making a determination publicly available.

The EPA's authority to withdraw a specification of a defined area as a disposal site for the discharge of dredged or fill materials is eliminated.

Any previous action by the EPA that occurred outside of this period to deny or restrict a permit or to prohibit the specification of any defined area as a disposal site is nullified.

regulatory fairness act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act define period time environmental_protection_agency epa authorized restrict deny permit discharge dredged fill materials navigable waters period begins date army_corps_of_engineers publishes notice discharge dredged fill material navigable waters specified disposal sites ends date army corps issues permit epa information data reviewed making determination publicly available epa authority withdraw specification defined area disposal site discharge dredged fill materials eliminated previous action epa occurred outside period deny restrict permit prohibit specification defined area disposal site nullified


Summary:
Ending Legacy Lawsuit Abuse Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to allow a defendant to remove from a state court to the U.S. district court a civil action involving a claim of environmental contamination that impacts or threatens to impact waters of the United States subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

ending legacy lawsuit abuse act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act allow defendant remove state court district_court civil action involving claim environmental contamination impacts threatens impact waters united_states subject jurisdiction army_corps_of_engineers


Summary:
Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) make permanent the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes, and (2) allow Native Corporations an increased tax deduction for donations of conservation easements related to lands conveyed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

conservation easement incentive act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent tax deduction charitable contributions individuals corporations real property interests conservation purposes allow native corporations increased tax deduction donations conservation easements related lands conveyed alaska_native_claims_settlement_act


Summary: Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Requires not less than 1.5% of the annual authorized funding amount or $10 million, whichever is greater, to be used for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act permanent authorization land_and_water_conservation_fund requires annual authorized funding million whichever greater projects secure recreational public access existing federal public land hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to permit tax-exempt mutual ditch or irrigation companies to earn income from dispositions of certain real property and stock interests without affecting their tax-exempt status. Requires that such income be used to pay the costs of operations, maintenance, and capital improvements of such a company.

water agriculture tax reform_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permit tax exempt mutual ditch irrigation companies earn income dispositions certain real property stock interests affecting tax exempt status requires income pay costs operations maintenance capital improvements company


Summary:
Making Public Land Public Access Act

Requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure that a specified portion of the Land and Water Conservation Fund is allocated to secure recreational public access to existing federal public land that has significantly restricted access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes. Requires Interior and USDA to annually develop a priority list for sites for such funds.

making public land public access act requires department_of_the_interior_and_the_department_of_agriculture usda ensure specified portion land_and_water_conservation_fund allocated secure recreational public access existing federal public land significantly restricted access hunting fishing recreational purposes requires interior usda annually develop priority list sites funds


Summary:
Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act of 2015

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to expand the purpose of the Act to include achieving the goals established in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan and the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy.

This bill reauthorizes through FY2020 the Great Lakes Legacy Act for the remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Great Lakes National Program Office, and EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

The Initiative must prioritize work done by non-federal partners in specified focus areas. Initiative funding may not be used for a water infrastructure activity that is implemented using funds made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund programs, except green infrastructure projects that improve habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes.

Federal agencies must maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities and identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.

The bill codifies the establishment of the Great Lakes Advisory Board and the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force, which were previously established by the EPA. The Board must provide advice and recommendations to the EPA on matters pertaining to Great Lakes restoration and protection. The Task Force must collaborate with Canada and coordinate the development of federal policy on Great Lakes restoration and protection.

great_lakes ecological economic protection act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act expand purpose act include achieving goals established great_lakes restoration initiative action plan great_lakes regional collaboration strategy bill reauthorizes fy2020 great_lakes legacy act remediation sediment contamination areas concern environmental_protection_agency epa great_lakes national program_office epa great_lakes restoration initiative initiative prioritize work non federal partners specified focus areas initiative funding water infrastructure activity implemented funds available clean water drinking water state revolving fund programs green infrastructure projects improve habitat ecosystem functions great_lakes federal agencies maintain base level funding great_lakes activities identify new activities support environmental goals initiative bill codifies establishment great_lakes advisory_board great_lakes interagency_task_force previously established epa board provide advice recommendations epa matters pertaining great_lakes restoration protection task_force collaborate canada coordinate development federal policy great_lakes restoration protection


Summary:
Highway Runoff Management Act

 Requires each state to develop for approval a state highway stormwater management program consisting of management measures to prevent, reduce, or control highway runoff from federal-aid highway projects.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation to publish guidance to assist states in the establishment of such measures.

highway runoff management act requires state develop approval state highway stormwater management program consisting management measures prevent reduce control highway runoff federal aid highway projects directs secretary transportation publish guidance assist states establishment measures


Summary:
San Francisco Bay Restoration Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency to provide funding for prioritized activities, studies, or projects that advance the goals and objectives of the comprehensive management plan for the San Francisco estuary. Funding may be provided through cooperative agreements, grants, or other means. Funding may not be used for the administration of a management conference for the San Francisco estuary under the National Estuary Program.

Funding amounts provided under this Act may not exceed 75% of the total cost of eligible activities to be carried out using those amounts.

This bill authorizes appropriations for the funding program through FY2019.

san_francisco_bay restoration act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize environmental_protection_agency provide funding prioritized activities studies projects advance goals objectives comprehensive management plan san_francisco estuary funding provided cooperative agreements grants means funding administration management conference san_francisco estuary national_estuary_program funding amounts provided act exceed total cost eligible activities carried amounts bill authorizes appropriations funding program fy2019


Summary:
Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Act of 2015

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish the Water Infrastructure Resiliency and Sustainability Program to provide grants in each of FY2015-FY2019 for programs or projects to increase the resiliency or adaptability of water systems to any ongoing or forecasted changes to the hydrologic conditions of a U.S. region. A water system is a community water system, a treatment works, a decentralized wastewater treatment system for domestic sewage, a groundwater storage and replenishment system, a system for transport and delivery of water for irrigation or conservation, or a natural or engineered system that manages floodwater.

The EPA must give priority to owners or operators of water systems that are at the greatest and most immediate risk of facing significant negative impacts due to changing hydrologic conditions.

The EPA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that the list of grant applications funded includes a substantial number that propose to use innovative approaches that meet at least one of these goals:

 promote more efficient water use, conservation, reuse, or recycling; use decentralized, low-impact development technologies and nonstructural approaches; reduce stormwater runoff or flooding by protecting or enhancing natural ecosystem functions; modify, upgrade, enhance, or replace existing water system infrastructure in response to changing hydrologic conditions; improve water quality or quantity for agricultural and municipal uses; and provide multiple benefits, including water supply enhancement or demand reduction, water quality protection or improvement, increased flood protection, and ecosystem protection or improvement.

water infrastructure resiliency sustainability act bill requires environmental_protection_agency epa establish water infrastructure resiliency sustainability program provide grants fy2015-fy2019 programs projects increase resiliency adaptability water systems ongoing forecasted changes hydrologic conditions region water system community water system treatment works decentralized wastewater treatment system domestic sewage groundwater storage replenishment system system transport delivery water irrigation conservation natural engineered system manages epa priority owners operators water systems greatest immediate risk facing significant negative impacts changing hydrologic conditions epa ensure maximum extent practicable list grant applications funded includes substantial number propose use innovative approaches meet goals promote efficient water use conservation reuse recycling use decentralized low impact development technologies nonstructural approaches reduce stormwater runoff flooding protecting enhancing natural ecosystem functions modify upgrade enhance replace existing water system infrastructure response changing hydrologic conditions improve water quality quantity agricultural municipal uses provide multiple benefits including water supply enhancement demand reduction water quality protection improvement increased flood protection ecosystem protection improvement


Summary:
Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act of 2015

Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund(LWCF).

Permits funds deposited into the LWCF to be spent without being subject to the appropriations process. Provides that the funds are in addition to amounts made available by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 or otherwise appropriated from the LWCF.

Directs the President to submit to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds provided by this bill. Permits Congress to provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures.

 Requires at least 1.5% of the annual authorized funds to be used for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

land water conservation authorization funding act amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act permanent authorization land water conservation permits funds deposited spent subject appropriations process provides funds addition amounts available gulf_of_mexico_energy_security_act appropriated directs president submit congress specified details allocation funds provided bill permits congress provide alternate allocations specified procedures requires annual authorized funds projects secure recreational public access existing federal public land hunting fishing recreational purposes


Summary:
Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2015

This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grants to eligible higher education institutions and research institutions to establish and maintain between three and five centers of excellence for innovative stormwater control infrastructure, which is any stormwater management technique that: (1) uses natural systems or engineered systems that mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspire, or capture stormwater; and (2) preserves, enhances, or mimics natural hydrology to protect or restore water quality. One of the centers must be the national electronic clearinghouse center and operate a website and a public database on the infrastructure.

The EPA must: (1) provide grants to eligible entities that manage stormwater, water resources, or wastewater resources to carry out innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects; and (2) give priority to applications from a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged, or from an eligible entity that will use at least 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community.

The EPA must ensure that: (1) EPA's Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Policy promote the use of the infrastructure in, and coordinate its integration into, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; and (2) the Office of Water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms in the implementation of the infrastructure. The EPA must: (1) direct each EPA regional office to promote and integrate the use of the infrastructure within the region, and (2) promote sharing information about the infrastructure approaches.

The EPA must establish the innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard of voluntary, measurable goals to increase the percentage of annual water managed by entities that use the infrastructure.

innovative stormwater infrastructure act bill requires environmental_protection_agency epa provide grants eligible higher education institutions research institutions establish maintain centers_of_excellence innovative stormwater control infrastructure stormwater management technique uses natural systems engineered systems mimic natural processes capture stormwater preserves enhances natural hydrology protect restore water quality centers national electronic clearinghouse center operate website public database infrastructure epa provide grants eligible entities manage stormwater water resources wastewater resources carry innovative stormwater control infrastructure projects priority applications community combined storm sanitary sewers collection system low income disadvantaged eligible entity use grant low income disadvantaged community epa ensure epa office_of_water office enforcement compliance office research development office policy promote use infrastructure coordinate integration permitting programs planning efforts research technical assistance funding guidance office_of_water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms implementation infrastructure epa direct epa regional office promote integrate use infrastructure region promote sharing information infrastructure approaches epa establish innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard voluntary measurable goals increase percentage annual water managed entities use infrastructure


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Delaware River Basin Conservation Act of 2015

(Sec. 4) This bill requires the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to establish a nonregulatory Delaware River Basin restoration program, under which it shall: (1) draw on management plans for the basin or portions of the basin and work in consultation with applicable management entities, including representatives of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the Delaware River Basin Commission, the federal government, other state and local governments, and regional and nonprofit organizations, to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration and protection activities within the basin; (2) adopt a basin-wide strategy that supports the implementation of a shared set of science-based restoration and protection activities, targets cost-effective projects with measurable results, and maximizes conservation outcomes with no net gain of federal full-time equivalent employees; and (3) establish the voluntary grant and technical assistance programs in accordance with this bill.

"Basin" is defined as the four-state Delaware Basin region, including all of Delaware Bay and portions of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania located in the Delaware River watershed.

(Sec. 5) The USFWS shall: (1) establish the Delaware River Basin restoration grant program to provide competitive matching grants to carry out restoration and protection activities within the basin, and (2) develop criteria to ensure that funded activities accomplish specified purposes and advance the implementation of priority actions or needs identified in the strategy adopted under this bill.

The USFWS may contract with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or another organization that offers grant management services.

(Sec. 6) The USFWS shall submit to Congress annually a report on the implementation of this bill, including a description of each project that has received funding.

(Sec. 7) Appropriations are authorized to carry out this bill for FY2016-FY2021. The USFWS shall use at least 75% of any amount made available for each fiscal year to carry out the grant program and to provide or provide for technical assistance under such program.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure delaware_river_basin conservation act sec bill requires united_states fish_and_wildlife_service usfws establish nonregulatory delaware_river_basin restoration program shall draw management plans basin portions basin work consultation applicable management entities including representatives partnership delaware estuary delaware_river_basin commission federal_government state local governments regional nonprofit organizations identify prioritize implement restoration protection activities basin adopt basin wide strategy supports implementation shared set science based restoration protection activities targets cost effective projects measurable results maximizes conservation outcomes net gain federal time equivalent employees establish voluntary grant technical assistance programs accordance bill basin defined state delaware basin region including delaware bay portions delaware new_jersey new_york pennsylvania located delaware_river watershed sec usfws shall establish delaware_river_basin restoration grant program provide competitive matching grants carry restoration protection activities basin develop criteria ensure funded activities accomplish specified purposes advance implementation priority actions needs identified strategy adopted bill usfws contract national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation organization offers grant management services sec usfws shall submit congress annually report implementation bill including description project received funding sec appropriations authorized carry bill fy2016 fy2021 usfws shall use available fiscal year carry grant program provide provide technical assistance program


Summary:
Water Rights Protection Act

 Prohibits the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture from:

 conditioning or withholding the issuance, renewal, amendment, or extension of any permit, approval, license, lease, allotment, easement, right-of-way, or other land use or occupancy agreement (permit) on the limitation or encumbrance of any water right or the transfer of any water right to the United States or any other designee, or any other impairment of any water right under state law by federal or state action; requiring any water user (including a federally recognized Indian tribe) to apply for or acquire a water right in the name of the United States under state law as a condition of such a permit; asserting jurisdiction over groundwater withdrawals or impacts on groundwater resources, unless consistent with state groundwater resource laws, regulations, and policies; or infringing on the rights and obligations of a state in evaluating, allocating, and adjudicating state waters originating on or under, or flowing from, land owned or managed by the federal government.

water rights protection act prohibits department_of_the_interior_and_the_department_of_agriculture conditioning withholding issuance renewal amendment extension permit approval license lease allotment easement right way land use occupancy agreement permit limitation encumbrance water right transfer water right united_states designee impairment water right state law federal state action requiring water user including federally recognized indian tribe apply acquire water right united_states state law condition permit asserting jurisdiction groundwater withdrawals impacts groundwater resources consistent state groundwater resource laws regulations policies infringing rights obligations state evaluating allocating adjudicating state waters originating flowing land owned managed federal_government