Summary:
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act or CWA) to revise the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or a state acting pursuant to an equivalent approved state program (permitting authority) to base a determination on approving a new or renewed permit covering discharges from a structure only on compliance with regulations issued by such permitting authority. Prohibits such permitting authority from basing such determination on the extent of the permit applicant's adherence to guidance issued by the Administrator, including: (1) the comprehensive guidance issued by the Administrator and dated April 1, 2010, (2) the proposed guidance entitled "Draft Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act" and dated April 28,2011, and (3) the final guidance proposed by the Administrator and dated July 21, 2011. Authorizes an applicant, if the permitting authority does not approve or deny an application for a new permit within 270 days after the date of receipt of an application, to operate as if the application were approved.

 Prohibits the Administrator from disapproving or withdrawing approval of a state permit program under NPDES based on: (1) the failure of such program to incorporate or comply with such guidance, or (2) the implementation of a water quality standard that has been adopted by the state and approved by the Administrator.

 Establishes environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) for permits to discharge dredged or fill material into navigable waters.

 Removes the authority of the EPA to prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States once the Army Corps of Engineers has issued a permit for the discharge.

 Requires the Administrator: (1) before issuing a regulation, policy statement, guidance, response to a petition, or other requirement or implementing a new or substantially altered program under the CWA, to analyze the impact of such action on employment levels or economic activity in each state; and (2) upon concluding that such action will have more than a de minimis negative impact on employment levels or economic activity in a state, to hold a public hearing in each such state at least 30 days prior to the effective date of the action and to give notice of such impact to the state's congressional delegation, governor, and legislature at least 45 days before such effective date.

 Prohibits the Secretary of the Army and the Administrator from: (1) finalizing, adopting, implementing, administering, or enforcing the proposed guidance described in the notice of availability and request for comments entitled "EPA and Army Corps of Engineers Guidance Regarding Identification of Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act"; or (2) using such Guidance, or any substantially similar guidance made publicly available on or after December 3, 2008, as the basis for any decision regarding the scope of the CWA or any rulemaking. Provides that the use of such guidance as the basis for any rule shall be grounds for vacating such rule.

 Prohibits the Administrator from: (1) promulgating a revised or new water quality standard for a pollutant when the Administrator has approved a state water quality standard for such pollutant unless the state concurs with the Administrator's determination that the revised or new standard is necessary to meet CWA requirements; or (2) taking action to supersede a state's determination that a discharge will comply with effluent limitations, water quality standards, controls on the discharge of pollutants, and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards under the CWA.

Authorizes states to disregard, accept, or modify the Administrator's disagreement with, and recommendations for, a state's identification of: (1) waters as areas with insufficient controls, and (2) pollutants suitable for maximum daily load measurement.

amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cwa revise national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa state acting pursuant equivalent approved state program permitting authority base determination approving new renewed permit covering discharges structure compliance regulations issued permitting authority prohibits permitting authority basing determination extent permit applicant adherence guidance issued administrator including comprehensive guidance issued administrator dated april proposed guidance entitled draft guidance identifying waters protected clean water act dated april final guidance proposed administrator dated july authorizes applicant permitting authority approve deny application new permit days date receipt application operate application approved prohibits administrator disapproving withdrawing approval state permit program npdes based failure program incorporate comply guidance implementation water quality standard adopted state approved administrator establishes environmental review requirements national_environmental_policy_act nepa permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters removes authority epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states army_corps_of_engineers issued permit discharge requires administrator issuing regulation policy statement guidance response petition requirement implementing new substantially altered program cwa analyze impact action employment levels economic activity state concluding action minimis negative impact employment levels economic activity state hold public hearing state days prior effective date action notice impact state congressional delegation governor legislature days effective date prohibits secretary army administrator finalizing adopting implementing administering enforcing proposed guidance described notice availability request comments entitled epa army_corps_of_engineers guidance identification waters protected clean water act guidance substantially similar guidance publicly available december basis decision scope cwa rulemaking provides use guidance basis rule shall grounds vacating rule prohibits administrator promulgating revised new water quality standard pollutant administrator approved state water quality standard pollutant state concurs administrator determination revised new standard necessary meet cwa requirements taking action supersede state determination discharge comply effluent limitations water quality standards controls discharge pollutants toxic effluent standards cwa authorizes states disregard accept modify administrator disagreement recommendations state identification waters areas insufficient controls pollutants suitable maximum daily load measurement


Summary:
Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from requiring, or from promulgating regulations that direct a state to require, a permit under the national pollutant discharge elimination system for a discharge of stormwater runoff resulting from the conduct of the following silvicultural activities: nursery operations, site preparation, reforestation, thinning, prescribed burning, pest and fire control, harvesting operations, surface drainage, and road use, construction, and maintenance.

 Specifies that nothing in this Act exempts a silvicultural activity resulting in the discharge of dredged of fill material from permit requirements for discharges into navigable waters.

regulatory consistency act_-_amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit administrator environmental_protection_agency epa requiring promulgating regulations direct state require permit national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system discharge stormwater runoff resulting conduct following silvicultural activities nursery operations site preparation reforestation thinning prescribed burning pest fire control harvesting operations surface drainage road use construction maintenance specifies act exempts silvicultural activity resulting discharge dredged fill material permit requirements discharges navigable waters


Summary:
Artificial Reef Promotion Act of 2013 - Amends the National Fishing Enhancement Act of 1984 to require the Secretary of the Army, in issuing a permit for artificial reefs, to ensure that a state assuming liability for future damages has established an artificial reef maintenance fund.

Requires the Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to promulgate regulations that expedite the review of a final application submitted to dispose of or remove an offshore oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico for use as an artificial reef by requiring that a decision be made within 150 days after the submission of such application. Requires the Commanding General of the Corps of Engineers to promulgate regulations that expedite the review of a final application by the Secretary by requiring a decision to be given within 120 days after the submission of such application.

Directs the Commanding General to designate no fewer than 20 artificial reef planning areas. Specifies location and depth requirements for such artificial reefs, including the number of areas that should be located outside the seaward boundary of each of the Gulf states. Revises siting compliance requirements imposed upon permittees.

Prohibits regulations from requiring an artificial reef planning area to be filled to capacity with offshore oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of Mexico before another artificial reef planning area is established. Requires the Regional Supervisor to give preference to a final application submitted to dispose of or remove a platform for use as an artificial reef.

artificial reef promotion act amends national fishing enhancement_act require secretary army issuing permit artificial reefs ensure state assuming liability future damages established artificial reef maintenance fund requires director bureau_of_safety_and_environmental_enforcement director bureau_of_ocean_energy_management promulgate regulations expedite review final application submitted dispose remove offshore oil gas platform gulf_of_mexico use artificial reef requiring decision days submission application requires commanding general corps_of_engineers promulgate regulations expedite review final application secretary requiring decision given days submission application directs commanding general designate fewer artificial reef planning areas specifies location depth requirements artificial reefs including number areas located outside seaward boundary gulf states revises siting compliance requirements imposed permittees prohibits regulations requiring artificial reef planning area filled capacity offshore oil gas platforms gulf_of_mexico artificial reef planning area established requires regional supervisor preference final application submitted dispose remove platform use artificial reef


Summary: Amends the Highlands Conservation Act to extend, through FY2024, funding for: (1) land conservation partnership projects in the highlands regions of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; and (2) Forest Service and Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to assist such states, units of local government, and private forest and farm landowners in the conservation of land and natural resources in that region.

amends highlands conservation act extend fy2024 funding land conservation partnership projects highlands regions connecticut new_jersey new_york pennsylvania forest_service department_of_agriculture usda programs assist states units local government private forest farm landowners conservation land natural resources region


Summary:
Authorizes the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide funds to any state, local, or tribal government impacted by the events, including marine debris impacts, resulting from the March 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in the Tohoku region of Japan to assist with the costs of any activity carried out to address the effects of such event.

Permits the Administrator to provide such funds using any funds provided by the government of Japan for such purposes.

authorizes administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa provide funds state local tribal government impacted events including marine debris impacts resulting march earthquake subsequent tsunami region japan assist costs activity carried address effects event permits administrator provide funds funds provided government japan purposes


Summary:
Great Lakes Ecological and Economic Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to include as a purpose of such Act to achieve the goals established in the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Action Plan (Action Plan), the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy (Strategy), and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 (Agreement) through: (1) improved organization and definition of mission on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); (2) the funding of grants, contracts, and interagency agreements for protection, restoration, and pollution control in the Great Lakes area; and (3) improved accountability.

Expands the duties of the Great Lakes National Program Office to include coordinating with the Great Lakes Interagency Task Force (Task Force), established by this Act.

Requires the Administrator of EPA to establish the Great Lakes Advisory Board to provide advice and recommendations to the Administrator on matters pertaining to Great Lakes restoration and protection.

Finds that the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (Initiative), which commenced in 2010, is designed to: (1) identify programs and projects that are strategically selected to target the most significant environmental problems in the Great Lakes ecosystem and to implement the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Strategy; (2) be based on the work of the Task Force; and (3) represent the government's commitment to significantly advancing Great Lakes protection and restoration.

 Requires the Initiative to prioritize work done by non-federal partners using funding made available for the Great Lakes for priority areas for each fiscal year, such as: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern, (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts, (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution, and (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration.

 Requires that: (1) Initiative funds be used to strategically implement federal projects and projects carried out in coordination with states, Indian tribes, municipalities, institutions of higher education, and other organizations; and (2) Initiative projects be carried out on multiple levels, including local, Great Lakes-wide, and Great Lakes basin-wide. Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) that is implemented using funds made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program.

 Requires federal agencies to: (1) maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities, and (2) identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative. Authorizes appropriations for the Initiative for FY2014-FY2018.

Establishes the Task Force to:

 collaborate with Canada, provinces of Canada, and binational bodies involved in the Great Lakes region regarding policies, strategies, projects, and priorities for the Great Lakes System; coordinate the development of federal policies, strategies, projects, and priorities for addressing the restoration and protection of the System consistent with the Agreement, the Strategy, and the Action Plan; assist in the appropriate management of the System; develop goals for the System that focus on outcomes such as cleaner water, improved public health, sustainable fisheries, and biodiversity and ensure that federal policies, strategies, projects, and priorities support measurable results and are consistent with the Strategy and Action Plan; exchange information regarding policies, strategies, projects, and activities of the agencies represented on the Task Force relating to the System, the Strategy, the Agreement, and the Action Plan; coordinate government action associated with the System; seek input from nongovernmental organizations, states, and local and tribal governments; ensure coordinated scientific and other research associated with the System; provide assistance and support to agencies represented on the Task Force in activities relating to the System; establish annual priorities with respect to Great Lakes protection and restoration, consistent with priorities for the Strategy and the Agreement; review and update such Strategy and Action Plan every five years in coordination with specified entities; and report on what actions have and have not been implemented with respect to the recommendations made by the Board and the Great Lakes' mayors, the governors, and tribal leaders. Requires the Administrator to submit to Congress annually a comprehensive report on the overall health of the Great Lakes, including a description of the achievements in implementing the Agreement, a list of the Initiative's accomplishments, and recommendations for streamlining work of advisory and coordinating committees.

Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to submit to Congress, annually, a financial report certified by each agency that has budget authority for Great Lakes restoration activities that contains: (1) an interagency budget crosscut report, (2) a detailed accounting of all funds received and obligated by all federal agencies and state agencies using federal funds for Great Lakes restoration activities during the current and previous fiscal years, (3) a budget for the proposed projects to be carried out in the subsequent fiscal year, and (4) a listing of projects to be undertaken in the subsequent fiscal year.

Authorizes appropriations for: (1) remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern in the Great Lakes, and (2) the Great Lakes Program.

great_lakes ecological economic protection act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act include purpose act achieve goals established great_lakes restoration initiative action plan action plan great_lakes regional collaboration strategy strategy great_lakes_water_quality_agreement agreement improved organization definition mission environmental_protection_agency epa funding grants contracts interagency agreements protection restoration pollution control great_lakes area improved accountability expands duties great_lakes national program_office include coordinating great_lakes interagency_task_force task_force established act requires administrator epa establish great_lakes advisory_board provide advice recommendations administrator matters pertaining great_lakes restoration protection finds great_lakes restoration initiative initiative commenced designed identify programs projects strategically selected target significant environmental problems great_lakes ecosystem implement great_lakes regional collaboration strategy based work task_force represent government commitment significantly advancing great_lakes protection restoration requires initiative prioritize work non federal partners funding available great_lakes priority areas fiscal year remediation toxic substances areas concern prevention control invasive species impacts protection restoration near shore health prevention mitigation nonpoint source pollution habitat wildlife protection restoration requires initiative funds strategically implement federal projects projects carried coordination states indian tribes municipalities institutions higher education organizations initiative projects carried multiple levels including local great_lakes wide great_lakes_basin wide prohibits funding available implement initiative water infrastructure activity green infrastructure project improves habitat ecosystem functions great_lakes implemented funds available clean water drinking water state revolving fund program requires federal agencies maintain base level funding great_lakes activities identify new activities support environmental goals initiative authorizes appropriations initiative fy2014-fy2018 establishes task_force collaborate canada canada binational bodies involved great_lakes region policies strategies projects priorities great_lakes system coordinate development federal policies strategies projects priorities addressing restoration protection system consistent agreement strategy action plan assist appropriate management system develop goals system focus outcomes cleaner water improved public health sustainable fisheries biodiversity ensure federal policies strategies projects priorities support measurable results consistent strategy action plan exchange information policies strategies projects activities agencies represented task_force relating system strategy agreement action plan coordinate government action associated system seek input nongovernmental organizations states local tribal governments ensure coordinated scientific research associated system provide assistance support agencies represented task_force activities relating system establish annual priorities respect great_lakes protection restoration consistent priorities strategy agreement review update strategy action plan years coordination specified entities report actions implemented respect recommendations board great_lakes governors tribal leaders requires administrator submit congress annually comprehensive report overall health great_lakes including description achievements implementing agreement list initiative accomplishments recommendations streamlining work advisory coordinating committees requires director office_of_management_and_budget omb submit congress annually financial report certified agency budget authority great_lakes restoration activities contains interagency budget crosscut report detailed accounting funds received obligated federal agencies state agencies federal funds great_lakes restoration activities current previous fiscal years budget proposed projects carried subsequent fiscal year listing projects undertaken subsequent fiscal year authorizes appropriations remediation sediment contamination areas concern great_lakes great_lakes program


Summary:
Clean Cruise Ship Act of 2013 - Declares the purpose of this Act to be the establishment of national standards and prohibitions for discharges from cruise vessels. Defines "cruise vessel" as a passenger vessel that is authorized to carry at least 250 passengers and has onboard sleeping facilities for each passenger. Excludes vessels owned or operated by federal, state, or local governments.

Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit cruise vessels departing from, or calling on, a U.S. port from discharging effluents, including sewage or sewage sludge, incinerator ash, hazardous waste, graywater, or bilge water, into navigable waters. Allows an exception for discharges made solely to secure the safety of a cruise vessel or to save a human life at sea.

Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) promulgate effluent limits for sewage, graywater, and bilge water discharges from cruise vessels; (2) establish dates for compliance with such limits; (3) require sampling, monitoring, and reporting to ensure compliance with such limits and other applicable requirements; and (4) establish an inspection program to ensure the compliance of cruise vessels with the requirements of this Act.

Requires the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in consultation with the Administrator, to establish and carry out a program for hiring and placing trained, independent, observers on cruise vessels to monitor and inspect vessel operations, equipment, and discharges.

Establishes in the Treasury the Cruise Vessel Pollution Control Fund. Requires the Commandant and the Administrator to collect fees from cruise vessels and deposit such fees in the Fund for use in carrying out this Act.

clean cruise ship act declares purpose act establishment national standards prohibitions discharges cruise vessels defines cruise vessel passenger vessel authorized carry passengers onboard sleeping facilities passenger excludes vessels owned operated federal state local governments amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit cruise vessels departing calling port discharging including sewage sewage sludge incinerator ash hazardous waste graywater bilge water navigable waters allows exception discharges solely secure safety cruise vessel save human life sea requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa promulgate effluent limits sewage graywater bilge water discharges cruise vessels establish dates compliance limits require sampling monitoring reporting ensure compliance limits applicable requirements establish inspection program ensure compliance cruise vessels requirements act requires commandant_of_the_coast_guard consultation administrator establish carry program hiring placing trained independent observers cruise vessels monitor inspect vessel operations equipment discharges establishes treasury cruise vessel pollution control fund requires commandant administrator collect fees cruise vessels deposit fees fund use carrying act


Summary: Water and Agriculture Tax Reform Act of 2013 - 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: Commonsense Permitting for Job Creation Act of 2013 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prevent guidelines applicable to permits for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters at disposal sites from prohibiting specification of a site due to the lack of a final site plan resulting from the lack of an identified end user or industry or industrial classification when determining whether there is a practicable alternative to a proposed discharge that would result in less adverse impact on the aquatic ecosystem.

commonsense permitting job creation act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prevent guidelines applicable permits discharge dredged fill material navigable waters disposal sites prohibiting specification site lack final site plan resulting lack identified end user industry industrial classification determining practicable alternative proposed discharge result adverse impact aquatic ecosystem


Summary:
Hunt Unrestricted on National Treasures Act or HUNT Act - Requires each head of a federal public land management agency (the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management [BLM]), to annually make available to the public on its website a report that includes: (1) a list of the land more than 640 acres in size under its jurisdiction on which the public is allowed to hunt, fish, or use such land for other recreational purposes and to which there is no public access or egress or to which such access or egress to the land's legal boundaries is significantly restricted; (2) a list of locations and acreage on such land that the agency head determines have significant potential for use for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes; and (3) a plan to provide such access and egress that is consistent with the travel management plan in effect.

Requires each agency head to make available to the public on the agency's website, and thereafter revise, a list of roads or trails that provide the primary public access and egress to the legal boundaries of contiguous parcels of land equal to more than 640 acres in size under the agency's jurisdiction on which the public is allowed to hunt, fish, or use such lands for other recreational purposes.

Amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to require allotment from the Land and Water Conservation Fund of an amount not less than 1.5% of the moneys appropriated for projects that secure public access to federal land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes through easements, rights-of-way, or fee title acquisitions from willing sellers.

hunt unrestricted national treasures act hunt act_-_requires head federal public land management agency national_park_service fish_and_wildlife_service forest_service bureau_of_land_management blm annually available public website report includes list land acres size jurisdiction public allowed hunt fish use land recreational purposes public access egress access egress land legal boundaries significantly restricted list locations acreage land agency head determines significant potential use hunting fishing recreational purposes plan provide access egress consistent travel management plan effect requires agency head available public agency website revise list roads trails provide primary public access egress legal boundaries contiguous parcels land equal acres size agency jurisdiction public allowed hunt fish use lands recreational purposes amends land_and_water_conservation_fund_act require allotment land_and_water_conservation_fund moneys appropriated projects secure public access federal land hunting fishing recreational purposes easements rights way fee title acquisitions willing sellers


Summary:
Innovative Stormwater Infrastructure Act of 2013 - Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide competitive 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. Defines "innovative stormwater control infrastructure" to mean 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.

Establishes the duties of each center, including: (1) researching innovative stormwater control infrastructure; (2) developing manuals and establishing industry standards on best management practices relating to state, tribal, local, and commercial innovative stormwater control infrastructure; (3) developing and administering testing and evaluation protocols to measure and verify the performance of stormwater infrastructure products and practices; (4) providing information about its research, manuals, and testing and evaluation to the national electronic clearinghouse center; (5) providing technical assistance and training on infrastructure; and (6) evaluating regulatory and policy issues relating to infrastructure.

Requires one of the centers to be designated as the national electronic clearinghouse center, which shall, in addition to its other duties, operate a website and a public database on such infrastructure.

Requires the Administrator to provide competitive grants to eligible entities that manage stormwater, water resources, or waste water resources to: (1) plan, design, and install such infrastructure projects; (2) develop standards and revisions to local zoning, building, or other local codes necessary to accommodate such projects; (3) develop fee structures to provide financial support for such infrastructure; (4) develop training and educational materials regarding such infrastructure; (5) develop and implement an innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard program; (6) protect or restore interconnected networks of natural areas that protect water quality; (7) monitor and evaluate the environmental, economic, or social benefits of such infrastructure; and (8) implement a best practices standard. Requires the Administrator to give priority to applications from: (1) a community that has combined storm and sanitary sewers in its collection system or is low-income or disadvantaged; or (2) an eligible entity that will use at least 10% of the grant for a low-income or disadvantaged community.

Requires the Administrator to: (1) ensure that EPA's Office of Water, Office of Enforcement and Compliance, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Policy promote the use of such infrastructure in, and coordinate its integration into, permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; (2) ensure that the Office of Water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms in the implementation of such infrastructure; (3) direct each EPA regional office to promote and integrate the use of such infrastructure within the region; (4) promote information-sharing with state, tribal, and local governments, tribal communities, the private sector, and the public regarding innovative stormwater control infrastructure approaches for reducing water pollution, protecting water resources, complying with regulatory requirements, and achieving other environmental, public health, and community goals; and (5) establish voluntary, measurable goals, to be known as the innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard, to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that use such infrastructure.

innovative stormwater infrastructure act requires administrator environmental_protection_agency epa provide competitive grants eligible higher education institutions research institutions establish maintain centers_of_excellence innovative stormwater control infrastructure defines innovative stormwater control infrastructure mean stormwater management technique uses natural systems engineered systems mimic natural processes capture stormwater preserves enhances natural hydrology protect restore water quality establishes duties center including researching innovative stormwater control infrastructure developing manuals establishing industry standards best management practices relating state tribal local commercial innovative stormwater control infrastructure developing administering testing evaluation protocols measure verify performance stormwater infrastructure products practices providing information research manuals testing evaluation national electronic clearinghouse center providing technical assistance training infrastructure evaluating regulatory policy issues relating infrastructure requires centers designated national electronic clearinghouse center shall addition duties operate website public database infrastructure requires administrator provide competitive grants eligible entities manage stormwater water resources waste water resources plan design install infrastructure projects develop standards revisions local zoning building local codes necessary accommodate projects develop fee structures provide financial support infrastructure develop training educational materials infrastructure develop implement innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard program protect restore interconnected networks natural areas protect water quality monitor evaluate environmental economic social benefits infrastructure implement best practices standard requires administrator priority applications community combined storm sanitary sewers collection system low income disadvantaged eligible entity use grant low income disadvantaged community requires administrator 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 ensure office_of_water supports establishing innovative financing mechanisms implementation infrastructure direct epa regional office promote integrate use infrastructure region promote information sharing state tribal local governments tribal communities private sector public innovative stormwater control infrastructure approaches reducing water pollution protecting water resources complying regulatory requirements achieving environmental public health community goals establish voluntary measurable goals known innovative stormwater control infrastructure portfolio standard increase percentage annual water managed eligible entities use infrastructure


Summary:
Clean Estuaries Act of 2014 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise, and reauthorize through FY2019, the National Estuary Program.

Expands the purposes of management conferences for estuary programs, including by adding components that must be included in a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (Plan).

Requires management conferences to make use of collaborative processes in updating or developing a Plan.

Establishes a process by which a state may resubmit a Plan that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined is incomplete.

Considers a submission or resubmission of a Plan to be approved if the EPA fails to respond within 120 days of receiving it. Requires the EPA to terminate a management conference if the conference fails to submit a Plan within three years of being convened.

Requires the EPA to: (1) evaluate, every five years, the implementation of each Plan developed to determine the degree to which the goals of the plan have been met; (2) submit the results of the evaluation to the appropriate management conference for review and comment; and (3) report on the results of the evaluation and make the report publicly available. Requires management conferences to update plans within 18 months after they are evaluated.

Authorizes the EPA to consider a management conference to be in probationary status if the conference has not received approval for an updated plan within five years of the date of the evaluation's publication. Requires the EPA to: (1) reduce a grant for the implementation of a plan developed by a management conference with probationary status, and (2) terminate a management conference and cease funding for the implementation of the plan if the conference has been in probationary status for two consecutive years.

Requires appropriate federal agencies, after the EPA's approval of a Plan, to cooperate and to coordinate activities related to implementation. Makes the EPA the lead coordinating agency for implementing Plans.

Requires an agency head, in making annual budget requests, to consider the agency's responsibilities under the Program.

Requires the EPA to include measures to track the introduction and establishment of nonnative species within the trend assessment program to monitor variations in environmental parameters that may affect estuarine zones.

Requires the EPA to evaluate and report to the public on the National Estuary Program every five years.

clean estuaries act sec amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize fy2019 national_estuary_program expands purposes management conferences estuary programs including adding components included comprehensive conservation management plan plan requires management conferences use collaborative processes updating developing plan establishes process state resubmit plan environmental_protection_agency epa determined incomplete considers submission plan approved epa fails respond days receiving requires epa terminate management conference conference fails submit plan years convened requires epa evaluate years implementation plan developed determine degree goals plan met submit results evaluation appropriate management conference review comment report results evaluation report publicly available requires management conferences update plans months evaluated authorizes epa consider management conference probationary status conference received approval updated plan years date evaluation publication requires epa reduce grant implementation plan developed management conference probationary status terminate management conference cease funding implementation plan conference probationary status consecutive years requires appropriate federal agencies epa approval plan cooperate coordinate activities related implementation makes epa lead coordinating agency implementing plans requires agency head making annual budget requests consider agency responsibilities program requires epa include measures track introduction establishment nonnative species trend assessment program monitor variations environmental parameters affect estuarine zones requires epa evaluate report public national_estuary_program years


Summary:
Regulatory Fairness Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to define the period of time in which the Administrator of 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 Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, provides notice to the Administrator that the Secretary has completed all procedures for processing an application for a permit for dredged or fill material and is ready to determine whether the permit should be issued; and ends on the date that the Secretary issues the permit. Requires the Administrator to consult with the Secretary before restricting or denying a permit.

Directs the Administrator to make publicly available the basis of and reasons for making a determination to restrict or deny such a permit and information reviewed in making the determination.

Prohibits previous action by the Administrator 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 for dredged or fill materials from being valid or otherwise enforceable.

regulatory fairness act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act define period time administrator environmental_protection_agency epa authorized restrict deny permit discharge dredged fill materials navigable waters period begins date secretary army acting chief_of_engineers provides notice administrator secretary completed procedures processing application permit dredged fill material ready determine permit issued ends date secretary issues permit requires administrator consult secretary restricting denying permit directs administrator publicly available basis reasons making determination restrict deny permit information reviewed making determination prohibits previous action administrator occurred outside period deny restrict permit prohibit specification defined area disposal site dredged fill materials valid enforceable


Summary:
Smart Water Resource Management Conservation and Efficiency Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish and carry out a smart water resource management pilot program to award grants to three to five eligible entities (authorities that provide water, wastewater, or water reuse services) to demonstrate novel and innovative technology-based solutions that will: (1) increase the energy and water efficiency of water, wastewater, and water reuse systems; (2) improve such systems to help communities make significant progress in conserving water, saving energy, and reducing costs; and (3) support the implementation of innovative processes and the installation of advanced automated systems that provide real-time data on energy and water.

Directs the Secretary, in selecting grant recipients, to consider:

 energy and cost savings; the novelty of the technology to be used; the degree to which the project integrates next-generation sensors, software, analytics, and management tools; the anticipated cost-effectiveness of the pilot project in terms of energy efficiency savings, water savings or reuse, and infrastructure costs averted; whether the technology can be deployed in a variety of geographic regions and the degree to which the technology can be implemented on a smaller or larger scale; and whether the project will be completed in five years or less. Requires the Secretary to evaluate, annually, each project for which a grant is provided and make best practices identified available to the public.

smart water resource management conservation efficiency_act directs secretary energy doe establish carry smart water resource management pilot program award grants eligible entities authorities provide water wastewater water reuse services demonstrate novel innovative technology based solutions increase energy water efficiency water wastewater water reuse systems improve systems help communities significant progress conserving water saving energy reducing costs support implementation innovative processes installation advanced automated systems provide real time data energy water directs secretary selecting grant recipients consider energy cost savings technology degree project integrates generation sensors software analytics management tools anticipated cost effectiveness pilot project terms energy efficiency savings water savings reuse infrastructure costs technology deployed variety geographic regions degree technology implemented smaller larger scale project completed years requires secretary evaluate annually project grant provided best practices identified available public


Summary: Water Efficiency Improvement Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 30% of amounts paid for certified WaterSense program property (defined as any plumbing fixture or fitting that has been tested and certified in accordance with the WaterSense program of the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], a voluntary partnership program for protecting the water supply by using less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services, or an analogous successor program). Limits the lifetime dollar amount of such credit to $2,000. Terminates such credit after 2015.

water efficiency improvement act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credit amounts paid certified watersense program property defined plumbing fitting tested certified accordance watersense program environmental_protection_agency epa voluntary partnership program protecting water supply water water efficient products new homes services analogous successor program limits lifetime dollar credit terminates credit


Summary:
Community Water Enhancement Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in making grants under the pilot program for alternative water source projects to meet critical water supply needs, to consider the location and benefits of projects in rural communities (including whether the area is served by a public water system with fewer than 3,000 connections or is located in an area with no public water system).

Includes among such projects: (1) the conjunctive management of groundwater supplies by delivery of surface water instead of groundwater, and (2) water treatment or distribution facilities if the project requires such facilities to deliver the alternative water supply. Authorizes funding for the program through FY2018.

community water enhancement_act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act require administrator environmental_protection_agency epa making grants pilot program alternative water source projects meet critical water supply needs consider location benefits projects rural communities including area served public water system fewer connections located area public water system includes projects conjunctive management groundwater supplies delivery surface water instead groundwater water treatment distribution facilities project requires facilities deliver alternative water supply authorizes funding program fy2018


Summary:
Delaware River Basin Conservation Act of 2014 - Requires the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to establish a Delaware River Basin restoration program, under which the Director 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; and (2) adopt a Basin-wide strategy that supports the implementation of a shared set of science-based restoration and protection activities, targets cost-effective conservation projects, and supports measurable conservation efforts.

Defines "Basin" 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.

Requires the Director to establish the Delaware River Basin restoration grant program to provide competitive matching grants to carry out the restoration program. Requires the Director to develop criteria to ensure that funded activities: (1) restore or protect fish and wildlife and their habitats; (2) improve or protect water quality by reducing pollutants and restoring headwater areas and drinking water basins; (3) improve the management of water volume and mitigation of flood damage to support the ecological needs of fish and wildlife and their habitats; (4) include priority needs or actions identified in the Basin-wide strategy; and/or (5) include restoration and protection activities with multiple benefits in the Basin, including habitat, water quality, and flood damage mitigation. Limits the federal share of the total cost of a funded project to 50%. Authorizes the Director to contract with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation or another organization that offers grant management services.

delaware_river_basin conservation act requires director united_states fish_and_wildlife_service establish delaware_river_basin restoration program director 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 conservation projects supports measurable conservation efforts defines basin state delaware basin region including delaware bay portions delaware new_jersey new_york pennsylvania located delaware_river watershed requires director establish delaware_river_basin restoration grant program provide competitive matching grants carry restoration program requires director develop criteria ensure funded activities restore protect fish wildlife habitats improve protect water quality reducing pollutants restoring areas drinking water basins improve management water volume mitigation flood damage support ecological needs fish wildlife habitats include priority needs actions identified basin wide strategy include restoration protection activities multiple benefits basin including habitat water quality flood damage mitigation limits federal share total cost funded project authorizes director contract national_fish_and_wildlife_foundation organization offers grant management services


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 (DOT) 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 dot publish guidance assist states establishment measures


Summary:
Clean Water Affordability Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize through FY2019 a grant program to intercept, transport, control, or treat combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows.

Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a comprehensive and integrated planning approach to the obligations under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) of a publicly owned treatment work (POTW) or a publicly owned municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4). Allows approval of a NPDES permit under a state-administered program with a term of between 5 and 25 years if a POTW or MS4 has an integrated plan approved under this Act.

Requires the EPA to: (1) amend the CSO control policy to allow a POTW with an approved long-term control plan to modify the plan to incorporate green infrastructure and energy-efficient technologies if they are cost-effective, and (2) allow a POTW 30 years to meet compliance obligations under a modified plan.

Requires the EPA to: (1) promote the use of green infrastructure in permitting programs, planning efforts, research, technical assistance, and funding guidance; and (2) establish a voluntary green infrastructure portfolio standard to increase the percentage of annual water managed by eligible entities that use green infrastructure.

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

clean water affordability act amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize fy2019 grant program intercept transport control treat combined sewer overflows sanitary sewer overflows requires environmental_protection_agency epa establish comprehensive integrated planning approach obligations national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes publicly owned treatment work potw publicly owned municipal separate storm sewer system allows approval npdes permit state administered program term years potw integrated plan approved act requires epa amend control policy allow potw approved long term control plan modify plan incorporate green infrastructure energy efficient technologies cost effective allow potw years meet compliance obligations modified plan requires epa promote use green infrastructure permitting programs planning efforts research technical assistance funding guidance establish voluntary green infrastructure portfolio standard increase percentage annual water managed eligible entities use green infrastructure requires epa update guidance entitled combined sewer overflows guidance financial capability assessment schedule development ensure evaluations financial capability assessment schedule development meet specified criteria


Summary: Authorizes funding for environmental restoration activities of the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) in Florida as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan if the Army Corps of Engineers gives approval by December 30, 2015.

authorizes funding environmental restoration activities central everglades planning project florida comprehensive everglades restoration plan army_corps_of_engineers gives approval december


Summary:
Digital Coast Act of 2014 - Requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a constituent-driven Digital Coast program. (This program currently exists under NOAA to provide data, tools, and training that communities use to manage their coastal resources.) Directs the program to: (1) provide an online resource that integrates geospatial data, decision-support tools, training, and best practices to address coastal management issues and needs and to enhance resilient communities, ecosystem values, and coastal economic growth and development; and (2) provide for the documentation, dissemination, and archiving of the data.

Requires NOAA to focus on filling data needs and gaps for critical coastal management issues, support continued improvement in existing efforts to coordinate the acquisition and integration of key data sets needed for coastal management and other purposes, and enter into financial agreements to carry out the program.

digital_coast act requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa establish constituent driven digital_coast program program currently exists noaa provide data tools training communities use manage coastal resources directs program provide online resource integrates geospatial data decision support tools training best practices address coastal management issues needs enhance resilient communities ecosystem values coastal economic growth development provide documentation dissemination archiving data requires noaa focus filling data needs gaps critical coastal management issues support continued improvement existing efforts coordinate acquisition integration key data sets needed coastal management purposes enter financial agreements carry program


Summary: Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the distribution of a cosmetic that contains synthetic plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018.

free waters act amends federal food drug cosmetic act prohibit distribution cosmetic contains synthetic plastic beginning january


Summary:
Restoring America's Watersheds Act of 2014 - Directs the Forest Service to establish a Water Source Protection Program within the region of the National Forest System west of the 100th Meridian.

Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to enter into water source investment partnerships with specified end water users to protect and restore the condition of National Forest watersheds that provide water to non-federal partners.

Allows the Secretary to produce a water source management plan.

Directs the Secretary to establish a Forest Service Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Program within such region to:

 carry out critical maintenance and urgent repairs and improvements on National Forest System roads, trails, and bridges; restore fish and other aquatic organism passage by removing or replacing unnatural barriers to the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms; decommission unneeded roads and trails; and carry out associated activities. Requires the Chief of the Forest Service to develop a national strategy to implement the Remediation Program.

Directs the Forest Service to establish a Watershed Condition Framework within such region to:

 evaluate and classify the condition of watersheds, identify for restoration up to five priority watersheds in each National Forest and up to two priority watersheds in each national grassland, develop a watershed restoration action plan for each priority watershed, prioritize restoration activities for each watershed restoration action plan, implement each watershed restoration action plan, and monitor the effectiveness of restoration actions and indicators of watershed health. Reauthorizes the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Fund for FY2015-FY2024.

restoring america watersheds act directs forest_service establish water source protection program region national_forest_system west authorizes secretary agriculture usda enter water source investment partnerships specified end water users protect restore condition national_forest watersheds provide water non federal partners allows secretary produce water source management plan directs secretary establish forest_service legacy roads trails remediation program region carry critical maintenance urgent repairs improvements national_forest_system roads trails bridges restore fish aquatic organism passage removing replacing barriers passage fish aquatic organisms decommission roads trails carry associated activities requires chief forest_service develop national strategy implement remediation program directs forest_service establish watershed condition framework region evaluate classify condition watersheds identify restoration priority watersheds national_forest priority watersheds national grassland develop watershed restoration action plan priority watershed prioritize restoration activities watershed restoration action plan implement watershed restoration action plan monitor effectiveness restoration actions indicators watershed health reauthorizes collaborative forest landscape restoration fund fy2015 fy2024


Summary:
Clean Water Compliance and Affordability Act - Requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out a pilot program to work with and facilitate the efforts of eligible municipalities to develop and implement integrated plans to meet wastewater and stormwater obligations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in a cost-effective and flexible manner and consistent with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Approach Framework issued by EPA in May 2012.

Directs the EPA to select at least 15 municipalities to participate in the program. Sets forth eligibility and selection factors. Prescribes standards for approval of a municipality's integrated plan under the pilot program. Allows priority to be given to municipalities seeking to develop and implement approaches that adapt to changed or future uncertain circumstances.

Authorizes the EPA to: (1) extend the allowable national pollutant discharge elimination system permit term to a maximum of 25 years, (2) modify the implementation terms of a consent decree, and (3) provide additional regulatory flexibility in approving and implementing an integrated plan that includes adaptive approaches.

clean water compliance affordability act_-_requires environmental_protection_agency epa carry pilot program work facilitate efforts eligible municipalities develop implement integrated plans meet wastewater stormwater obligations federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cost effective flexible manner consistent integrated municipal stormwater wastewater approach framework issued epa directs epa select municipalities participate program sets forth eligibility selection factors prescribes standards approval municipality integrated plan pilot program allows priority given municipalities seeking develop implement approaches adapt changed future uncertain circumstances authorizes epa extend allowable national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system permit term maximum years modify implementation terms consent decree provide additional regulatory flexibility approving implementing integrated plan includes adaptive approaches


Summary: This bill revises the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Unit L06 in Topsail, North Carolina.

bill revises boundaries john chafee coastal barrier resources system unit north_carolina


Summary:
This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on March 23, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise and reauthorize the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2017-FY2021.

The bill restates the initiative's priorities for Great Lakes protection and restoration programs and projects, including: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern; (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts; (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that comes from many diffuse sources, such as pollution on the ground picked up by rain or snow); (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration; and (5) accountability, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and partnership activities.

In selecting the best combination of the initiative's programs and projects, the EPA must consult with the Great Lake states and Indian Tribes and solicit input from other non-federal stakeholders.

The EPA must designate a point person from an appropriate federal partner to coordinate, with federal partners and non-federal stakeholders, the initiative's projects and activities involving harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes.

In addition to current requirements concerning the use of funds made available to carry out the initiative, the bill requires initiative funds to be used to strategically implement operations and activities of EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office, such as remediation of sediment contamination in areas of concern.

The EPA or federal department or agency that receives funds under the initiative may make a grant to, or enter into an agreement with, a qualified nonfederal entity for planning, researching, monitoring, outreach, or implementation of a project that supports the Initiative Action Plan or the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Projects may be carried out under the initiative on multiple levels, including at the local level.

Funding made available to implement the initiative may not be used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.

The EPA must review, and revise, if appropriate, the Initiative Action Plan at least once every five years. The EPA must also: (1) establish a process for monitoring and periodically reporting to the public on the plan's progress, (2) make information about each project carried out under the plan available on a public website, and (3) provide to specified congressional committees a yearly detailed description of the initiative's progress and amounts transferred to participating federal departments and agencies for carrying out activities that support the initiative.

measure amended reported house march summary version repeated great_lakes restoration initiative act sec bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise reauthorize environmental_protection_agency epa great_lakes restoration initiative fy2017-fy2021 bill restates initiative priorities great_lakes protection restoration programs projects including remediation toxic substances areas concern prevention control invasive species impacts protection restoration near shore health prevention mitigation nonpoint source pollution water pollution comes sources pollution ground rain snow habitat wildlife protection restoration accountability monitoring evaluation communication partnership activities selecting best combination initiative programs projects epa consult great lake states indian tribes solicit input non federal stakeholders epa designate point person appropriate federal partner coordinate federal partners non federal stakeholders initiative projects activities involving harmful algal blooms great_lakes addition current requirements concerning use funds available carry initiative bill requires initiative funds strategically implement operations activities epa great_lakes national program_office remediation sediment contamination areas concern epa federal department agency receives funds initiative grant enter agreement qualified nonfederal entity planning researching monitoring outreach implementation project supports initiative action plan great_lakes_water_quality_agreement projects carried initiative multiple levels including local level funding available implement initiative water infrastructure activity green infrastructure project improves habitat ecosystem functions great_lakes funding available water_infrastructure_finance innovation_act epa review revise appropriate initiative action plan years epa establish process monitoring periodically reporting public plan progress information project carried plan available public website provide specified congressional committees yearly detailed description initiative progress amounts transferred participating federal departments agencies carrying activities support initiative


Summary:
Water in the 21st Century Act or W21

This bill establishes within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a WaterSense program to identify, label, and promote water efficient products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services.

This bill establishes a program to provide financial incentives for consumers to purchase and install products, buildings, landscapes, facilities, processes, and services labeled under the WaterSense program.

The EPA is required to make grants to owners or operators of water systems to address any ongoing or forecasted impact of climate change on a region's water quality or quantity.

The Department of the Interior may: (1) provide financial assistance to water projects in specified states, including projects for water recycling, water infrastructure, enhanced energy efficiency, desalination, and water storage and conveyance; and (2) transfer to nonfederal entities title to any reclamation projects or facility in need of rehabilitation that are authorized before enactment of this Act.

The U.S. Geological Survey must establish an open water data system to advance the availability, timely distribution, and widespread use of water data and information for water management, education, research, assessment, and monitoring purposes.

This bill reauthorizes through FY2020 the Water Desalination Act of 1996 and water resources research and technology institutes under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984.

After receiving a request from a nonfederal sponsor, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must review the operation of a reservoir and, if appropriate, update the water control manual to incorporate improved weather and runoff forecasting methods.

The EPA is required to develop voluntary national drought resilience guidelines relating to preparedness planning and investments for water users and providers.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must prepare a salmon drought plan for California.

water 21st century act bill establishes environmental_protection_agency epa watersense program identify label promote water efficient products buildings landscapes facilities processes services bill establishes program provide financial incentives consumers purchase install products buildings landscapes facilities processes services labeled watersense program epa required grants owners operators water systems address ongoing forecasted impact climate change region water quality quantity department_of_the_interior provide financial assistance water projects specified states including projects water recycling water infrastructure enhanced energy efficiency desalination water storage conveyance transfer nonfederal entities title reclamation projects facility need rehabilitation authorized enactment act geological survey establish open water data system advance availability timely distribution widespread use water data information water management education research assessment monitoring purposes bill reauthorizes fy2020 water desalination act water resources research technology institutes water_resources_research_act receiving request nonfederal sponsor army_corps_of_engineers review operation reservoir appropriate update water control manual incorporate improved weather runoff forecasting methods epa required develop voluntary national drought resilience guidelines relating preparedness planning investments water users providers fish_and_wildlife_service prepare salmon drought plan california


Summary:
Great Lakes and Fresh Water Algal Bloom Information Act

This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to create an online database of research and information on the causes and corrective actions being taken with regard to algal blooms in the Great Lakes, their tributaries, and other surface fresh waters. NOAA must include relevant chemical, physical, and biological data that have been collected by an accredited university, association or organization, research group, federal agency, state, or local government in the United States or Canada.

This bill does not grant NOAA any new authority, including the authority to require submission of data.

great_lakes fresh water algal bloom information act bill requires national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa create online database research information causes corrective actions taken regard algal blooms great_lakes tributaries surface fresh waters noaa include relevant chemical physical biological data collected accredited university association organization research group federal agency state local government united_states canada bill grant noaa new authority including authority require submission data


Summary:
Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act of 2015

Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from state volume caps tax-exempt facility bonds for sewage and water supply facilities.

sustainable water infrastructure investment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code exempt state volume caps tax exempt facility bonds sewage water supply facilities


Summary:
Estuary Urgent Needs Priority Program Act

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the National Estuary Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas, including extensive seagrass habitat losses, recurring harmful algae blooms, unusual marine mammal mortalities, invasive exotic species, and jellyfish proliferation limiting community access to water during peak tourism seasons.

The EPA must give priority to national estuary programs that are not part of the Geographic Programs as described in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014.

estuary urgent needs priority program act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise national_estuary_program requiring environmental_protection_agency epa competitive awards address urgent challenging issues threaten economic ecological coastal areas including extensive habitat losses recurring harmful algae blooms unusual marine mammal invasive exotic species proliferation limiting community access water peak tourism epa priority national estuary programs geographic programs described consolidated_appropriations_act


Summary:
Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015

This bill prohibits the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from:

 developing, finalizing, adopting, implementing, applying, administering, or enforcing the proposed rule entitled, "Definition of 'Waters of the United States' Under the Clean Water Act," issued on April 21, 2014, or the proposed guidance entitled, "Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected By the Clean Water Act," dated February 17, 2012; or using the proposed rule or proposed guidance, any successor document, or any substantially similar proposed rule or guidance as the basis for any rulemaking or decision regarding the scope or enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). The Army Corps and the EPA must withdraw the interpretive rule entitled, "Notice of Availability Regarding the Exemption from Permitting Under Section 404(f)(1)(A) of the Clean Water Act to Certain Agricultural Conservation Practices," issued on April 21, 2014.

The Army Corps and the EPA are required to consult with relevant state and local officials to develop recommendations for a regulatory proposal that would identify the scope of waters covered under the Clean Water Act and the scope of waters not covered.

waters united_states regulatory overreach protection act bill prohibits army_corps_of_engineers environmental_protection_agency epa developing finalizing adopting implementing applying administering enforcing proposed rule entitled definition waters united_states clean water act issued april proposed guidance entitled guidance identifying waters protected clean water act dated february proposed rule proposed guidance successor document substantially similar proposed rule guidance basis rulemaking decision scope enforcement federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act army corps epa withdraw interpretive rule entitled notice availability exemption permitting section clean water act certain agricultural conservation practices issued april army corps epa required consult relevant state local officials develop recommendations regulatory proposal identify scope waters covered clean water act scope waters covered


Summary:
Conservation Easement Incentive Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent after 2014 the tax deduction for charitable contributions by individuals and corporations of real property interests for conservation purposes.

The bill also allows a tax deduction for conservation contributions made by a Native Corporation of land conveyed under the Alaska Claims Settlement Act.

conservation easement incentive act sec bill amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent tax deduction charitable contributions individuals corporations real property interests conservation purposes bill allows tax deduction conservation contributions native corporation land conveyed alaska claims settlement act


Summary:
Amends the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act to authorize the Department of the Interior to participate in the design, planning, and construction of, and land acquisition for, a project to reclaim and reuse wastewater in Sacramento County, California.

Requires the project to consist of three phases, the first of which shall include the planning, design, and construction of water conveyance and related infrastructure to provide recycled water to irrigate approximately 4,500 acres of land in southern Sacramento County.

amends reclamation_wastewater groundwater_study facilities act authorize department_of_the_interior participate design planning construction land acquisition project reclaim reuse wastewater sacramento county california requires project consist phases shall include planning design construction water conveyance related infrastructure provide recycled water irrigate approximately acres land southern sacramento county


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on February 9, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

This bill modifies certain boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Units located in Collier County, Florida.

measure amended passed house february summary version repeated bill modifies certain boundaries john chafee coastal barrier resources system units located county florida


Summary:
Regulatory Certainty Act of 2015 - This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to limit the period during which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may prohibit the specification, or restrict the use, of an area as a disposal site for discharges of dredged or fill materials into waters of the United States to the period that:

 begins on the date that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers provides notice to the EPA that the Corps has completed all procedures for processing an application for a permit for dredged or fill material and is ready to determine whether the permit should be issued; and ends on the date that the Corps issues the permit. The Corps must ensure that the period consists of at least 30 consecutive days.

The Corps may issue a permit for dredged or fill material only after the Corps provides notice to the EPA.

regulatory certainty act bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act limit period environmental_protection_agency epa prohibit specification restrict use area disposal site discharges dredged fill materials waters united_states period begins date army_corps_of_engineers provides notice epa corps completed procedures processing application permit dredged fill material ready determine permit issued ends date corps issues permit corps ensure period consists consecutive days corps issue permit dredged fill material corps provides notice epa


Summary:
Zika Vector Control Act

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency or a state from requiring a permit until September 30, 2018, under the Clean Water Act for a discharge from a point source into navigable waters of a pesticide authorized for sale, distribution, or use under FIFRA, or a residue resulting from the application of the pesticide. Point source pollution is waste discharged from a distinct place, such as a pipe, channel, or tunnel.

(Sec. 3) The bill establishes exemptions for the following discharges containing a pesticide or pesticide residue: (1) a discharge resulting from the application of a pesticide in violation of FIFRA that is relevant to protecting water quality, if the discharge would not have occurred but for the violation or the amount of pesticide or pesticide residue contained in the discharge is greater than would have occurred without the violation; (2) stormwater discharges regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES); and (3) discharges regulated under NPDES of manufacturing or industrial effluent or treatment works effluent and discharges incidental to the normal operation of a vessel, including a discharge resulting from operations concerning ballast water held in ships to increase stability or vessel biofouling prevention. These exemptions expire on September 30, 2018.

zika control act sec bill amends federal_insecticide fungicide rodenticide_act fifra federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act prohibit environmental_protection_agency state requiring permit september clean water act discharge point source navigable waters pesticide authorized sale distribution use fifra residue resulting application pesticide point source pollution waste discharged distinct place pipe channel tunnel sec bill establishes exemptions following discharges containing pesticide pesticide residue discharge resulting application pesticide violation fifra relevant protecting water quality discharge occurred violation pesticide pesticide residue contained discharge greater occurred violation stormwater discharges regulated national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes discharges regulated npdes manufacturing industrial effluent treatment works effluent discharges incidental normal operation vessel including discharge resulting operations concerning ballast water held ships increase stability vessel prevention exemptions expire september


Summary:
Douglas County Conservation Act of 2015

Directs the Forest Service to convey approximately 67 acres of certain Forest Service land (Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park) to the state of Nevada to be used for the conservation of wildlife or natural resources or for a public park.

Directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make publicly available a prospectus to solicit one or more concessionaires for the approximately 125 acres of land identified as the Round Hill Pines Resort and the approximately 448 acres of land identified as the Zephyr Shoals.

 Directs the Forest Service for National Forest System land and the Department of Interior for land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to convey approximately 7,990 acres of specified federal land to Douglas County, Nevada, to be used for flood control or any other public purpose. Prohibits such land from being disposed of by the county.

Directs the Forest Service or Interior, as appropriate, to conduct one or more sales of specified public lands in the county to qualified bidders, with the option for the state or county to obtain the land for public purposes before the land is offered for sale. Amends the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998 to specify the disposition of funds from a sale.

Transfers all interest of the United States in the approximately 1,016 acres of certain federal land which shall be held in trust for the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, and which shall become part of the Tribe's reservation. Prohibits the conduct of certain gaming on such land. Designates approximately 12,330 acres of specified federal land managed by the BLM, to be known as the Burbank Canyons Wilderness, as a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Releases the approximately 1,065 acres of public land in the Burbank Canyons Wilderness study area not designated as wilderness by this Act from further study for designation as wilderness.

Authorizes USDA to transfer from the Forest Service to Douglas County, Nevada, certain lands or interests in Forest Service land which are unsuitable for Forest Service administration or necessary for a public purpose.

douglas_county conservation act directs forest_service convey approximately acres certain forest_service land lake tahoe nevada state park state nevada conservation wildlife natural resources public park directs department_of_agriculture usda publicly available prospectus solicit approximately acres land identified round hill resort approximately acres land identified directs forest_service national_forest_system land department_of_interior land managed bureau_of_land_management blm convey approximately acres specified federal land douglas_county nevada flood control public purpose prohibits land disposed county directs forest_service interior appropriate conduct sales specified public lands county qualified bidders option state county obtain land public purposes land offered sale amends southern_nevada_public_land_management_act specify disposition funds sale transfers interest united_states approximately acres certain federal land shall held trust washoe tribe nevada california shall tribe reservation prohibits conduct certain gaming land designates approximately acres specified federal land managed blm known canyons wilderness component national_wilderness_preservation_system releases approximately acres public land canyons wilderness study area designated wilderness act study designation wilderness authorizes usda transfer forest_service douglas_county nevada certain lands interests forest_service land unsuitable forest_service administration necessary public purpose


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to revise the National Estuary Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to make competitive awards to address urgent and challenging issues that threaten the economic and ecological well-being of coastal areas, including:

 extensive seagrass habitat losses resulting in significant impacts on fisheries and water quality, recurring harmful algae blooms, unusual marine mammal mortalities, invasive exotic species that may threaten wastewater systems and cause other damage, jellyfish proliferation limiting community access to water during peak tourism seasons, flooding that may be related to sea level rise or wetland degradation or loss, and low dissolved oxygen conditions in estuarine waters and related nutrient management. The bill reauthorizes through FY2020 grants to develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive conservation and management plans for estuaries. A certain portion of the allocation of appropriations must be used for the competitive awards.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act revise national_estuary_program requiring environmental_protection_agency competitive awards address urgent challenging issues threaten economic ecological coastal areas including extensive habitat losses resulting significant impacts fisheries water quality recurring harmful algae blooms unusual marine mammal invasive exotic species threaten wastewater systems cause damage proliferation limiting community access water peak tourism flooding related sea level rise wetland degradation loss low dissolved oxygen conditions estuarine waters related nutrient management bill reauthorizes fy2020 grants develop implement monitor comprehensive conservation management plans estuaries certain portion allocation appropriations competitive awards


Summary:
Clean Water Compliance and Ratepayer Affordability Act of 2015

 This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out a pilot program to facilitate the efforts of at least 15 municipalities to develop and implement integrated plans to meet their wastewater and stormwater obligations under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) in a cost-effective and flexible manner and consistent with the Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Approach Framework issued by the EPA in May 2012.

A municipality is eligible to participate in the pilot program if the municipality is: (1) a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit holder or designee; or (2) operating under an administrative order, administrative consent agreement, or judicial consent decree to comply with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

The EPA may give priority to municipalities seeking to develop and implement an integrated plan that includes approaches that adapt to changed or future uncertain circumstances.

In carrying out the pilot program and in mutual agreement with participating municipalities, the EPA may: (1) extend the allowable NPDES permit term by up to 25 years, (2) modify the implementation terms of a consent decree, and (3) provide additional regulatory flexibility in approving and implementing an integrated plan that includes adaptive approaches.

clean water compliance affordability act bill requires environmental_protection_agency epa carry pilot program facilitate efforts municipalities develop implement integrated plans meet wastewater stormwater obligations federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act cost effective flexible manner consistent integrated municipal stormwater wastewater approach framework issued epa municipality eligible participate pilot program municipality national_pollutant_discharge_elimination_system npdes permit holder designee operating administrative order administrative consent agreement judicial consent decree comply requirements clean water act epa priority municipalities seeking develop implement integrated plan includes approaches adapt changed future uncertain circumstances carrying pilot program mutual agreement participating municipalities epa extend allowable npdes permit term years modify implementation terms consent decree provide additional regulatory flexibility approving implementing integrated plan includes adaptive approaches


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:
Coastal State Climate Change Planning Act

This bill amends the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to direct the Department of Commerce to establish a coastal climate change adaptation planning and response program which shall assist coastal states with the voluntary development of coastal climate change adaptation plans in order to: (1) minimize contributions to climate change, and (2) prepare for and reduce the negative consequences that may result from climate change in the coastal zone. The program must also provide financial and technical assistance and training to implement the plans through enforceable state policies.

Commerce may make grants to coastal states for developing the plans and supporting projects that implement strategies contained in approved plans. Commerce must promote and encourage the use of National Estuarine Research Reserves as sites for pilot or demonstration projects carried out with the grants.

coastal state climate change planning act bill amends coastal_zone_management_act direct department_of_commerce establish coastal climate change adaptation planning response program shall assist coastal states voluntary development coastal climate change adaptation plans order minimize contributions climate change prepare reduce negative consequences result climate change coastal zone program provide financial technical assistance training implement plans enforceable state policies commerce grants coastal states developing plans supporting projects implement strategies contained approved plans commerce promote encourage use national estuarine research reserves sites pilot demonstration projects carried grants


Summary:
Ocean Acidification Research Partnerships Act

This bill amends the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act of 2009 to require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide grants for collaborative research projects on ocean acidification developed and conducted through partnerships between the seafood industry and the academic community. NOAA must prioritize projects which: (1) address ecosystems and communities vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification, (2) demonstrate support from local stakeholders, or (3) utilize seafood industry assets as research and monitoring platforms.

NOAA may make a grant to a partnership in which a marine-dependent industry is substituted for the seafood industry.

ocean acidification research partnerships act bill amends federal ocean acidification research monitoring act require national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa provide grants collaborative research projects ocean acidification developed conducted partnerships seafood industry academic community noaa prioritize projects address ecosystems communities vulnerable impacts ocean acidification demonstrate support local stakeholders utilize seafood industry assets research monitoring platforms noaa grant partnership marine dependent industry substituted seafood industry


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on December 7, 2015. The summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ban rinse-off cosmetics that contain intentionally-added plastic microbeads beginning on January 1, 2018, and to ban manufacturing of these cosmetics beginning on July 1, 2017. These bans are delayed by one year for cosmetics that are over-the-counter drugs.

measure amended reported house december summary house passed version repeated free waters act sec bill amends federal food drug cosmetic act ban cosmetics contain intentionally added plastic beginning january ban manufacturing cosmetics beginning july bans delayed year cosmetics counter drugs


Summary:
Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act

This bill amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to permit states to allow qualified (tax-exempt) organizations, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements using funds provided to the state under the Forest Legacy Program. The qualified organizations must be organized for specified conservation purposes.

forest legacy management flexibility act bill amends cooperative_forestry_assistance_act permit states allow qualified tax exempt organizations defined internal_revenue_code acquire hold manage conservation easements funds provided state forest legacy program qualified organizations organized specified conservation purposes


Summary: This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize states to issue permits to discharge pollutants into navigable waters for up to 20 years. Currently, permits are allowed to be issued for up to 5 years.

bill amends federal_water_pollution_control_act commonly known clean water act authorize states issue permits discharge pollutants navigable waters years currently permits allowed issued years