Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act
Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act
Plain Language Summary
# Summary: Water Resources Technical Assistance Review Act (HR 3427) **What the Bill Does** This bill, which passed the House, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO)—an independent federal watchdog agency—to conduct a comprehensive review of the EPA's technical assistance programs related to clean water infrastructure. The GAO would examine what assistance the EPA currently offers, how it selects partners to provide that assistance, and which communities with the greatest need aren't receiving adequate support. The agency must then report its findings and recommendations back to Congress. **Who It Affects** The review focuses on assistance available to states, tribal governments, local governments, and nonprofit organizations working on water infrastructure projects.
The bill particularly emphasizes economically distressed communities that struggle to afford clean water improvements. By identifying gaps in current assistance, the bill aims to help policymakers understand whether communities most in need are actually getting the support they require. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House and is a straightforward oversight measure with no partisan opposition listed. It doesn't create new programs or spending; rather, it's an investigative tool to evaluate how existing EPA water assistance programs are working and where improvements might be needed.
CRS Official Summary
Water Resources Technical Assistance Review ActThis bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review the technical assistance authority, initiatives, and programs of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that are related to clean water infrastructure.Among other things, the review must includea description of the covered technical assistance available to states, tribes, local governments, and nongovernmental organizations, including activities and actions carried out during the previous five years;a comprehensive review of how the EPA Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) initiative identifies, selects, and partners with technical assistance providers to support communities; andan assessment of the needs of economically distressed communities eligible to receive assistance under an EPA clean water infrastructure program that are not addressed through covered technical assistance.GAO must submit a report to Congress on the review, which must include any recommendations to improve covered technical assistance. Further, the EPA must submit a compliance plan to Congress annually for five years on any actions taken by the EPA to comply with GAO's recommendations.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.