Sponsors (4)
The bill directs targeted federal funding and research to upgrade wastewater treatment—prioritizing disadvantaged, rural, and tribal communities and improving long‑term science and standards—while leaving trade‑offs of limited total funding, substantial local matching requirements, and delayed study results that could slow or shift which communities benefit.
Low‑income, tribal, and rural community residents gain improved access to wastewater upgrades because projects serving qualified disadvantaged communities are prioritized and exempted from the 50% non‑Federal cost share.
Rural, small, and tribal public treatment works receive prioritized funding and supports that reduce local infrastructure gaps and improve water quality in underserved areas.
State and local governments get stable, predictable federal funding ($1 billion total over FY2026–2030) for advanced wastewater projects, enabling multi‑year planning and construction without year‑to‑year uncertainty.
Local governments and small municipalities generally must provide at least 50% non‑Federal matching funds, which could delay or deter projects in communities with limited capital.
The authorized $1 billion over FY2026–2030 may be insufficient against nationwide wastewater needs, leaving many projects unfunded or only partially financed.
Applicants and states that do not qualify as 'qualified disadvantaged communities' may receive lower priority because of the sizable set‑aside, potentially shifting resources away from other needy areas.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Creates a formula grant program funding advanced wastewater treatment projects ($1B FY2026–2030) with a 50% cost share (waived for disadvantaged communities) and requires a National Academies study on PFAS and nanomaterials removal.
Creates a new EPA formula grant program that funds advanced wastewater treatment projects and authorizes $1 billion for fiscal years 2026–2030. The program requires a 50% non-Federal cost share (waived for qualified disadvantaged communities), allows small administrative set‑asides, and directs nearly half the money to projects that benefit disadvantaged, rural, small, or tribal communities. Directs the EPA, with NIST consultation, to contract with the National Academies to study how well advanced treatment technologies remove emerging contaminants (including nanomaterials and PFAS), with a public interim report in 3 years and a final report in 5 years.
Introduced March 19, 2026 by Haley Stevens · Last progress March 19, 2026