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S 4350

A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Southeast New England Program, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Ed Markey and 2 co-sponsors

Creates a dedicated Southeast New England Program under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to improve water quality and habitat

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4350

Summary of Bill S. 4350 (Session 119)

Title: A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to establish the Southeast New England Program, and for other purposes

Status and History
- Introduced in the Senate (S) and read twice, referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works on April 21, 2026.
- Primary sponsors/co-sponsors:
- Co-sponsors: Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey, Sheldon Whitehouse

Purpose and Intent
- The bill proposes amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the primary framework governing federal water pollution control, including programs administered by the Environmental Protection Agency and states).
- The central aim is to establish a dedicated program—the Southeast New England Program—within the federal water quality and pollution control toolbox to address water resource needs in southeastern New England (a geographic focus likely including parts of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and nearby areas within the New England region).

Key Provisions (high-level)

  1. Establishment of the Southeast New England Program

    • Creates a new program within the Federal Water Pollution Control Act framework to focus on water quality, pollution control, and related watershed management in Southeast New England.
    • Aims to coordinate federal, state, tribal, and local efforts to protect and restore water resources in the region.

  2. Program Goals and Activities

    • Potential emphasis on:
      • Reducing nonpoint source and/or point source pollution
      • Improving estuarine and coastal water quality
      • Protecting drinking water sources
      • Restoring habitat and ecosystem services in river basins, bays, and estuaries in the Southeast New England area
    • Support for planning, project design, construction, and watershed restoration activities (as commonly authorized under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and related EPA programs).

  3. Funding and Administration

    • Likely authorizes federal appropriations or authorizations of appropriations for program activities.
    • May specify coordination requirements with states (e.g., Massachusetts, Rhode Island) and possibly regional partners.
    • Could authorize grants, technical assistance, and leveraging of state and local match requirements, though exact funding mechanisms are not specified in the summary provided.

  4. Intergovernmental Cooperation

    • Establishes roles for federal agencies (notably EPA) and state governments; may designate a lead agency or principal point of contact for the Southeast New England Program.
    • Encourages collaboration with regional commissions, watershed associations, and other stakeholders.

  5. Reporting and Oversight

    • Likely includes reporting requirements to Congress on program progress, spend plan, and outcomes.
    • Potential benchmarks for water quality improvements and habitat restoration.

Impact and Beneficiaries

  • Geographic Focus: Southeast New England region (specific boundaries to be defined in the bill; typically includes parts of southern Massachusetts and nearby Rhode Island areas).
  • Beneficiaries:
    • Communities relying on surface water and coastal resources (drinking water supply, fisheries, recreation).
    • Local and regional governments and stakeholders involved in water resource management and land-use planning.
    • Environmentally: improved water quality, restored habitats, and enhanced resilience to pollution events and climate-related stressors.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • With referral to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, the bill will undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and a markup vote before moving to the full Senate.
  • If enacted, implementing regulations and related guidance would be developed by the EPA in coordination with state partners, followed by project solicitations and grant cycles consistent with federal appropriations.
  • Timeline for specific program milestones, funding levels, and performance metrics would be established during the committee and administration process and reflected in annual or multi-year funding plans.

Notes

  • The summary above reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical features of similar programs under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Exact statutory language will determine precise authorities, funding levels, geographic boundaries, and administerial roles.
  • No dollar amounts, duration of authorization, or specific performance metrics are provided in the available information. These details will become clearer as the bill proceeds through committee consideration and, if advanced, final passage.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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