Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Stevens
Introduced
Summary
Federal grants for advanced wastewater treatment would help states upgrade systems and target disadvantaged communities, while the bill would also fund a National Academies study on removing PFAS and nanomaterials.
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- States and public utilities would receive EPA grants allocated by a formula and may use up to 1% of their grant for administration. Projects would require at least a 50% non‑Federal match, with possible reductions for eligible disadvantaged communities.
- Not less than 49% of program funds must serve qualified disadvantaged communities, including rural, small, or tribal publicly owned treatment works and regional providers serving combined populations over 100,000.
- EPA would seek an agreement with the National Academies to study how well advanced treatment captures emerging contaminants, including PFAS and nanomaterials, with interim findings in 3 years and final findings in 5 years.
*Would authorize $1.0 billion in federal appropriations for fiscal years 2026–2030.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants for advanced wastewater treatment
If enacted, the EPA would create a grant program that provides $1 billion for advanced wastewater treatment for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The EPA Administrator would set a formula to divide money among States. EPA could use up to 1% of funds for program administration, and each State could use up to 1% of its grant for administrative costs. At least 49% of funds would be reserved for projects that benefit qualified disadvantaged communities, rural/small/tribal publicly owned treatment works serving those communities, or regional providers serving two or more disadvantaged communities with a combined population over 100,000. Most projects would need a non‑Federal match of at least 50%, but that 50% match would not apply to projects that serve a qualified disadvantaged community. Key terms and project eligibility would be defined by reference to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stevens
MI • D
Cosponsors
Fitzpatrick
PA • R
Sponsored 3/19/2026
Dingell
MI • D
Sponsored 3/24/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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