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119-hr-8027119th CongressWALLET

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

In Committee

Summary

A new EPA grant program for advanced wastewater treatment. It funds state projects, prioritizes disadvantaged and rural or tribal public systems, and requires a study on removing emerging contaminants.

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  • States and public water systems get money through an EPA allotment formula. EPA may use up to 1 percent of program funds for administration and states may use up to 1 percent of a grant for admin costs, and projects generally require a 50 percent non‑Federal match.
  • At least 49 percent of program funds must go to projects that benefit qualified disadvantaged communities or are operated by rural, small, or tribal public treatment works. Projects serving qualified disadvantaged communities are exempt from the 50 percent local match.
  • EPA must study how advanced treatment captures emerging contaminants. The agency will work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and seek National Academies review, with an interim report in 3 years and a final report in 5 years.

*Authorizes $1.0 billion for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out the program, increasing federal spending over that period.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Grants for advanced wastewater treatment

If enacted, the bill would create an EPA grant program to fund advanced wastewater treatment projects. It would authorize $1 billion for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and that money would remain available until spent. EPA would set a formula and give each State a grant. EPA could use up to 1% of the funds for administration, and each State could use up to 1% of its grant for admin. At least 49% of the money would have to go to projects that help qualified disadvantaged communities, small or tribal public treatment systems that benefit disadvantaged communities, or regional providers serving multiple disadvantaged communities. Projects would normally need at least a 50% non-Federal match, but that match would not apply to projects serving qualified disadvantaged communities. The bill would also define who counts as an advanced wastewater project, a qualified disadvantaged community, and a State for the program.

Study on treatment of emerging contaminants

If enacted, the bill would direct EPA, working with NIST, to ask the National Academies to study how well advanced treatment removes emerging contaminants, including nanomaterials and PFAS. The National Academies would have to publish an interim report within 3 years and a final public report within 5 years of enactment. The reports would be publicly available.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]

MI • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

  • Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6]

    MI • D

    Sponsored 3/24/2026

  • Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 5/20/2026

  • Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]

    NJ • D

    Sponsored 6/29/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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