Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Introduced
Summary
EPA grants for advanced wastewater treatment projects would fund state projects that upgrade treatment systems and prioritize qualified disadvantaged communities, while also funding a National Academies study on removing emerging contaminants like nanomaterials and PFAS.
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- Qualified disadvantaged communities could receive projects without the usual 50% local cost share and are prioritized for at least 49% of program funds.
- States would get formula grants and may use up to 1% of their grant for administrative costs. The EPA may use up to 1% of program funds for administration.
- The EPA would seek a National Academies study on how well advanced treatment captures emerging contaminants. An interim report is due in 3 years and a final report in 5 years, both public.
*Would authorize $1.0 billion in appropriations for fiscal years 2026–2030 to fund grants and the study.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grants for advanced wastewater projects
If enacted, the bill would create an EPA grant program that gives each State money for advanced wastewater treatment projects. It would authorize $1 billion for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and the money would remain available until spent. EPA could use up to 1% of the funds for program administration, and each State could use up to 1% of its grant for administrative costs. Most projects would need at least a 50% non‑Federal cost share, but that requirement would not apply to projects that serve a qualified disadvantaged community. At least 49% of the funds would have to go to projects that: (1) serve qualified disadvantaged communities; (2) are run by rural, small, or tribal publicly owned treatment works and benefit a qualified disadvantaged community; or (3) are run by a public regional water provider that serves two or more qualified disadvantaged communities with a combined population of more than 100,000. The bill would let EPA define which projects count as “advanced wastewater treatment” and would tie the definitions of “qualified disadvantaged community” and “State” to existing law.
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
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov