Clean Water Justice Act
Summary
The Clean Water Justice Act aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act by increasing criminal fines for violations. Specifically, it raises the fines outlined in Section 309(c)(2) of the Act. The bill also mandates annual adjustments to these maximum penalties based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Expected Effects
The bill's passage would lead to significantly higher financial penalties for entities found in violation of water pollution control regulations. This could deter future violations and provide greater resources for environmental protection efforts. The annual adjustments tied to the CPI ensure that the penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time, accounting for inflation.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Deterrence: Higher fines may discourage companies and individuals from polluting waterways.
- Revenue Generation: Increased fines could lead to more revenue for environmental protection programs.
- Environmental Protection: Reduced pollution improves water quality and protects ecosystems.
- Public Health: Cleaner water sources contribute to better public health outcomes.
- Modernization of Penalties: Adjusting fines based on CPI ensures they remain relevant over time.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Over-Enforcement: Increased fines could lead to excessive penalties for minor violations.
- Economic Burden: Higher fines could disproportionately affect smaller businesses.
- Litigation: Increased penalties may incentivize more legal challenges, potentially slowing down enforcement.
- Unintended Consequences: Companies might choose to shut down rather than comply, leading to job losses.
- Complexity: Annual adjustments based on CPI could create administrative burdens and confusion.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention environmental regulation, Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) has been interpreted to include environmental protection measures. The bill's focus on deterring water pollution can be seen as an effort to protect public health and natural resources, contributing to the overall well-being of the nation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).