H.R.3346 - Sovereign State Environmental Quality Assurance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3346, the "Sovereign State Environmental Quality Assurance Act," proposes to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 270 days of enactment. It transfers environmental regulatory authority and funding to individual states through block grants. The bill allocates $4.4 billion annually from 2026 to 2029 to state environmental quality departments for various environmental programs.
Expected Effects
The EPA's abolishment would shift environmental regulation and enforcement to the states. States would receive federal funding to manage air and water quality, waste management, and other environmental concerns. This could lead to varying environmental standards and enforcement levels across different states.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state control and flexibility in environmental regulation.
- Potential for states to tailor environmental policies to their specific needs and priorities.
- Reduced federal bureaucracy and potential cost savings.
- Direct allocation of funds to state environmental departments.
- Greater accountability to local communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inconsistent environmental standards and enforcement across states.
- Risk of reduced environmental protection due to varying state priorities and resources.
- Loss of federal oversight and expertise in addressing national environmental issues.
- Possible political pressure on state environmental agencies from local industries.
- Disruption of existing environmental programs and regulations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. While the Constitution does not explicitly mention environmental regulation, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) has historically been interpreted to allow federal regulation of activities that affect interstate commerce, including environmental matters. This bill shifts power to the states, which could be argued as a return to a more limited federal role, aligning with some interpretations of federalism. However, the potential for inconsistent environmental standards could raise concerns about equal protection under the law.
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).