H.R.284 - Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025; GLRI Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.284, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2025 (GLRI Act of 2025), seeks to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. The bill amends Section 118(c)(7)(J)(i) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to allocate $500,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031. This funding aims to continue and enhance efforts to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 9, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It has bipartisan support, with multiple representatives co-sponsoring the bill.
The GLRI Act of 2025 focuses on ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the Great Lakes, which are a vital natural resource for the United States and Canada.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.284 will ensure continued federal funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative through 2031. This will allow ongoing and new projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges in the Great Lakes region to proceed.
The reauthorization will likely lead to improved water quality, habitat restoration, and control of invasive species. These efforts will positively impact the environment and the communities that rely on the Great Lakes.
Potential Benefits
- Environmental Protection: Continued funding will support projects that improve water quality, restore habitats, and combat invasive species.
- Economic Benefits: Restoration efforts can boost tourism, recreation, and fishing industries in the Great Lakes region.
- Public Health: Cleaner water sources contribute to improved public health for communities relying on the Great Lakes.
- Ecosystem Resilience: The initiative will enhance the resilience of the Great Lakes ecosystem to future environmental challenges.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill's bipartisan support increases the likelihood of its passage and effective implementation.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Misallocation: There is a risk that funds may not be allocated to the most effective projects or that projects may be poorly managed.
- Limited Scope: The funding may not be sufficient to address all the environmental challenges facing the Great Lakes.
- Dependence on Federal Funding: Over-reliance on federal funding could create vulnerabilities if future appropriations are reduced.
- Administrative Overhead: A portion of the funds will be used for administrative and oversight costs, reducing the amount available for direct restoration efforts.
- Unintended Consequences: Some restoration projects could have unintended negative impacts on certain species or habitats.
Constitutional Alignment
The GLRI Act of 2025 aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that "promote the general Welfare." Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes can be argued to fall under this clause, as it benefits the environment, economy, and public health of the region.
Furthermore, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce, which can be interpreted to include environmental regulations that affect interstate waterways like the Great Lakes. The Act does not infringe upon any specific rights or liberties guaranteed by the Constitution or its amendments.
Given these considerations, the GLRI Act of 2025 appears to be constitutionally sound.
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).