H.R.3888 - Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3888, the Water Quality Criteria Development and Transparency Act, aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The bill focuses on enhancing transparency and procedural rigor in the development of water quality criteria. It mandates that the EPA Administrator issue new or revised water quality criteria through formal rulemaking, subject to judicial review.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely result in more stringent and defensible water quality standards. This is because it requires the EPA to follow administrative procedures when setting these standards. It also opens the door for greater public input and judicial oversight.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in the development of water quality criteria.
- Increased opportunity for public comment and participation.
- More scientifically sound and legally defensible water quality standards.
- Improved water quality, benefiting public health and ecosystems.
- Greater accountability for the EPA in setting water quality standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential delays in the development and implementation of new water quality criteria due to the rulemaking process.
- Increased administrative burden and costs for the EPA.
- Possible legal challenges to new water quality criteria, further delaying implementation.
- Could lead to increased costs for industries and municipalities required to comply with stricter standards.
- May create opportunities for special interest groups to unduly influence the rulemaking process.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution by promoting transparency and due process in governmental actions. Article I, Section 1 vests legislative powers in Congress, and this bill represents Congress's effort to refine existing legislation. The requirement for rulemaking and judicial review ensures that the EPA's actions are subject to checks and balances, consistent with the separation of powers principle.
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).