H.R.3900 - Water Quality Technology Availability Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3900, the Water Quality Technology Availability Act, aims to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The amendment ensures that the total cost of commercially available technology in the United States is considered when setting effluent limitation guidelines. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 11, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill, if enacted, would be to modify how the EPA sets standards for water pollution control. It would require the EPA to consider the total cost of available technology when setting effluent limitations. This could potentially lead to less stringent regulations if the cost of compliance is deemed too high.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce the financial burden on industries required to comply with effluent limitations.
- May encourage the development of more cost-effective water treatment technologies.
- Could prevent regulations that are economically impractical or unsustainable.
- Could lead to more realistic and achievable water quality standards.
- May foster greater collaboration between industry and regulators in finding optimal solutions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to weaker environmental protections if cost considerations outweigh environmental concerns.
- May result in increased water pollution if less stringent effluent limitations are adopted.
- Could disproportionately affect communities downstream from industrial facilities.
- May create loopholes for industries to avoid investing in advanced pollution control technologies.
- Could potentially undermine the long-term goals of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce and enact laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which this bill amends, is based on the Commerce Clause. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
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).