S.1324 - To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to modify eligibility for the State response to contaminants program, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1324 aims to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act, specifically targeting the State response to contaminants program. The bill seeks to modify eligibility criteria for states to receive grants and provide assistance to communities and well owners facing drinking water contamination issues. It focuses on technical corrections to Section 1459A(j) of the Act, clarifying which communities and well owners are eligible for assistance.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely expand the scope of communities and individuals eligible for assistance under the State response to contaminants program. This includes disadvantaged communities, those at risk of becoming disadvantaged due to contaminant responses, and communities with limited capacity to incur debt for water treatment. It also includes owners of private drinking water wells.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to clean and safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities.
- Financial assistance for communities lacking the capacity to finance water treatment.
- Support for owners of private wells facing contamination issues.
- Improved public health outcomes through reduced exposure to contaminants.
- Enhanced state capacity to respond to drinking water contamination incidents.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on states to determine eligibility.
- Possible strain on existing resources if demand for assistance increases significantly.
- Risk of funds being misallocated if eligibility criteria are not clearly defined and monitored.
- The bill's focus is narrow and may not address broader systemic issues related to water infrastructure.
- Potential for delays in implementation due to the need for states to update their programs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it aims to promote the health and well-being of the population by ensuring access to safe drinking water. It also aligns with the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, as it involves state-level implementation and administration of the program. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
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).