HR7376-119

What This Bill Does

The Local Water Protection Act amends section 319(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, the Clean Water Act nonpoint source management program provision. It changes the authorization period from fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Section 319 supports state and local work on nonpoint source pollution, which generally means polluted runoff from sources such as farms, roads, construction areas, septic systems, and developed land rather than a single pipe. By updating the fiscal-year window, the bill keeps the statutory authorization aligned with future program years.

Who Benefits and How

State nonpoint source management programs benefit because the Clean Water Act authorization window is extended through 2031. Local watershed projects benefit if continued authorization supports grants for runoff reduction, restoration, and pollution-control practices. EPA water program staff benefit from clearer authority to administer section 319 grants in future fiscal years. Communities affected by polluted runoff benefit if state and local projects continue reducing nutrients, sediment, and other runoff pollution.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Federal taxpayers bear the cost of continued section 319 support if appropriations follow the authorization. EPA grants staff must administer future-year awards, guidance, and oversight. State water agencies must keep applying for, managing, and reporting on nonpoint source funds. Regulated or participating landowners may face project conditions when they accept grant-funded practices, though the bill itself only extends the authorization period.

Key Provisions

• Amends Clean Water Act section 319(j), the nonpoint source management program authorization.
• Provides a new fiscal-year window of 2027 through 2031.
• Supports continued state and local runoff-pollution management work.
• Requires EPA and state water agencies to continue grant administration if funds are appropriated.