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America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-270): Drinking Water Provisions [March 28, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress has long deliberated on the condition of drinking water infrastructure and drinking water quality as well as the financial and technical challenges some public water systems face in ensuring the delivery of safe and adequate water supplies. Several events and circumstances-- including source water contamination incidents; water infrastructure damage from natural disasters, such as hurricanes; detection of elevated lead levels in tap water in various cities and schools; and the nationwide need to repair or replace aging drinking water infrastructure--have increased national attention to these issues. America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA; P.L. 115-270), enacted on October 23, 2018, contains provisions that seek to address these and other water infrastructure concerns."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-03-28
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Federally Supported Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment Programs [Updated May 3, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background information on the types of water supply and wastewater treatment projects traditionally funded by the federal government and the several existing programs to assist communities with water supply and wastewater treatment. For more than four decades, Congress has authorized and refined several programs to help communities address water supply and wastewater problems. The agencies that administer these programs differ in multiple ways. For example, in terms of funding mechanisms, projects developed by the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) typically require direct, individual project authorizations from Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Boyd, Eugene; Cowan, Tadlock . . .
2019-05-03
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WIFIA Program: Background and Recent Developments [April 26, 2019]
From the Document: "To promote development of and private investment in water infrastructure projects, the 113th Congress authorized the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) in the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (P.L. 113-121, Title V; 33 U.S.C. §§3901-3914). Initially established as a five-year pilot program, WIFIA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide credit assistance--secured or direct loans--for a range of water infrastructure projects. The 115th Congress made several changes to the WIFIA program in America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA; P.L. 115-270), enacted on October 23, 2018."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-04-26
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COVID-19 and Public Water Service Continuity [Updated May 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased attention to several issues regarding the provision of public water services. These include long-standing water-rate affordability concerns, the importance of clean water to public health, and the financial sustainability of some public water systems (whether publicly or privately owned). The spread of COVID-19 has raised specific concerns regarding the continuity of residential water services needed to support hand-washing and other public health measures--particularly as more customers may become unable to pay water bills because of job losses or reduced income. At the same time, water service providers are projecting substantial revenue losses related to COVID-19. Policy options being discussed to alleviate such impacts and help ensure the continuity of water service include providing temporary assistance to households and/or water systems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-05-13
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WIFIA Program: Background and Recent Developments [Updated June 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 authorized the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program to promote development of and private investment in water infrastructure projects (33 U.S.C. §§3901-3914). Initially established as a five-year pilot program, WIFIA authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide credit assistance in the form of secured or direct loans for a range of water infrastructure projects. Capital improvements for drinking water and wastewater systems protect public health and support local economies. They typically require major investments. Based on its most recent surveys, EPA estimates that the wastewater and drinking water infrastructure capital investment needed to meet Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act objectives exceeds $744 billion over 20 years. This amount does not include costs to extend services to accommodate population growth or to repair infrastructure not linked to compliance and related health and environmental goals."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-06-02
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Watersense® Program: Congressional Authorization [March 8, 2019]
From the Document: "WaterSense is a voluntary labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the development and use of water-efficient products and services. Through WaterSense, EPA develops water efficiency specifications for products, certain services, and homes; licenses third-party certification bodies; and maintains a registry of WaterSense-labeled products and certified services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-03-08
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PFAS and Drinking Water: Selected EPA and Congressional Actions [Updated August 20, 2019]
From the Document: "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated chemicals that have been used in an array of commercial, industrial, and U.S. military applications for decades. Some of the more common applications include nonstick coatings, food wrappers, waterproof materials, and fire suppressants. Detections of some PFAS in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to particular PFAS above certain concentrations have increased calls for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address these substances in public water supplies. For those few PFAS for which scientific information is available, animal studies suggest that exposure to particular substances above certain levels may be linked to various health effects, including developmental effects; changes in liver, immune, and thyroid function; and increased risk of some cancers. In 2009, EPA listed certain PFAS for formal evaluation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued drinking water regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS contamination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2019-08-20
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PFAS and Drinking Water: Selected EPA and Congressional Actions [Updated January 23, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides an overview of EPA's ongoing and proposed actions to address PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances] under SDWA [Safe Drinking Water Act] authorities, with particular focus on the statutory process for evaluating PFAS--particularly PFOA [particularly perfluorooctanoic acid] and PFOS [perfluorooctane sulfonate]--for potential regulation. It also reviews PFAS-related legislation introduced in the 116th Congress, with emphasis on bills that would amend SDWA. This report does not address the status of scientific research on health effects that may be associated with exposure to one or more PFAS, nor does it discuss federal actions regarding other environmental statutes, such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-01-23
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PFAS and Drinking Water: Selected EPA and Congressional Actions [July 2, 2019]
From the Document: "Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated chemicals that have been used in an array of commercial, industrial, and U.S. military applications for decades. Some of the more common applications include nonstick coatings, food wrappers, waterproof materials, and fire suppressants. Detections of some PFAS in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to particular PFAS above certain concentrations have increased calls for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA )to address these substances in public water supplies. For those few PFAS for which scientific information is available, animal studies suggest that exposure to particular substances above certain levels may be linked to various health effects, including developmental effects; changes in liver, immune,and thyroid function; and increased risk of some cancers. In 2009, EPA listed certain PFAS for formal evaluation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued drinking water regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS contamination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2019-07-02
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [Updated February 26, 2020]
From the Document: "The 116th Congress has held hearings and passed legislation directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other departments and agencies to take a range of actions to address per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. EPA actions to respond to PFAS contamination under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) have received significant attention. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 (NDAA, P.L. 116-92) amended SDWA to increase PFAS monitoring and authorize appropriations for grants to address PFAS in public water supplies, among other PFAS provisions. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under SDWA to determine whether national drinking water regulations are warranted for one or more of these substances. On February 20, 2020, EPA announced preliminary decisions to develop SDWA regulations for the two most frequently detected PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). This In Focus outlines EPA actions to address PFAS under SDWA and reviews related legislation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tiemann, Mary; Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-02-26
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Controlling Lead in Public Drinking Water Supplies [September 4, 2019]
From the Document: "Communities nationwide are facing a range of issues associated with aging water infrastructure, including detection of elevated lead levels in drinking water. In affected communities, drinking water is a source of lead exposure. Other sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint and contaminated soil and dust from deteriorated lead-based paint. Nationally, the phaseouts of leaded gasoline and lead-based paint, along with other regulatory controls, have reduced lead exposures. Since the late 1970s, overall blood lead levels in children (ages one to five) have declined an estimated 94%. However, because of lead's toxicity, even at low levels, reducing lead exposures from drinking water and other sources remains a public health priority."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-09-04
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [Updated January 21, 2020]
From the Document: "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has been the focus of increased congressional attention. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether national drinking water regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued SDWA regulations for any PFAS but has taken other actions to address PFAS in drinking water. The 116th Congress has held hearings and passed legislation directing EPA and other departments and agencies to take a range of actions to address PFAS contamination. In February 2019, EPA issued a PFAS Action Plan (EPA 823R18004), which discusses EPA's efforts to address PFAS under multiple environmental laws. This In Focus outlines the agency's activities to address PFAS using SDWA authorities and reviews related legislative actions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-01-21
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WaterSense® Program: Congressional Authorization [Updated June 25, 2020]
From the Document: "WaterSense is a voluntary labeling program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage the development and use of water-efficient products and services. Through WaterSense, EPA develops water efficiency specifications for products, certain services, and homes; licenses third-party certification bodies;and maintains a registry of WaterSense-labeled products and certified services. EPA initially established WaterSense in 2006. The 115th Congress authorized and expanded WaterSense in America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA; P.L. 115-270), Section 4306 (42 U.S.C. §6294b)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-06-25
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EPA Water Infrastructure Funding in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 [July 24, 2020]
From the Summary: "As part of the federal response to the 'Great Recession,' Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5) to stimulate the economy and address a range of other policy objectives. ARRA included tax relief and incentives and provided hundreds of billions of dollars in mandatory and discretionary spending, including funding for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. As Congress considers options to mitigate the economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), infrastructure funding is receiving increased attention. ARRA implementation experience may be relevant as policymakers consider options to stimulate the economy through increased infrastructure spending. ARRA delivered wastewater and drinking water infrastructure funding primarily through two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs--the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Humphreys, Elena H.
2020-07-24
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COVID-19 and Regulation of Public Drinking Water [March 26, 2020]
From the Document: "During infectious disease outbreaks, questions regarding public water supplies may emerge, as a safe and adequate water supply is a key component to protecting public health. As the United States and other countries respond to the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), questions may arise regarding the potential for the COVID-19 virus to be present in public water supplies. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that 'Americans can continue to use and drink water from their tap as usual.' To support water providers and others in addressing COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 19, 2020, issued interim guidance on water, sanitation, hygiene, and waste management for the COVID-19 virus. The guidance states that the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in water supplies and that the risk to water supplies is low based on current evidence."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-03-26
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COVID-19: Selected Public Water Service Issues [April 15, 2020]
From the Document: "The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased attention to several issues regarding the provision of public water services. These include long-standing water-rate affordability concerns, the importance of clean water to public health, and the financial sustainability of some public water systems (whether publicly or privately owned). The spread of COVID-19 has raised specific concerns regarding the continuity of residential water services needed to support hand-washing and other public health measures--particularly as more customers may become unable to pay water bills because of job losses or reduced income. Policy options being discussed to alleviate such impacts and help ensure the continuity of water service include providing temporary assistance to households and/or water systems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2020-04-15
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Federally Supported Projects and Programs for Wastewater, Drinking Water, and Water Supply Infrastructure [July 30, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report provides background and funding information on water infrastructure projects, including wastewater and drinking water, and water supply projects traditionally funded by the federal government. The report also discusses federal funding programs that provide assistance to communities to support these types of projects and related, eligible activities. For decades, Congress has authorized and modified federal programs to help communities address water supply and water infrastructure needs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Cowan, Tadlock; Humphreys, Elena H. . . .
2020-07-30
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Regulating Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [January 8, 2021]
From the Introduction: "Detections of unregulated contaminants (e.g., per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS] and 1,4-dioxane) in public water supplies have raised questions about the quality of drinking water and increased congressional interest in the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) efforts to regulate contaminants under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Congress enacted SDWA in 1974 to address the quality of public drinking water supplies and protect public health. A key part of the act is the authority for EPA to regulate contaminants in public water supplies. [...] This report discusses the SDWA provisions relevant to how EPA evaluates contaminants to determine whether a contaminant warrants a 'national primary drinking water regulation' (NPDWR), provides an overview of the regulatory development process, and analyzes certain issues that may affect implementation of this section. In addition to the agency's work related to contaminant regulation, EPA has issued other SDWA regulations applicable to public water systems. These include regulations to reduce lead content in drinking water pipes and plumbing and to increase consumer information and public notification about drinking water quality and compliance. The report is primarily limited to EPA's implementation of the process outlined in SDWA Section 1412 'National Drinking Water Regulations' for evaluating contaminants for regulation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-01-08
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Infrastructure Programs and FY2020 Appropriations [April 2, 2020]
From the Document: "The condition of the nation's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and associated financing challenges are perennial subjects of debate and attention in Congress. Among others, challenges include the ability of communities--especially low-income communities--to finance projects needed to (1) repair or replace water infrastructure, much of which has was constructed more than 50 years ago; (2) comply with new or revised federal regulatory requirements; and (3) address damage from natural hazards and improve resiliency to extreme weather events."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Ramseur, Jonathan L.
2020-04-02
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Water Infrastructure Legislation in the 116th Congress: EPA, Reclamation, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Provisions [June 26, 2020]
From the Document: "Legislation in the 116th Congress addresses water infrastructure activities of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This Insight highlights water infrastructure programs and authorities administered by these agencies that are included in three bills: [1] Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2; Rules Committee Print 116-54), [2] Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (DWIA 2020; S. 3590), and [3] America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020; S. 3591). The final section of the Insight identifies other water-related topics addressed in the Moving Forward Act and AWIA 2020, including authorities for other agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Carter, Nicole T.; Humphreys, Elena H.; Ramseur, Jonathan L. . . .
2020-06-26
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [Updated June 18, 2019]
From the Document: "Detections of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to PFAS have increased congressional attention to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to address these substances in public water supplies. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether national drinking water regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued SDWA regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS contamination. [...] This In Focus outlines the agency's PFAS-related actions using SDWA authorities, with particular focus on the process for evaluating contaminants for regulation under SDWA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tiemann, Mary; Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-06-18
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [May 21, 2019]
From the Document: "Detections of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to PFAS have increased congressional attention to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to address these substances in public water supplies. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether national drinking water regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued SDWA regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS contamination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2019-05-21
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [Updated July 3, 2019]
From the Document: "Detections of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to PFAS have increased congressional attention to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to address these substances in public water supplies. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether national drinking water regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued SDWA regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS in drinking water. In the 116th Congress, bills have been introduced to direct EPA to issue drinking water regulations and standards, increase monitoring and research, and take other actions to address these substances. In February 2019, EPA issued a PFAS Action Plan (EPA 823R18004), which discusses EPA's efforts to address PFAS under multiple environmental laws. This In Focus outlines the agency's PFAS-related activities using SDWA authorities, with particular focus on the process for evaluating contaminants for regulation under SDWA."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Tiemann, Mary
2019-07-03
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Regulating Drinking Water Contaminants: EPA PFAS Actions [Updated August 6, 2019]
From the Document: "Detections of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water supplies and uncertainty about potential health effects associated with exposure to PFAS have increased congressional attention to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts to address these substances in public water supplies. Over the past decade, EPA has been evaluating several PFAS under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to determine whether national drinking water regulations may be warranted. EPA has not issued SDWA regulations for any PFAS but has taken various actions to address PFAS in drinking water."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Tiemann, Mary; Humphreys, Elena H.
2019-08-06
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP): Status and Issues [January 14, 2021]
From the Document: "In the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (WRRDA 2014, P.L. 113-121), Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to provide credit assistance, in the form of secured or direct loans, for a range of water resource projects. This authority was provided in the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA 2014, Title V, Subtitle C of P.L. 113-121; 33 U.S.C. §§3901-3914, as amended). WIFIA 2014 authorized an analogous program for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for water projects outside of USACE mission areas [...]. While Congress has appropriated funding since FY2017 for EPA's WIFIA program to provide assistance to projects, it first funded USACE's program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, FY2021 (P.L. 116- 260). In Division D of that act, Congress created a WIFIA account for USACE and provided appropriations to support credit assistance for nonfederal dam safety projects. Recently, USACE has referred to its program as the Civil Works Infrastructure Financing Program (CWIFP)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Normand, Anna E.; Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-01-14
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Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA): Water System Security and Resilience Provisions [March 1, 2021]
From the Document: "The disruption of a safe and reliable water supply remains a long-standing concern related to the protection of public health. Several events have increased congressional attention to water system security and resilience from events that could disrupt the provision of water supply. [...]To address both intentional acts and extreme weather that may threaten water systems, Congress added several provisions to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to support the safety of water supplies and resilience of water systems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-03-01
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Regulating Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) [Updated March 3, 2021]
From the Summary: "Concerns about drinking water quality have resulted in congressional attention to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), particularly on the process for evaluating contaminants for potential regulation. Detections of unregulated contaminants in public water supplies in numerous states have raised concerns about the quality of drinking water and increased congressional interest in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) response to such detections. Additionally, concerns about the detection of regulated contaminants, such as lead, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of certain existing regulations. SDWA is the key federal law that authorizes EPA to promulgate regulations to control contaminants in public water supplies. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.
2021-03-03
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Water Service Issues and COVID-19: Recent Congressional Funding [April 2, 2021]
From the Document: "Several water service issues have garnered increased congressional attention during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic. Among these, some are long-standing concerns over household water-rate affordability and the condition of municipal water infrastructure. Other issues have emerged as water systems and/or local governments have experienced COVID-19-related revenue shortages, which may affect water systems' operations, maintenance, and/or financial sustainability. During the pandemic, Congress has enacted a number of proposals to address these and other issues. To address water-rate affordability, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260) provided $638 million for water or wastewater rate assistance on behalf of low-income households. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA; P.L. 117-2) included another $500 million for such assistance, and provided $350 billion for state and local governments for COVID-19-related purposes, among them water or sewer infrastructure investments. This Insight briefly reviews water system financial practices, and identifies some challenges for water service providers and their customers raised by the pandemic. It also discusses recent congressional actions to address these issues."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Perl, Libby
2021-04-02
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Federal Role in Responding to Potential Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) [October 23, 2019]
From the Document: "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large, diverse group of fluorinated compounds that have been used in numerous commercial, industrial, and U.S. military applications. Among other uses, PFAS have been used in fire-fighting foams and in the processing and manufacture of many commercial products (e.g., nonstick cookware, stain- and water-resistant fabrics). PFAS are persistent in the environment, and studies of several PFAS suggest that exposures above certain levels may lead to adverse health effects. [...] This report focuses on federal authorities under which EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and other agencies have taken actions to address potential risks of PFAS. It does not discuss other laws under which EPA or other agencies may take additional actions, or actions under state laws. The report begins with a brief discussion of the chemical properties, uses, and varying risks of PFAS, followed by discussions of federal actions, relevant legislation enacted in the 115th Congress, and relevant legislation in the 116th Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Bearden, David M.; Yen, Jerry H.; Tiemann, Mary . . .
2019-10-23
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Water Infrastructure Financing: The Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) Program [Updated May 1, 2019]
From the Introduction: "Water infrastructure issues, particularly regarding funding, continue to receive attention from some Members of Congress and a wide array of stakeholders. Localities are primarily responsible for providing wastewater and drinking water infrastructure services. According to the most recent estimates by states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expected capital costs for such facilities total $744 billion over a 20-year period. 1 While some analysts and stakeholders debate whether these estimates understate or overstate capital needs, most agree that the affected communities face formidable challenges in providing adequate and reliable water infrastructure services."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Humphreys, Elena H.; Ramseur, Jonathan L.; Tiemann, Mary
2019-05-01
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