To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide assistance for States, territories, areas affected by natural disasters, and water systems and schools affected by PFAS or lead, and to require the Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate national primary drinking water regulations for PFAS, microcystin toxin, and 1,4-dioxane, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 16, 2024
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
# Summary of H.R. 10440: Assistance, Quality, and Affordability Act of 2024
This bill significantly expands federal funding and requirements for drinking water safety and affordability. It provides approximately $15 billion in infrastructure grants over ten years to help states, territories, and water systems address contamination and aging infrastructure, with particular focus on lead service line replacement, PFAS (forever chemicals) treatment, and assistance to disadvantaged communities. The legislation requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish national drinking water standards for PFAS, microcystin toxin, 1,4-dioxane, and chromium-6 within specified timeframes, with some regulations required within two years of enactment. Additionally, the bill creates a water affordability program providing $1.5 billion annually through 2034 to help low-income households pay their water bills through grants to states and tribal governments. The bill eliminates small water system variances that previously allowed smaller systems to avoid meeting the same safety standards as larger systems and establishes a citizens' petition process allowing the public to request new drinking water standards based on scientific evidence.
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