Bills
| 3.23.22

EPA-Funded Grants to Aid in Restoring the San Francisco Bay (House Bill) (H.R. 843)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H.R. 843?

(Updated January 31, 2017)

This bill authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide grant funding on a competitive basis to conservation and restoration projects related to the California's San Francisco Bay. The bill retroactively authorizes the Act back to Fiscal Year 2013 and through Fiscal Year 2017. The Senate bill is identical. 

Argument in favor

Would aid in revitalizing the Bay’s historic wetlands and protect coasts from further erosion.

Argument opposed

Contains no new environmental regulations. The end date for the wetlands restoration project? 2063.

Impact

The bill affects conservation efforts relating to the San Francisco Bay.

Cost of H.R. 843

The CBO estimates the bill would cost $15 million over four years.

Additional Info

Media:


Of Note:

 

In 2012, the EPA spent $6 million on the San Francisco Bay, $300 million on the Great Lakes, $60 million on Chesapeake Bay, and $30 million on the Puget Sound.

In Detail:

According to its official summary, the bill:


Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide funding to state and local agencies, special districts, and public or nonprofit agencies, institutions, and organizations for activities, studies, or projects identified in an annual priority list, including restoration projects and habitat improvement for fish, waterfowl, and wildlife, that advance the goals and objectives of the comprehensive management plan for the San Francisco estuary… [and] limits funding amounts to 75% of the total cost of eligible activities to be carried out using those amounts.