Bill · H.R. 4357· House(119-HR-4357)
Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act
- Introduced
- 7/10/2025
- Last activity
- 7/11/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Sponsored by
- Juan Vargas
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Border Water Quality Restoration and Protection Act aims to restore water quality in the Tijuana River and New River watersheds. It establishes specific geographic programs for both the Tijuana River and the New River to plan and implement water quality and public health activities. The bill directs the EPA Administrator to develop science-based action plans and priority lists for water quality restoration projects. Funding is authorized through various programs to support infrastructure, such as water reuse, recycling, and green infrastructure. Additionally, the act establishes a border water infrastructure improvement program to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible entities. These efforts involve coordination between Federal, State, local, and Mexican government entities.
Yes· 3 of 17
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill focuses on restoring water quality and protecting habitats in the Tijuana and New River watersheds.
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?+5
The bill enhances the management of estuarine and wildlife habitats in the border region.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+5
The bill fosters cooperation between the US and Mexican governments on shared environmental issues.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Public Health and Water Quality: The bill aims to address the influx of untreated sewage, bacteria, and industrial discharges that currently pose health risks to local populations (Section 101(a)(6), 101(a)(8), 201(a)(4), 201(a)(5)).
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Economic and Recreational Benefits: By improving the natural beauty and water quality of the rivers, the bill seeks to protect the economies of southern California communities and restore recreational opportunities that have been impacted by water quality issues and beach closures (Section 101(a)(5)).
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Environmental and Habitat Protection: The programs are designed to provide critical habitat for shore birds and enhance water quality to support fish and wildlife (Section 101(a)(4), 201(b)(2)(A)).
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Increased Safety for Border Personnel: Addressing the flows of untreated sewage and chemicals is intended to protect the health of Border Patrol agents operating in these areas (Section 101(a)(11)).
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Infrastructure Support: The bill provides for the construction and maintenance of water-related infrastructure, including drinking water treatment, wastewater management, and stormwater management (Section s 301(a)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial Requirements for Projects: The Administrator has the authority to establish Federal share requirements, which may necessitate cost-sharing from other entities for certain projects (Section 105(c), 205(c), 301(g)).
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Administrative Costs: A portion of the funds authorized for water quality restoration may be used for salaries, expenses, and administration (Section 105(f)(2), 205(f)(2)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Native Americans+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For Business Owners+3Good For Children+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Improves Public Land Management+5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4Increases Foreign Aid+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3Increases Federal Power+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3
- 7/11/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 7/10/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and the Budget, 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.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Sara JacobsDemocrat · California
Mike LevinDemocrat · California
Scott PetersDemocrat · California
Raul RuizDemocrat · California