Bill · H.R. 6616· House(119-HR-6616)
Clean Water Justice Act
- Introduced
- 12/11/2025
- Last activity
- 2/2/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- Sponsored by
- Nanette Barragán
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Clean Water Justice Act, seeks to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The primary purpose of the legislation is to increase certain criminal fines. It proposes significant increases to specific penalty amounts currently set within the Act. Additionally, it establishes a process for the Administrator to adjust these maximum penalties annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
Yes· 3 of 20
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill significantly increases criminal fines for water pollution to strengthen the enforcement of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
Stricter penalties for water pollution provide better protection for water resources often vital to Native American lands.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+5
Higher fines serve as a deterrent against environmental violations that affect public health and water safety.
The opposite
Would farmers be better off under this?-4
Higher criminal fines for water pollution violations could increase the financial risk for agricultural operations.
Would high-income households be better off under this?-2
The increased fines may negatively impact high-income business owners or corporations found in violation of water laws.
Would gun owners be better off under this?-1
The bill imposes higher financial burdens on entities violating environmental regulations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Criminal Fines: The bill increases specific penalty amounts from $5,000 to $25,000, $50,000 to $250,000, and $100,000 to $500,000. This change is found in Section 2.
-
Annual Inflation Adjustments: The bill requires the Administrator to adjust maximum penalties annually based on the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers. This ensures penalties are adjusted for inflation, as detailed in Section 2.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Increased Financial Penalties: The bill significantly raises the maximum amounts for criminal fines under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This could result in much higher costs for those found in violation, as specified in Section 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 Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+4Good For Urban Residents+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Asian Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Immigrants+3Good For Low Income Households+3Good For White Americans+3Good For L G B T Q Community+2Good For Men+2Good For People With Disabilities+2Good For Retirees+2Good For Students+2Good For Union Workers+2Good For Veterans+2Good For Women+2Good For Farmers-4Good For High Income Households-2Good For Gun Owners-1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+5Improves Fiscal Responsibility+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+7
- 2/2/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
- 12/11/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
- Introduced in House