Bill · S. 2926· Senate(119-S-2926)
New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act
- Introduced
- 9/29/2025
- Last activity
- 9/29/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program to manage and protect the New York-New Jersey Watershed. The program aims to coordinate restoration activities, improve water quality, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. It also focuses on utilizing natural climate solutions and increasing public access for recreation. To achieve these goals, the bill creates a voluntary grant and technical assistance program. These funds are intended to support various entities in carrying out conservation and stewardship tasks. The program is authorized to run through fiscal year 2031.
Yes· 3 of 13
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+8
The bill establishes a program dedicated to coordinating restoration and protection of water quality and habitats.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities, which often include low-income households.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill explicitly mentions consulting with Indian Tribes in its implementation process.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Habitat and Water Quality: The program seeks to sustain and enhance fish and wildlife habitats while improving water quality for use and enjoyment by the public (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Climate Resilience: The bill advances the use of natural climate solutions and green infrastructure to help communities and natural systems maximize resilience against the impacts of climate change (Section 3(b)(2)(C)).
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Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity: The program aims to engage the public through outreach, education, and community involvement to increase capacity and support for workforce development (Section 3(b)(2)(D)).
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Support for Underserved Areas: The program prioritizes the needs of communities experiencing environmental injustice by improving fish and wildlife habitats and personal recreation opportunities along rivers and shore fronts (Section 3(b)(2)(D) and (I)).
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Financial Support for Local Projects: Through a grant program, the Secretary provides competitive matching grants to State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education (Section 4(a)).
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Increased Aid for Disadvantaged Communities: For restoration activities serving small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, the Federal share of the cost can be as high as 90 percent, and the Secretary may increase this to 100 percent if the recipient faces significant financial hardship (Section 4(d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Matching Requirements: Most grant recipients are required to provide a non-Federal share of the total cost, which can be up to 50 percent of the activity's cost (Section 4(d)(1)(A) and (2)(A)).
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+5Good For Native Americans+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Urban Residents+5Good For African Americans+4Good For Asian Americans+4Good For Hispanic Americans+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+8Reduces Carbon Emissions+4
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+3Improves Economic Growth+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+4
- 9/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York