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107TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION
H. R. 3561
To establish the Twenty-First Century Water Policy Commission.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DECEMBER 20, 2001
Mr. LINDER (for himself, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, and Mr. CALVERT) introduced
the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Resources, and
in addition to the Committee on 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 com-
mittee concerned
A BILL
To establish the Twenty-First Century Water Policy
Commission.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Twenty-First Century
Water Policy Commission Establishment Act’’.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the
Twenty-First Century Water Policy Commission (in this
Act referred to as the ‘‘Commission’’).
SEC. 3. DUTIES.
The duties of the Commission shall be to—
(1) study all aspects of water management by
Federal, State, and local agencies and by private
sector entities; and
(2) develop recommendations for a comprehen-
sive water policy which—
(A) ensures an adequate and dependable
supply of fresh water to meet the needs of the
United States for the next 50 years;
(B) does not place increased mandates on
State and local governments;
(C) eliminates duplication and conflict
among governmental agencies;
(D) considers all available technologies for
increasing water supply efficiently, while safe-
guarding the environment;
(E) recommends means of capturing excess
water and flood water for use in the event of
a drought;
(F) suggests financing options for public
works projects, including the implementation of
user fees; and
(G) includes other objectives which the
Commission shall consider appropriate.
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) APPOINTMENT.—The Commission shall be com-
posed of 17 members appointed by the President, and
shall include—
(1) 8 representatives from Federal agencies in-
volved in water management, conservation, or re-
source issues;
(2) 5 representatives from non-governmental or-
ganizations with an interest in water management,
conservation, or resource issues;
(3) 2 representatives of local government; and
(4) 2 representatives of State government or
Indian tribes.
(b) CHAIRPERSON.—The members of the Commission
shall elect 1 member to serve as chairperson.
(c) TERMS.—Members of the Commission shall be
appointed not later than 30 days after the date of enact-
ment of this Act. Appointments shall be for the life of the
Commission.
(d) VACANCIES.—A vacancy in the Commission shall
not affect its powers, and shall be filled in the same man-
ner as the original appointment.
(e) COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Mem-
bers of the Commission shall serve without pay, but shall
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub-
sistence, in accordance with applicable provisions under
subchapter I of chapter 57, United State Code.
SEC. 5 MEETINGS AND QUORUM.
(a) MEETINGS.—The Commission shall hold its first
meeting not later than 30 days after the date on which
all members of the Commission have been appointed, and
shall hold additional meetings at the call of the chair-
person or a majority of its members.
(b) QUORUM.—A majority of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) HEARINGS.—The Commission may hold such
hearings and receive such evidence as the Commission may
find advisable to fulfill the requirements of this Act.
(b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—The
Commission may secure directly from any Federal agency
such information as the Commission considers necessary
to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORT.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the first meet-
ing of the Commission, the Commission shall transmit to
the Congress a report containing a detailed statement of
the findings and conclusions of the Commission, and rec-
ommendations for legislation to implement a comprehen-
sive water policy.
SEC. 8. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the
date on which the Commission transmits a report under
section 6.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums
as may be necessary to carry out this Act.
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