I 
110TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 5770 
To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences of potential 
impacts of climate change on water resources and water quality. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
APRIL 10, 2008 
Mr. HALL of New York (for himself, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of 
California, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, and Ms. LEE) introduced the following 
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and 
in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources and 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 committee concerned 
A BILL 
To provide for a study by the National Academy of Sciences 
of potential impacts of climate change on water resources 
and water quality. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. STUDY OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF CLIMATE 
CHANGE ON WATER RESOURCES AND WATER 
QUALITY. 
(a) NATIONAL ACADEMY STUDY.—Not later than 60 
days after funds are appropriated to carry out this Act, 
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the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agen-
cy shall enter into an arrangement with the National 
Academy of Sciences under which the Academy shall pre-
pare a 2-part study that includes the following: 
(1) HYDROLOGY
AND
WATER
QUALITY.—One 
part of the study shall consist of— 
(A) an identification of the potential im-
pacts of climate change on— 
(i) the Nation’s watersheds and water 
resources, including the potential for im-
pacts to wetlands, shoreline erosion, and 
saltwater intrusion as a result of sea level 
rise, and other hydrological and ecological 
impacts; 
(ii) significant regional variation in 
precipitation events from historic patterns, 
and the resulting impacts on watersheds, 
water resources, and water quality; and 
(iii) water quality, including the ex-
tent to which Federal and State efforts 
under the Federal Water Pollution Control 
Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) and other 
ocean and coastal protection laws may be 
affected by climate change; and 
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(B) information, analyses, and data that 
identify, to the maximum extent practicable, 
hydrological and temperature changes by water-
shed in the United States and that support the 
findings made under subparagraph (A). 
(2) POLICY CONSIDERATIONS.—Another part of 
the study shall consist of— 
(A) an identification of the scientific con-
sensus, assumptions, and uncertainties related 
to predictions of climate change in the United 
States; 
(B) an assessment of the extent to which 
Federal and State efforts under the Federal 
Water Pollution Control Act and other ocean 
and coastal laws may be affected by climate 
change; 
(C) an identification of steps to assess 
emerging information and identifying the ap-
propriate response actions to meet the require-
ments of such Act, including provisions to at-
tain or maintain water quality standards and 
for adequate stream flows for wetlands and 
aquatic resources; and 
(D) recommendations, if necessary, of po-
tential legislative or regulatory changes to ad-
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dress impacts of global climate change on ef-
forts to restore and maintain the chemical, 
physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s 
waters. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall sub-
mit a report of the results of the study in subsection (a), 
together with any additional comments of the Adminis-
trator, to the Committee on Environment and Public 
Works of the Senate and the Committee on Transpor-
tation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There is 
authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000 to carry out this 
Act. 
Æ 
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