Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014

Bill: 113-hr-5764
Sponsor: Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Introduced: 2014-11-20 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Great Lakes
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Lakes and rivers
Pest management
Water quality
Wetlands
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2014-11-20
text: 
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2015-FY2019. 
 
Requires that the Initiative carry out programs and projects for Great Lakes protection and restoration. Directs the Initiative to prioritize programs and projects, including: (1) the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern; (2) the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts; (3) the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that comes from many diffuse sources, such as pollution on the ground picked up by rain or snow); and (4) habitat and wildlife protection and restoration.
 
Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program.
 
Requires federal agencies to maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities without regard to funding under the Initiative and identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.

action_date: 2014-12-09
text: 

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

 
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2014 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to authorize the Environmental Protection Agency's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for FY2015-FY2019. 
 
Requires that the Initiative carry out programs and projects for Great Lakes protection and restoration. Directs the Initiative to prioritize programs and projects, including: 
 
 
the remediation of toxic substances and areas of concern;
 
 the prevention and control of invasive species and their impacts; 
 
the protection and restoration of near-shore health and the prevention and mitigation of nonpoint source pollution (water pollution that comes from many diffuse sources, such as pollution on the ground picked up by rain or snow); 
 
habitat and wildlife protection and restoration; and 
 
accountability, monitoring, evaluation, communication, and partnership activities.
 
 
Prohibits funding made available to implement the Initiative from being used for any water infrastructure activity (other than a green infrastructure project that improves habitat and other ecosystem functions in the Great Lakes) for which funding is made available under the clean water or drinking water state revolving fund program.
 
Requires federal agencies to maintain the base level of funding for their Great Lakes activities without regard to funding under the Initiative and identify new activities to support the environmental goals of the Initiative.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-12-10
text: Received in the Senate.
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H8892)
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H8892)
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5764.
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8892-8897)
action_date: 2014-12-09
text: Mr. Gibbs moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2014-11-21
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2014-11-20
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2014-11-20
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2014-11-20
text: Introduced in House