Columbia River Clean-Up Act of 2025

Bill Summary: Columbia River Clean-Up Act of 2025

Overview

Bill Number: S 2415

Session: 119th Congress

Jurisdiction: United States

Status: Introduced (Referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works)

The Columbia River Clean-Up Act of 2025 is a targeted legislative amendment designed to extend the timeline for restoration efforts within the Columbia River Basin. The bill focuses on ensuring continued federal support and regulatory frameworks for water pollution control and basin restoration.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to extend the eligibility or operational window for specific restoration activities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act). By updating the dates specified in the existing law, the bill ensures that clean-up and restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin can continue through the end of the decade.

Key Provisions

The bill contains a single, specific legal amendment:
* Timeline Extension: It amends Section 123(d)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1275(d)(6)).
* Date Modification: The bill strikes the previous years listed (2020 and 2021) and replaces them with a new window covering 2026 through 2030.

Impact and Affected Parties

The bill primarily affects the management and ecological health of the Columbia River Basin. The key stakeholders include:
* Environmental Agencies: Federal and state agencies responsible for monitoring water quality and overseeing restoration projects.
* Local Ecosystems: Fish and wildlife populations that depend on the restoration of the river basin.
* Local Communities: Residents and industries in the Pacific Northwest who rely on the Columbia River for water, transport, and commerce.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: July 23, 2025
• Current Stage: The bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works for further review and consideration.