To waive certain requirements under section 306018 of title 54, United States Code, with respect to undertakings to upgrade public water systems and treatment works.

Bill Summary: H.R. 6353

Overview

H.R. 6353 is a targeted legislative proposal designed to streamline the process of upgrading critical water infrastructure. The bill seeks to waive specific historical preservation requirements for projects focused on the rehabilitation and improvement of public water systems and wastewater treatment works.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to accelerate the modernization of public water infrastructure by removing potential regulatory delays. Specifically, it aims to exempt water-related projects from the "Section 106" process, which typically requires federal agencies to assess the impact of their actions on historic properties.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces a specific waiver for the requirements found in Section 306018 of title 54, United States Code (formerly Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act).

Under this bill, the Section 106 requirements will not apply if both of the following conditions are met:
1. Project Scope: The project, activity, or program is carried out for the primary purpose of structurally rehabilitating or upgrading a public water system or treatment works.
2. Request for Exclusion: The entity performing the work explicitly requests that the "responsible agency" exclude the undertaking from Section 106 requirements.

Defined Terms

To ensure clarity, the bill adopts existing legal definitions:
* Public Water System: As defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act.
* Treatment Works: As defined by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
* Responsible Agency: The federal or independent agency with jurisdiction or licensing authority over the project.

Who is Affected?

• Water Utilities and Municipalities: Local governments and private entities managing public water and sewage systems would benefit from a reduced regulatory burden and potentially faster project timelines.
• Federal Agencies: Agencies overseeing water grants or licenses would no longer be required to conduct historic preservation reviews for these specific types of requests.
• Historic Preservationists: Organizations and individuals focused on the protection of cultural and historic sites may be affected, as these projects would no longer require the standard review process to ensure historic landmarks are not harmed.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: December 2, 2025.
• Referrals: The bill was referred to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Energy and Commerce, and Natural Resources.
• Current Status: As of February 2, 2026, it has been referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment for further consideration.