Compiled Sections from H.R.3684 – Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
The full text of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, can be found here.
The below sections have been copied verbatim.
SEC. 40511. COST-EFFECTIVE CODES IMPLEMENTATION FOR EFFICIENCY AND RESILIENCE.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6831 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 309. COST-EFFECTIVE CODES IMPLEMENTATION FOR EFFICIENCY AND RESILIENCE. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section: ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a relevant State agency, as determined by the Secretary, such as a State building code agency, State energy office, or Tribal energy office; and ``(B) a partnership. ``(2) Partnership.--The term `partnership' means a partnership between an eligible entity described in paragraph (1)(A) and 1 or more of the following entities: ``(A) Local building code agencies. ``(B) Codes and standards developers. ``(C) Associations of builders and design and construction professionals. ``(D) Local and utility energy efficiency programs. ``(E) Consumer, energy efficiency, and environmental advocates. ``(F) Other entities, as determined by the Secretary. ``(3) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of Energy. ``(b) Establishment.-- ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish within the Building Technologies Office of the Department of Energy a program under which the Secretary shall award grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to enable sustained cost-effective implementation of updated building energy codes. ``(2) Updated building energy code.--An update to a building energy code under this section, including an amendment that results in increased efficiency compared to the previously adopted building energy code, shall include any update made available after the existing building energy code, even if it is not the most recent updated code available. ``(c) Criteria; Priority.--In awarding grants under subsection (b), the Secretary shall-- ``(1) consider-- ``(A) prospective energy savings and plans to measure the savings, including utilizing the Environmental Protection Agency Portfolio Manager, the Home Energy Score rating of the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the Department of Energy, the Energy Star Building rating methodologies of the Environmental Protection Agency, and other methodologies determined appropriate by the Secretary; ``(B) the long-term sustainability of those measures and savings; ``(C) prospective benefits, and plans to assess the benefits, including benefits relating to-- ``(i) resilience and peak load reduction; ``(ii) occupant safety and health; and ``(iii) environmental performance; ``(D) the demonstrated capacity of the eligible entity to carry out the proposed project; and ``(E) the need of the eligible entity for assistance; and ``(2) give priority to applications from partnerships. ``(d) Eligible Activities.-- ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may use the grant funds-- ``(A) to create or enable State or regional partnerships to provide training and materials to-- ``(i) builders, contractors and subcontractors, architects, and other design and construction professionals, relating to meeting updated building energy codes in a cost-effective manner; and ``(ii) building code officials, relating to improving implementation of and compliance with building energy codes; ``(B) to collect and disseminate quantitative data on construction and codes implementation, including code pathways, performance metrics, and technologies used; ``(C) to develop and implement a plan for highly effective codes implementation, including measuring compliance; ``(D) to address various implementation needs in rural, suburban, and urban areas; and ``(E) to implement updates in energy codes for-- ``(i) new residential and commercial buildings (including multifamily buildings); and ``(ii) additions and alterations to existing residential and commercial buildings (including multifamily buildings). ``(2) Related topics.--Training and materials provided using a grant under this section may include information on the relationship between energy codes and-- ``(A) cost-effective, high-performance, and zero-net-energy buildings; ``(B) improving resilience, health, and safety; ``(C) water savings and other environmental impacts; and ``(D) the economic impacts of energy codes. ``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $225,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''. (b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 303 of the Energy Conservation and Production Act (42 U.S.C. 6832) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``As used in'' and inserting ``Except as otherwise provided, in''. SEC. 40512. BUILDING, TRAINING, AND ASSESSMENT CENTERS. (a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide grants to institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and Tribal Colleges or Universities (as defined in section 316(b) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))) to establish building training and assessment centers-- (1) to identify opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and environmental performance in buildings; (2) to promote the application of emerging concepts and technologies in commercial and institutional buildings; (3) to train engineers, architects, building scientists, building energy permitting and enforcement officials, and building technicians in energy-efficient design and operation; (4) to assist institutions of higher education and Tribal Colleges or Universities in training building technicians; (5) to promote research and development for the use of alternative energy sources and distributed generation to supply heat and power for buildings, particularly energy-intensive buildings; and (6) to coordinate with and assist State-accredited technical training centers, community colleges, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and local offices of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and ensure appropriate services are provided under this section to each region of the United States. (b) Coordination and Nonduplication.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall coordinate the program with the industrial research and assessment centers program under section 457 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (as added by section 40521(b)) and with other Federal programs to avoid duplication of effort. (2) Collocation.--To the maximum extent practicable, building, training, and assessment centers established under this section shall be collocated with industrial research and assessment centers (as defined in section 40531). (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended. SEC. 40513. CAREER SKILLS TRAINING. (a) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term ``eligible entity'' means a nonprofit partnership that-- (1) includes the equal participation of industry, including public or private employers, and labor organizations, including joint labor-management training programs; (2) may include workforce investment boards, community-based organizations, qualified service and conservation corps, educational institutions, small businesses, cooperatives, State and local veterans agencies, and veterans service organizations; and (3) demonstrates-- (A) experience in implementing and operating worker skills training and education programs; (B) the ability to identify and involve in training programs carried out under this section, target populations of individuals who would benefit from training and be actively involved in activities relating to energy efficiency and renewable energy industries; and (C) the ability to help individuals achieve economic self- sufficiency. (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to pay the Federal share of associated career skills training programs under which students concurrently receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training for the purpose of obtaining an industry-related certification to install energy efficient buildings technologies. (c) Federal Share.--The Federal share of the cost of carrying out a career skills training program described in subsection (b) shall be 50 percent. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended. SEC. 40514. COMMERCIAL BUILDING ENERGY CONSUMPTION INFORMATION SHARING. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration. (2) Agreement.--The term ``Agreement'' means the agreement entered into under subsection (b). (3) Survey.--The term ``Survey'' means the Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey. (b) Authorization of Agreement.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall sign, and submit to Congress, an information sharing agreement relating to commercial building energy consumption data. (c) Content of Agreement.--The Agreement shall-- (1) provide, to the extent permitted by law, that-- (A) the Administrator shall have access to building- specific data in the Portfolio Manager database of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (B) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall have access to building-specific data collected by the Survey; (2) describe the manner in which the Administrator shall use the data described in paragraph (1) and subsection (d); (3) describe and compare-- (A) the methodologies that the Energy Information Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and State and local government managers use to maximize the quality, reliability, and integrity of data collected through the Survey, the Portfolio Manager database of the Environmental Protection Agency, and State and local building energy disclosure laws (including regulations), respectively, and the manner in which those methodologies can be improved; and (B) consistencies and variations in data for the same buildings captured in-- (i)(I) the 2018 Survey cycle; and (II) each subsequent Survey cycle; and (ii) the Portfolio Manager database of the Environmental Protection Agency; and (4) consider whether, and the methods by which, the Administrator may collect and publish new iterations of Survey data every 3 years-- (A) using the Survey processes of the Administrator; or (B) as supplemented by information in the Portfolio Manager database of the Environmental Protection Agency. (d) Data.--The data referred in subsection (c)(2) includes data that-- (1) is collected through the Portfolio Manager database of the Environmental Protection Agency; (2) is required to be publicly available on the internet under State and local government building energy disclosure laws (including regulations); and (3) includes information on private sector buildings that are not less than 250,000 square feet. (e) Protection of Information.--In carrying out the agreement, the Administrator and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall protect information in accordance with-- (1) section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the ``Freedom of Information Act''); (2) subchapter III of chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code; and (3) any other applicable law (including regulations).
SEC. 40552. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Use of Funds.--Section 544 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17154) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (13)(D), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (2) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (15); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (13) the following: ``(14) programs for financing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure), capital investments, projects, and programs, which may include loan programs and performance contracting programs, for leveraging of additional public and private sector funds, and programs that allow rebates, grants, or other incentives for the purchase and installation of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and zero-emission transportation (and associated infrastructure) measures; and''. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program established under section 542(a) of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (42 U.S.C. 17152(a)) $550,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended.
SEC. 40109. STATE ENERGY PROGRAM.
(a) Collaborative Transmission Siting.--Section 362(c) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6322(c)) is amended-- (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(7) the mandatory conduct of activities to support transmission and distribution planning, including-- ``(A) support for local governments and Indian Tribes; ``(B) feasibility studies for transmission line routes and alternatives; ``(C) preparation of necessary project design and permits; and ``(D) outreach to affected stakeholders.''. (b) State Energy Conservation Plans.--Section 362(d) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6322(d)) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: ``(3) programs to increase transportation energy efficiency, including programs to help reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector by 2050 and accelerate the use of alternative transportation fuels for, and the electrification of, State government vehicles, fleet vehicles, taxis and ridesharing services, mass transit, school buses, ferries, and privately owned passenger and medium- and heavy-duty vehicles;''. (c) Authorization of Appropriations for State Energy Program.-- Section 365 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6325) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.-- ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part $500,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. ``(2) Distribution.--Amounts made available under paragraph (1)-- ``(A) shall be distributed to the States in accordance with the applicable distribution formula in effect on January 1, 2021; and ``(B) shall not be subject to the matching requirement described in the first proviso of the matter under the heading `energy conservation' under the heading `DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY' in title II of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1985 (42 U.S.C. 6323a).''.
SEC. 40512. BUILDING, TRAINING, AND ASSESSMENT CENTERS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall provide grants to institutions of higher education (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001)) and Tribal Colleges or Universities (as defined in section 316(b) of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b))) to establish building training and assessment centers-- (1) to identify opportunities for optimizing energy efficiency and environmental performance in buildings; (2) to promote the application of emerging concepts and technologies in commercial and institutional buildings; (3) to train engineers, architects, building scientists, building energy permitting and enforcement officials, and building technicians in energy-efficient design and operation; (4) to assist institutions of higher education and Tribal Colleges or Universities in training building technicians; (5) to promote research and development for the use of alternative energy sources and distributed generation to supply heat and power for buildings, particularly energy-intensive buildings; and (6) to coordinate with and assist State-accredited technical training centers, community colleges, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and local offices of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and ensure appropriate services are provided under this section to each region of the United States. (b) Coordination and Nonduplication.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary shall coordinate the program with the industrial research and assessment centers program under section 457 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (as added by section 40521(b)) and with other Federal programs to avoid duplication of effort. (2) Collocation.--To the maximum extent practicable, building, training, and assessment centers established under this section shall be collocated with industrial research and assessment centers (as defined in section 40531). (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2022, to remain available until expended.
SEC. 40803. WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, for the activities described in subsection (c), $3,369,200,000 for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026. (b) Treatment.--Of the Federal land or Indian forest land or rangeland that has been identified as having a very high wildfire hazard potential, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall, by not later than September 30, 2027, conduct restoration treatments and improve the Fire Regime Condition Class of 10,000,000 acres that are located in-- (1) the wildland-urban interface; or (2) a public drinking water source area. (c) Activities.--Of the amounts made available under subsection (a) for the period of fiscal years 2022 through 2026-- (1) $20,000,000 shall be made available for entering into an agreement with the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish and operate a program that makes use of the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Program to rapidly detect and report wildfire starts in all areas in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture has financial responsibility for wildland fire protection and prevention, of which-- (A) $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (2) $600,000,000 shall be made available for the salaries and expenses of Federal wildland firefighters in accordance with subsection (d), of which-- (A) $120,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $480,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (3) $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior to acquire technology and infrastructure for each Type I and Type II incident management team to maintain interoperability with respect to the radio frequencies used by any responding agency; (4) $30,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to States, Indian Tribes, and units of local government to establish and operate Reverse-911 telecommunication systems; (5) $50,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior to establish and implement a pilot program to provide to local governments financial assistance for the acquisition of slip- on tanker units to establish fleets of vehicles that can be quickly converted to be operated as fire engines; (6) $1,200,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, to develop and publish, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 5 years thereafter, a map depicting at-risk communities (as defined in section 101 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511)), including Tribal at-risk communities; (7) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture-- (A) for-- (i) preplanning fire response workshops that develop-- (I) potential operational delineations; and (II) select potential control locations; and (ii) workforce training for staff, non-Federal firefighters, and Native village fire crews for-- (I) wildland firefighting; and (II) increasing the pace and scale of vegetation treatments, including training on how to prepare and implement large landscape treatments; and (B) of which-- (i) $50,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (ii) $50,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (8) $20,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into an agreement with a Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute established under the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.)-- (A) to compile and display existing data, including geographic data, for hazardous fuel reduction or wildfire prevention treatments undertaken by the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, including treatments undertaken with funding provided under this title; (B) to compile and display existing data, including geographic data, for large wildfires, as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, that occur in the United States; (C) to facilitate coordination and use of existing and future interagency fuel treatment data, including geographic data, for the purposes of-- (i) assessing and planning cross-boundary fuel treatments; and (ii) monitoring the effects of treatments on wildfire outcomes and ecosystem restoration services, using the data compiled under subparagraphs (A) and (B); (D) to publish a report every 5 years showing the extent to which treatments described in subparagraph (A) and previous wildfires affect the boundaries of wildfires, categorized by-- (i) Federal land management agency; (ii) region of the United States; and (iii) treatment type; and (E) to carry out other related activities of a Southwest Ecological Restoration Institute, as authorized by the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6701 et seq.); (9) $20,000,000 shall be available for activities conducted under the Joint Fire Science Program, of which-- (A) $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (10) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture for collaboration and collaboration-based activities, including facilitation, certification of collaboratives, and planning and implementing projects under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program established under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303) in accordance with subsection (e); (11) $500,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture-- (A) for-- (i) conducting mechanical thinning and timber harvesting in an ecologically appropriate manner that maximizes the retention of large trees, as appropriate for the forest type, to the extent that the trees promote fire- resilient stands; or (ii) precommercial thinning in young growth stands for wildlife habitat benefits to provide subsistence resources; and (B) of which-- (i) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (ii) $400,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (12) $500,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with States, to award community wildfire defense grants to at-risk communities in accordance with subsection (f); (13) $500,000,000 shall be made available for planning and conducting prescribed fires and related activities, of which-- (A) $250,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $250,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (14) $500,000,000 shall be made available for developing or improving potential control locations, in accordance with paragraph (7)(A)(i)(II), including installing fuelbreaks (including fuelbreaks studied under subsection (i)), with a focus on shaded fuelbreaks when ecologically appropriate, of which-- (A) $250,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $250,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (15) $200,000,000 shall be made available for contracting or employing crews of laborers to modify and remove flammable vegetation on Federal land and for using materials from treatments, to the extent practicable, to produce biochar and other innovative wood products, including through the use of existing locally based organizations that engage young adults, Native youth, and veterans in service projects, such as youth and conservation corps, of which-- (A) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (16) $200,000,000 shall be made available for post-fire restoration activities that are implemented not later than 3 years after the date that a wildland fire is contained, of which-- (A) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior; and (B) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture; (17) $8,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of Agriculture-- (A) to provide feedstock to firewood banks; and (B) to provide financial assistance for the operation of firewood banks; and (18) $10,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture for the procurement and placement of wildfire detection and real-time monitoring equipment, such as sensors, cameras, and other relevant equipment, in areas at risk of wildfire or post-burned areas. (d) Wildland Firefighters.-- (1) In general.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall, using the amounts made available under subsection (c)(2), coordinate with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to develop a distinct ``wildland firefighter'' occupational series. (2) Hazardous duty differential not affected.--Section 5545(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking ``except'' and all that follows through ``and'' at the end and inserting the following: ``except-- ``(A) an employee in an occupational series covering positions for which the primary duties involve the prevention, control, suppression, or management of wildland fires, as determined by the Office; and ``(B) in such other circumstances as the Office may by regulation prescribe; and''. (3) Current employees.--Any individual employed as a wildland firefighter on the date on which the occupational series established under paragraph (1) takes effect may elect-- (A) to remain in the occupational series in which the individual is employed; or (B) to be included in the ``wildland firefighter'' occupational series established under that paragraph. (4) Permanent employees; increase in salary.--Using the amounts made available under subsection (c)(2), beginning October 1, 2021, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall-- (A) seek to convert not fewer than 1,000 seasonal wildland firefighters to wildland firefighters that-- (i) are full-time, permanent, year-round Federal employees; and (ii) reduce hazardous fuels on Federal land not fewer than 800 hours per year; and (B) increase the base salary of a Federal wildland firefighter by the lesser of an amount that is commensurate with an increase of $20,000 per year or an amount equal to 50 percent of the base salary, if the Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, makes a written determination that the position of the Federal wildland firefighter is located within a specified geographic area in which it is difficult to recruit or retain a Federal wildland firefighter. (5) National wildfire coordinating group.--Using the amounts made available under subsection (c)(2), not later than October 1, 2022, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture shall-- (A) develop and adhere to recommendations for mitigation strategies for wildland firefighters to minimize exposure due to line-of-duty environmental hazards; and (B) establish programs for permanent, temporary, seasonal, and year-round wildland firefighters to recognize and address mental health needs, including post-traumatic stress disorder care. (e) Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, using the amounts made available under subsection (c)(10)-- (1) solicit new project proposals under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program established under section 4003 of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303) (referred to in this subsection as the ``Program''); (2) provide up to 5 years of additional funding of any proposal originally selected for funding under the Program prior to September 30, 2018-- (A) that has been approved for an extension of funding by the Secretary of Agriculture prior to the date of enactment of this Act; or (B) that has been recommended for an extension of funding by the advisory panel established under section 4003(e) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (16 U.S.C. 7303(e)) prior to the date of enactment of this Act that the Secretary of Agriculture subsequently approves; and (3) select project proposals for funding under the Program in a manner that-- (A) gives priority to a project proposal that will treat acres that-- (i) have been identified as having very high wildfire hazard potential; and (ii) are located in-- (I) the wildland-urban interface; or (II) a public drinking water source area; (B) takes into consideration-- (i) the cost per acre of Federal land or Indian forest land or rangeland acres described in subparagraph (A) to be treated; and (ii) the number of acres described in subparagraph (A) to be treated; (C) gives priority to a project proposal that is proposed by a collaborative that has successfully accomplished treatments consistent with a written plan that included a proposed schedule of completing those treatments, which is not limited to an earlier proposal funded under the Program; and (D) discontinues funding for a project that fails to achieve the results included in a project proposal submitted under paragraph (1) for more than 2 consecutive years. (f) Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program.-- (1) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, using amounts made available under subsection (c)(12), establish a program, which shall be separate from the program established under section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133), under which the Secretary of Agriculture, in cooperation with the States, shall award grants to at-risk communities, including Indian Tribes-- (A) to develop or revise a community wildfire protection plan; and (B) to carry out projects described in a community wildfire protection plan that is not more than 10 years old. (2) Priority.--In awarding grants under the program described in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall give priority to an at-risk community that is-- (A) in an area identified by the Secretary of Agriculture as having high or very high wildfire hazard potential; (B) a low-income community; or (C) a community impacted by a severe disaster. (3) Community wildfire defense grants.-- (A) Grant amounts.--A grant-- (i) awarded under paragraph (1)(A) shall be for not more than $250,000; and (ii) awarded under paragraph (1)(B) shall be for not more than $10,000,000. (B) Cost sharing requirement.-- (i) In general.--Except as provided in clause (ii), the non-Federal cost (including the administrative cost) of carrying out a project using funds from a grant awarded under the program described in paragraph (1) shall be-- (I) not less than 10 percent for a grant awarded under paragraph (1)(A); and (II) not less than 25 percent for a grant awarded under paragraph (1)(B). (ii) Waiver.--The Secretary of Agriculture may waive the cost-sharing requirement under clause (i) for a project that serves an underserved community. (C) Eligibility.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall not award a grant under paragraph (1) to an at-risk community that is located in a county or community that-- (i) is located in the continental United States; and (ii) has not adopted an ordinance or regulation that requires the construction of new roofs on buildings to adhere to standards that are similar to, or more stringent than-- (I) the roof construction standards established by the National Fire Protection Association; or (II) an applicable model building code established by the International Code Council. (g) Priorities.--In carrying out projects using amounts made available under this section, the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, as applicable, shall prioritize funding for projects-- (1) for which any applicable processes under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have been completed on the date of enactment of this Act; (2) that reduce the likelihood of experiencing uncharacteristically severe effects from a potential wildfire by focusing on areas strategically important for reducing the risks associated with wildfires; (3) that maximize the retention of large trees, as appropriate for the forest type, to the extent that the trees promote fire- resilient stands; (4) that do not include the establishment of permanent roads; (5) for which funding would be committed to decommission all temporary roads constructed to carry out the project; and (6) that fully maintain or contribute toward the restoration of the structure and composition of old growth stands consistent with the characteristics of that forest type, taking into account the contribution of the old growth stand to landscape fire adaption and watershed health, unless the old growth stand is part of a science- based ecological restoration project authorized by the Secretary concerned that meets applicable protection and old growth enhancement objectives, as determined by the Secretary concerned. (h) Reports.-- The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall complete and submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives an annual report describing the number of acres of land on which projects carried out using funds made available under this section improved the Fire Regime Condition Class of the land described in subsection (b). (i) Wildfire Prevention Study.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall initiate a study of the construction and maintenance of a system of strategically placed fuelbreaks to control wildfires in western States. (2) Review.--The study under paragraph (1) shall review-- (A) a full suite of manual, chemical, and mechanical treatments; and (B) the effectiveness of the system described in that paragraph in reducing wildfire risk and protecting communities. (3) Determination.--Not later than 90 days after the date of completion of the study under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Agriculture shall determine whether to initiate the preparation of a programmatic environmental impact statement implementing the system described in that paragraph in appropriate locations. (j) Monitoring, Maintenance, and Treatment Plan and Strategy.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a 5-year monitoring, maintenance, and treatment plan that-- (A) describes activities under subsection (c) that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior will take to reduce the risk of wildfire by conducting restoration treatments and improving the Fire Regime Condition Class of 10,000,000 acres of Federal land or Tribal Forest land or rangeland that is identified as having very high wildfire hazard potential, not including annual treatments otherwise scheduled; (B) establishes a process for prioritizing treatments in areas and communities at the highest risk of catastrophic wildfires; (C) includes an innovative plan and process-- (i) to leverage public-private partnerships and resources, shared stewardship agreements, good neighbor agreements, and similar contracting authorities; (ii) to prioritize projects for which any applicable processes under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) have been completed as of the date of enactment of this Act; (iii) to streamline subsequent projects based on existing statutory or regulatory authorities; and (iv) to develop interagency teams to increase coordination and efficiency under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321); and (D) establishes a process for coordinating prioritization and treatment with State and local entities and affected stakeholders. (2) Strategy.--Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with State and local governments, shall publish a long-term, outcome-based monitoring, maintenance, and treatment strategy-- (A) to maintain forest health improvements and wildfire risk reduction accomplished under this section; (B) to continue treatment at levels necessary to address the 20,000,000 acres needing priority treatment over the 10- year period beginning on the date of publication of the strategy; and (C) to proactively conduct treatment at a level necessary to minimize the risk of wildfire to surrounding at-risk communities. (k) Authorized Hazardous Fuels Projects.--A project carried out using funding authorized under paragraphs (11)(A)(i), (13), or (14) of subsection (c) shall be considered an authorized hazardous fuel reduction project pursuant to section 102 of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6512).
SEC. 50104. ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL AND DISADVANTAGED COMMUNITIES.
(a) Existing Programs.--Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-19a) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(2)-- (A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(D) the purchase of point-of-entry or point-of-use filters and filtration systems that are certified by a third party using science-based test methods for the removal of contaminants of concern; ``(E) investments necessary for providing accurate and current information about-- ``(i) the need for filtration and filter safety, including proper use and maintenance practices; and ``(ii) the options for replacing lead service lines (as defined in section 1459B(a)) and removing other sources of lead in water; and ``(F) entering into contracts, including contracts with nonprofit organizations that have water system technical expertise, to assist-- ``(i) an eligible entity; or ``(ii) the State of an eligible entity, on behalf of that eligible entity.''; (2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``An eligible entity'' and inserting ``Except for purposes of subsections (j) and (m), an eligible entity''; (3) in subsection (g)(1), by striking ``to pay not less than 45 percent'' and inserting ``except as provided in subsection (l)(5) and subject to subsection (h), to pay not less than 10 percent''; (4) by striking subsection (k) and inserting the following: ``(k) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a) through (j)-- ``(1) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2022; ``(2) $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2023; ``(3) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2024; ``(4) $120,000,000 for fiscal year 2025; and ``(5) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2026.''; and (5) in subsection (l)-- (A) in paragraph (2)-- (i) by striking ``The Administrator may'' and inserting ``The Administrator shall''; and (ii) by striking ``fiscal years 2019 and 2020'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2022 through 2026''; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking ``$4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020'' and inserting ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026''; (C) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and (D) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: ``(5) Federal share for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.-- ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), with respect to a program or project that serves an eligible entity and is carried out using a grant under this subsection, the Federal share of the cost of the program or project shall be 90 percent. ``(B) Waiver.--The Administrator may increase the Federal share under subparagraph (A) to 100 percent if the Administrator determines that an eligible entity is unable to pay, or would experience significant financial hardship if required to pay, the non-Federal share.''. (b) Connection to Public Water Systems.--Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-19a) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(m) Connection to Public Water Systems.-- ``(1) Definitions.--In this subsection: ``(A) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means-- ``(i) an owner or operator of a public water system that assists or is seeking to assist eligible individuals with connecting the household of the eligible individual to the public water system; or ``(ii) a nonprofit entity that assists or is seeking to assist eligible individuals with the costs associated with connecting the household of the eligible individual to a public water system. ``(B) Eligible individual.--The term `eligible individual' has the meaning given the term in section 603(j) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(j)). ``(C) Program.--The term `program' means the competitive grant program established under paragraph (2). ``(2) Establishment.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a competitive grant program for the purpose of improving the general welfare under which the Administrator awards grants to eligible entities to provide funds to assist eligible individuals in covering the costs incurred by the eligible individual in connecting the household of the eligible individual to a public water system. ``(3) Application.--An eligible entity seeking a grant under the program shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require. ``(4) Voluntary connection.--Before providing funds to an eligible individual for the costs described in paragraph (2), an eligible entity shall ensure and certify to the Administrator that-- ``(A) the eligible individual is voluntarily seeking connection to the public water system; ``(B) if the eligible entity is not the owner or operator of the public water system to which the eligible individual seeks to connect, the public water system to which the eligible individual seeks to connect has agreed to the connection; and ``(C) the connection of the household of the eligible individual to the public water system meets all applicable local and State regulations, requirements, and codes. ``(5) Report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the program, which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the program. ``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.''. (c) Competitive Grant Pilot Program.--Section 1459A of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-19a) (as amended by subsection (b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(n) State Competitive Grants for Underserved Communities.-- ``(1) In general.--In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (k), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsections (a) through (j) $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 in accordance with paragraph (2). ``(2) Competitive grants.-- ``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Administrator shall distribute amounts made available under paragraph (1) to States through a competitive grant program. ``(B) Applications.--To seek a grant under the competitive grant program under subparagraph (A), a State shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Administrator may require. ``(C) Criteria.--In selecting recipients of grants under the competitive grant program under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall establish criteria that give priority to States with a high proportion of underserved communities that meet the condition described in subsection (a)(2)(A). ``(3) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes the implementation of the competitive grant program under paragraph (2)(A), which shall include a description of the use and deployment of amounts made available under the competitive grant program. ``(4) Savings provision.--Nothing in this paragraph affects the distribution of amounts made available under subsection (k), including any methods used by the Administrator for distribution of amounts made available under that subsection as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection.''.
SEC. 50218. WATER REUSE INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a Water Reuse Interagency Working Group (referred to in this section as the ``Working Group''). (b) Purpose.--The purpose of the Working Group is to develop and coordinate actions, tools, and resources to advance water reuse across the United States, including through the implementation of the February 2020 National Water Reuse Action Plan, which creates opportunities for water reuse in the mission areas of each of the Federal agencies included in the Working Group under subsection (c) (referred to in this section as the ``Action Plan''). (c) Chairperson; Membership.--The Working Group shall be-- (1) chaired by the Administrator; and (2) comprised of senior representatives from such Federal agencies as the Administrator determines to be appropriate. (d) Duties of the Working Group.--In carrying out this section, the Working Group shall-- (1) with respect to water reuse, leverage the expertise of industry, the research community, nongovernmental organizations, and government; (2) seek to foster water reuse as an important component of integrated water resources management; (3) conduct an assessment of new opportunities to advance water reuse and annually update the Action Plan with new actions, as necessary, to pursue those opportunities; (4) seek to coordinate Federal programs and policies to support the adoption of water reuse; (5) consider how each Federal agency can explore and identify opportunities to support water reuse through the programs and activities of that Federal agency; and (6) consult, on a regular basis, with representatives of relevant industries, the research community, and nongovernmental organizations. (e) Report.--Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the activities and findings of the Working Group. (f) Sunset.-- (1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Working Group shall terminate on the date that is 6 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (2) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the date of termination of the Working Group under paragraph (1).
SEC. 50203. PILOT PROGRAM FOR ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE PROJECTS.
Section 220 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1300) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), in the heading, by striking ``In General'' and inserting ``Establishment''; (2) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``construction'' before ``funds''; (B) by striking paragraph (2); and (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); (3) by striking subsection (e); (4) in subsection (i)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``, the following definitions apply''; and (B) in paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by striking ``water or wastewater or by treating wastewater'' and inserting ``water, wastewater, or stormwater or by treating wastewater or stormwater for groundwater recharge, potable reuse, or other purposes''; (5) in subsection (j)-- (A) in the first sentence, by striking ``There is'' and inserting the following: ``(1) In general.--There is''; (B) in paragraph (1) (as so designated), by striking ``a total of $75,000,000 for fiscal years 2002 through 2004. Such sums shall'' and inserting ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, to''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(2) Limitation on use of funds.--Of the amounts made available for grants under paragraph (1), not more than 2 percent may be used to pay the administrative costs of the Administrator.''; and (6) by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d), (i), and (j) as subsections (c), (d), (e), (b), and (i), respectively, and moving those subsections so as to appear in alphabetical order.
SEC. 40905. COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM FOR LARGE-SCALE WATER RECYCLING AND REUSE PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means-- (A) a State, Indian Tribe, municipality, irrigation district, water district, wastewater district, or other organization with water or power delivery authority; (B) a State, regional, or local authority, the members of which include 1 or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; or (C) an agency established under State law for the joint exercise of powers or a combination of entities described in subparagraphs (A) and (B). (2) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means a project described in subsection (c). (3) Program.--The term ``program'' means the grant program established under subsection (b). (4) Reclamation state.--The term ``Reclamation State'' means a State or territory described in the first section of the Act of June 17, 1902 (43 U.S.C. 391; 32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093). (b) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a program to provide grants to eligible entities on a competitive basis for the planning, design, and construction of large-scale water recycling and reuse projects that provide substantial water supply and other benefits to the Reclamation States in accordance with this section. (c) Eligible Project.--A project shall be eligible for a grant under this section if the project-- (1) reclaims and reuses-- (A) municipal, industrial, domestic, or agricultural wastewater; or (B) impaired groundwater or surface water; (2) has a total estimated cost of $500,000,000 or more; (3) is located in a Reclamation State; (4) is constructed, operated, and maintained by an eligible entity; and (5) provides a Federal benefit in accordance with the reclamation laws. (d) Project Evaluation.--The Secretary may provide a grant to an eligible project under the program if-- (1) the eligible entity determines through the preparation of a feasibility study or equivalent study, and the Secretary concurs, that the eligible project-- (A) is technically and financially feasible; (B) provides a Federal benefit in accordance with the reclamation laws; and (C) is consistent with applicable Federal and State laws; (2) the eligible entity has sufficient non-Federal funding available to complete the eligible project, as determined by the Secretary; (3) the eligible entity is financially solvent, as determined by the Secretary; and (4) not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary concurs with the determinations under paragraph (1) with respect to the eligible project, the Secretary submits to Congress written notice of the determinations. (e) Priority.--In providing grants to eligible projects under the program, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible projects that meet 1 or more of the following criteria: (1) The eligible project provides multiple benefits, including-- (A) water supply reliability benefits for drought-stricken States and communities; (B) fish and wildlife benefits; and (C) water quality improvements. (2) The eligible project is likely to reduce impacts on environmental resources from water projects owned or operated by Federal and State agencies, including through measurable reductions in water diversions from imperiled ecosystems. (3) The eligible project would advance water management plans across a multi-State area, such as drought contingency plans in the Colorado River Basin. (4) The eligible project is regional in nature. (5) The eligible project is collaboratively developed or supported by multiple stakeholders. (f) Federal Assistance.-- (1) Federal cost share.--The Federal share of the cost of any project provided a grant under the program shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the eligible project. (2) Total dollar cap.--The Secretary shall not impose a total dollar cap on Federal contributions for all eligible individual projects provided a grant under the program. (3) Nonreimbursable funds.--Any funds provided by the Secretary to an eligible entity under the program shall be considered nonreimbursable. (4) Funding eligibility.--An eligible project shall not be considered ineligible for assistance under the program because the eligible project has received assistance under-- (A) the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h et seq.); (B) section 4(a) of the Water Desalination Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 10301 note; Public Law 104-298) for eligible desalination projects; or (C) section 1602(e) of the Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act (43 U.S.C. 390h(e)). (g) Environmental Laws.--In providing a grant for an eligible project under the program, the Secretary shall comply with all applicable environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). (h) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue guidance on the implementation of the program, including guidelines for the preparation of feasibility studies or equivalent studies by eligible entities. (i) Reports.-- (1) Annual report.--At the end of each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make available on the website of the Department of the Interior an annual report that lists each eligible project for which a grant has been awarded under this section during the fiscal year. (2) Comptroller general.-- (A) Assessment.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the administrative establishment, solicitation, selection, and justification process with respect to the funding of grants under this section. (B) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the initial award of grants under this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes-- (i) the adequacy and effectiveness of the process by which each eligible project was selected, if applicable; and (ii) the justification and criteria used for the selection of each eligible project, if applicable. (j) Treatment of Conveyance.--The Secretary shall consider the planning, design, and construction of a conveyance system for an eligible project to be eligible for grant funding under the program. (k) Termination of Authority.--The authority to carry out this section terminates on the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act.