Bills · HR 6616
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6616Environmental Protection
Clean Water Justice Act
INTRO DEC 11· LAST ACTION FEB 2
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LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the cleanliness of our nation's water sources and the accountability of those who pollute them. Currently, some argue that existing criminal fines for water pollution might not be strong enough to deter large corporations or repeat offenders, as the cost of the fine could be less than the cost of proper disposal or treatment.
If this bill becomes law, the significantly increased fines could serve as a much stronger deterrent, making it financially riskier for individuals and businesses to violate clean water laws. This could lead to fewer pollution incidents, cleaner water for drinking, recreation, and wildlife, and a greater sense of justice for communities affected by contamination. If it doesn't pass, fines would remain at their current levels and would continue to erode in value over time due to inflation, potentially lessening their impact as a deterrent.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Increases the minimum criminal fine for certain water pollution violations from $5,000 to $25,000.
This makes the lowest penalty for violating water quality laws substantially higher, aiming for stronger deterrence.
PROVISION 02
Increases a specific criminal fine from $50,000 to $250,000.
This provision dramatically increases the financial risk for more serious acts of water pollution.
PROVISION 03
Increases another specific criminal fine from $100,000 to $500,000.
This targets the most egregious water pollution offenses with a much higher penalty, reflecting the severity of the damage.
PROVISION 04
Requires annual adjustments to these maximum penalties based on the Consumer Price Index for all-urban consumers.
This ensures the fines maintain their deterrent power over time by automatically accounting for inflation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
41
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSFEB 2
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
DEC 11
Introduced in House
DEC 11
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6616
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedDec 11, 2025
Last actionFeb 2, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 11, 2025
House BillHR 6616Environmental Protection
Clean Water Justice Act
INTRODUCED DEC 11, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 2, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
