To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (May 25, 2017)
This bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to limit the amount that may be awarded for the costs of litigation in citizen suits. An award of litigation costs may not exceed: (1) an amount that is proportional to the number of successful claims included in the complaint, or (2) the amount of monetary penalties.
The award of litigation costs must be based on the prevailing rates in the local market area where the violation occurred for the kind and quality of the services furnished.
Citizen suits may not be commenced if the Environmental Protection Agency or a state has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil or criminal action through the issuance of a compliance order.
The bill provides for certain affirmative defenses for a person who may be liable for the unlawful discharge of a pollutant under the Clean Water Act.
What just happenedMay 26, 2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseMay 25, 2017
- May 26, 2017Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee - May 25, 2017IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - May 25, 2017IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- May 25, 2017IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House