BEACH Act of 2025

Summary#

This bill updates a coastal water monitoring grant program in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (section 406). It allows grants to cover coastal recreation waters and nearby shallow upstream waters, and to include waters "present on" beaches or similar public access points. States and local governments that get grants may use the money to identify specific sources of contamination. The bill adds a requirement that data about identified contamination sources be included in reporting. It authorizes $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for the program. The bill also directs the Environmental Protection Agency to make sure its guidance to grant recipients reflects new testing technologies for water contamination.

What it means for you#

• Monitoring and notification programs covered by these grants can include nearby shallow upstream waters and waters at public beach access points.
• State and local recipients may use grant funds to find specific pollution sources affecting those waters.
• The EPA will update guidance so testing technology developments are considered by grant recipients.

Expenses#

• The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 for the section 406 grants.
• No publicly available information on estimated federal outlays or administrative costs beyond this authorization.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.