Bill Sponsor
House Bill 2693
115th Congress(2017-2018)
To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in House on May 25, 2017
Overview
Text
Introduced
May 25, 2017
Latest Action
May 26, 2017
Origin Chamber
House
Type
Bill
Bill
The primary form of legislative measure used to propose law. Depending on the chamber of origin, bills begin with a designation of either H.R. or S. Joint resolution is another form of legislative measure used to propose law.
Bill Number
2693
Congress
115
Policy Area
Environmental Protection
Environmental Protection
Primary focus of measure is regulation of pollution including from hazardous substances and radioactive releases; climate change and greenhouse gases; environmental assessment and research; solid waste and recycling; ecology. Measures concerning energy exploration, efficiency, and conservation may fall under Energy policy area.
Sponsorship by Party
Republican
California
Republican
California
Republican
California
House Votes (0)
Senate Votes (0)
No House votes have been held for this bill.
Summary

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.

Text (1)
Actions (3)
05/26/2017
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
05/25/2017
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
05/25/2017
Introduced in House
Public Record
Record Updated
Jan 11, 2023 1:36:37 PM