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H.R. 3353 · 114th Congress

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and…

Full title

To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.

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IntroducedPassed one chamberPassed both chambersBecame law (gold)Resolution agreed to (full, dark)Failed or vetoed (gray)

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Never voted on. It didn't reach a floor vote before the 114th Congress ended, so it expired. A bill has to be introduced again to be considered in a new Congress.

4 cosponsors · 4 R

2 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.

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.

What it does: CRS summary · Introduced in House · Jul 29, 2015

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.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov

About this bill and sources

Official title: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to limit attorney fees and penalties in citizen suits, and for other purposes.

Latest action (Jul 30, 2015): Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

Policy area: Environmental Protection · Origin: House · Introduced: Jul 29, 2015

Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)

No recorded floor vote found.