The Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Program: Status and Legislative Issues (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Jan. 25, 2001 |
| Report Number |
RS20232 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Claudia Copeland, Resources, Science, and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
In 1990, Congress enacted legislation requiring coastal states and territories to develop programs
to
help address the problem of nonpoint source pollution in coastal waters, which are especially
threatened by pressures of population growth, development, and pollution. The coastal nonpoint
pollution program is unique because it expressly links federal and state coastal zone management and
water quality programs. Coastal states are now implementing these requirements. Congress has not
changed the program since its enactment, but one issue receiving attention is whether to integrate the
coastal nonpoint pollution program with activities under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA).
In the 106th Congress, CZMA legislation passed the Senate ( S. 1534 ), and a separate
bill was reported by a House committee ( H.R. 2669 ), but no further action occurred.
Whether the coastal nonpoint program will receive attention in the 107th Congress is unknown at this
time. This report will be updated as developments warrant.
