On May 14, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee approved by a 17-to-2 vote the Water Infrastructure Financing Act (S.1005). This comprehensive bill authorizes $38.5 billion over five years and includes these elements:

Several amendments also were approved. One amendment requires the EPA to update its 1997 Combined Sewer Overflows guidance within six months; the guidance defines financial capability of communities to implement clean water projects. Another amendment provides for a study of pharmaceuticals in U.S. waters to be performed by the National Academy of Sciences.    
 
EPA also has presented its proposed $10.5 billion 2010 budget. Testimony by EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson (see the link to this testimony in our Resources column on the left) reinforces the Obama administration's top priorities: water infrastructure, freshwater resources, climate change, critical research and chemical management.