Cory Booker (D-NJ)
New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act
A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill establishes the New York-New Jersey Watershed Restoration Program to manage and protect the New York-New Jersey Watershed. The program aims to coordinate restoration activities, improve water quality, and enhance fish and wildlife habitats. It also focuses on utilizing natural climate solutions and increasing public access for recreation. To achieve these goals, the bill creates a voluntary grant and technical assistance program. These funds are intended to support various entities in carrying out conservation and stewardship tasks. The program is authorized to run through fiscal year 2031.
Yes· 3 of 13
- Scored +8
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill establishes a program dedicated to coordinating restoration and protection of water quality and habitats.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities, which often include low-income households.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill explicitly mentions consulting with Indian Tribes in its implementation process.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Habitat and Water Quality: The program seeks to sustain and enhance fish and wildlife habitats while improving water quality for use and enjoyment by the public (Section 3(b)(2)).
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Climate Resilience: The bill advances the use of natural climate solutions and green infrastructure to help communities and natural systems maximize resilience against the impacts of climate change (Section 3(b)(2)(C)).
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Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity: The program aims to engage the public through outreach, education, and community involvement to increase capacity and support for workforce development (Section 3(b)(2)(D)).
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Support for Underserved Areas: The program prioritizes the needs of communities experiencing environmental injustice by improving fish and wildlife habitats and personal recreation opportunities along rivers and shore fronts (Section 3(b)(2)(D) and (I)).
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Financial Support for Local Projects: Through a grant program, the Secretary provides competitive matching grants to State, Tribal, and local governments, as well as nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education (Section 4(a)).
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Increased Aid for Disadvantaged Communities: For restoration activities serving small, rural, or disadvantaged communities, the Federal share of the cost can be as high as 90 percent, and the Secretary may increase this to 100 percent if the recipient faces significant financial hardship (Section 4(d)(1)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Matching Requirements: Most grant recipients are required to provide a non-Federal share of the total cost, which can be up to 50 percent of the activity's cost (Section 4(d)(1)(A) and (2)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill prioritizes environmental justice communities, which often include low-income households. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill explicitly mentions consulting with Indian Tribes in its implementation process. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides higher federal cost-sharing for small and rural communities. Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill targets urban waters partnerships and communities experiencing environmental injustice which often include urban areas. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The emphasis on environmental justice and underserved communities may benefit many Black American communities. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The emphasis on environmental justice and underserved communities may benefit many Asian American communities. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The emphasis on environmental justice and underserved communities may benefit many Hispanic American communities.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill establishes a program dedicated to coordinating restoration and protection of water quality and habitats. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill advances the use of natural climate solutions and green infrastructure to maximize resilience against climate change.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill aims to increase capacity and support for workforce development through restoration and protection activities. Is this likely to grow the economy? — The program's focus on workforce development and community engagement may provide localized economic stimulation.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill prioritizes the needs of communities experiencing environmental injustice.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill seeks to increase scientific capacity to support planning, monitoring, and research activities.
- 9/29/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kirsten GillibrandDemocrat · New York
Andy KimDemocrat · New Jersey
Charles SchumerDemocrat · New York