Clean Water Act, 1735

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Clean Water Act, 1729

Long title	An Act to Protect and Enhance the Water Quality of Nouvelle Alexandrie's Water Bodies, Provide for Sustainable Water Management, and Ensure Safe Water for All Citizens.
Bill Number	B-XXX
Introduced by	Deputy Pablo Alvelo Nieves, (UfA)
Session of Cortes Federales	8th Cortes Federales 9th Cortes Federales
Extent	Entire Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Dates
Bill Status	Introduced
Date introduced	First introduced: 1729 AN Reintroduced: 1735 AN
Last updated	1735 AN
Other legislation
Amendments	None
Related legislation	None

The Clean Water Act, 1735, is a legislative proposal introduced in the 9th Cortes Federales by Deputy Pablo Alvelo Nieves of the United for Alvelo party.

Background

The Clean Water Act of 1735 was proposed by Pablo Alvelo Nieves, (UfA) originally in 1729 AN for the 8th Cortes Federales. In response to growing concerns over water pollution and its impact on public health and ecosystems, Pablo Alvelo Nieves has introduced this bill to safeguard the water resources of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The Act aims to establish a comprehensive framework for water quality management, including pollution control measures, sustainable water use practices, and the protection of natural waterways. He reintroduced the bill to the Federal Assembly in the 9th Cortes Federales in 1735 AN.

Key Provisions

The Act encompasses the establishment of water quality standards, the regulation of pollutants, the conservation of water habitats, and the enforcement of compliance with environmental laws. It emphasizes the collaboration between federal and regional authorities, the private sector, and the public to achieve these objectives.

Legislative History

Date	Event
XX/XX/1735	Bill introduced by Deputy Pablo Alvelo Nieves.
XX/XX/1735	Bill under consideration in the Hopper of the Federal Assembly.
XX/XX/1735	Bill presented for debate.
XX/XX/1735	Bill received first set of amendments.
XX/XX/1735	Conclusion of debate and transition to voting phase.
XX/XX/1735	Bill PASSED/FAILED; vote results:

Bill as submitted to the "Hopper" of the Federal Assembly, 1729

A

BILL

TO

Protect and Enhance the Water Quality of Nouvelle Alexandrie's Water Bodies, Provide for Sustainable Water Management, and Ensure Safe Water for All Citizens.

CLEAN WATER ACT, 1735

Presented by Deputy Pablo Alvelo Nieves, (UfA)

Ordered, by the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie, to be Printed, 1735 AN.

_______________________________

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Cortes Federales, in this present session assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Article 1: Citation.

1. This Act may be cited as the "Clean Water Act, 1735".
   

Article 2: Definitions.

1. "Water bodies" refers to all accumulations of water, whether natural or artificial, including rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, wetlands, coastal waters, and groundwater.
2. "Pollutants" refer to any substance or energy introduced into water that may cause harm to health, the environment, or property.
3. "Sustainable water management" involves practices that protect water resources and their associated ecosystems to meet current and future human demands without compromising the natural water cycle or the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

PART II
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT MEASURES

Article 3: Water Quality Standards.

1. The Department of Energy and Environment shall, within six (6) months of the passage of this Act, develop and publish national comprehensive water quality standards that are specific to various types of water bodies, including but not limited to rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and groundwater. These standards will differentiate between water bodies based on their ecological characteristics and their designated uses, such as drinking water supply, recreational activities, agricultural irrigation, and habitat for aquatic life.
2. The established standards will be grounded in rigorous scientific research and international quality benchmarks to ensure the utmost protection of public health and aquatic ecosystems. The standards will include specific criteria for physical, chemical, and biological parameters, including limits on pollutants known to pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
3. These water quality standards shall undergo a review and be updated every five (5) Anno Nortone years or sooner if significant new information becomes available. The Department of Energy and Environment will coordinate with regional and local governments, academic institutions, and stakeholders during the review process to ensure that the standards reflect the latest scientific knowledge and address current and emerging water quality challenges.

Article 4: Regulation of Discharges.

1. No person, corporation, or entity shall discharge pollutants into the water bodies of Nouvelle Alexandrie without obtaining a discharge permit from the Bureau of Water Management, a division within the Department of Energy and Environment. This permit system is designed to regulate the introduction of pollutants into water bodies, ensuring that discharges meet the established water quality standards.
2. The permit application process will require the disclosure of the type and quantity of pollutants to be discharged, the methods used for treating the discharge, and the location and characteristics of the receiving water body. The Bureau of Water Management will assess the potential impact of the discharge on the receiving environment and may impose specific conditions on the permit to mitigate such impacts.
3. Within six (6) months of this Act's passage, the Bureau of Water Management will publish a comprehensive list of maximum allowable concentrations for common pollutants, based on the national water quality standards. This list will be updated periodically to incorporate advancements in water treatment technology and new scientific findings.
4. Violations of discharge permits, including exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations of pollutants, will result in penalties. These penalties will be proportionate to the severity of the harm caused and may include monetary fines, suspension, or revocation of the discharge permit. Repeat offenders may face increased penalties, including potential criminal charges.

Article 5: Conservation of Water Habitats.

1. Under this Act, the Department of Energy and Environment, in coordination with regional and local governments, is mandated to identify and protect critical water habitats, including but not limited to wetlands, estuaries, and aquifers. These areas are essential for maintaining biodiversity, supporting ecosystem services, and providing natural water filtration.
2. The government will designate protected areas for critical water habitats to conserve aquatic biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of ecosystem functions. Regional and local governments will be responsible for implementing conservation measures within their jurisdictions, in alignment with national guidelines.
3. For water habitats that have been degraded due to human activities, the Department of Energy and Environment, together with regional and local authorities, will initiate restoration projects. These projects may include measures such as pollution cleanup, habitat reconstruction, and the reintroduction of native species. Funding and technical assistance for restoration projects will be provided through national environmental programs and, where applicable, through partnerships with non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Article 6: Enforcement and Compliance.

1. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), established as a key enforcement arm under the Department of Energy and Environment, is hereby mandated to ensure rigorous compliance with this Act. FEPA's jurisdiction includes the authority to conduct comprehensive inspections of all facilities and sites potentially impacting water bodies, ongoing monitoring of water quality across the Federation to assess compliance with established standards, and the enforcement of water quality standards and permit conditions as delineated in this legislation.
   1. The FEPA shall have the authority to enter premises, conduct tests, review records, and take samples as necessary for the enforcement of this Act. All facilities subject to this Act must allow FEPA inspectors access upon request.
   2. FEPA will establish a network of regional offices across Nouvelle Alexandrie to ensure localized enforcement and compliance monitoring. These regional offices will work closely with local governments and community organizations to identify potential sources of water pollution and ensure compliance with national water quality standards.
2. Sanctions imposed by FEPA on individuals, corporations, or entities found in violation of water quality standards or permit conditions will be comprehensive and designed to deter future violations. Sanctions will include:
   1. Monetary fines, with amounts determined by a tiered system based on the violation's nature, severity, and the violator's past compliance record to be established by Departmental Order of the the Department of Energy and Environment.
      1. The tiered system ensures that penalties are proportionate to the environmental impact and provide a deterrent against repeat offenses.
   2. In cases of egregious violations, criminal charges may be filed, subject to the Federation's judicial process. Such charges will be reserved for significant offenses where there is evidence of willful negligence or intentional harm to water quality.
   3. Temporary or permanent revocation of permits for serious or repeat offenders, thereby restricting their operations until compliance can be assured.
3. The FEPA is also tasked with spearheading public education initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of water conservation and pollution prevention within the Federation. These initiatives will include:
   1. The development and distribution of educational materials tailored to different audiences, including schools, businesses, and the general public.
   2. The organization of workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs to disseminate information on sustainable water practices and the importance of compliance with water quality standards.
   3. Launching online resources, including a dedicated website and social media channels, to provide accessible information on water conservation techniques, pollution prevention strategies, and the importance of safeguarding water resources.
4. Within three (3) months following the enactment of this Act, the FEPA will develop, publish, and disseminate a detailed enforcement protocol to guide its operations. This protocol will:
   1. Clearly outline the procedures for inspections, including the rights and responsibilities of both the inspectors and the entities being inspected.
   2. Detail the compliance monitoring mechanisms to be employed by FEPA, including the use of remote sensing technologies, water quality testing, and data analysis methods.
   3. Establish a tiered penalty system that categorizes violations according to their severity and specifies the corresponding sanctions. This system will ensure that enforcement measures are fair, transparent, and proportional to the environmental impact of the violation.
   4. Define the process for individuals or entities to appeal against sanctions imposed, ensuring due process and the right to a fair hearing.
5. To further bolster enforcement capabilities, the Act also calls for the formation of Water Quality Task Forces at the regional level, comprising representatives from FEPA, local government environmental agencies, and community stakeholders. These Task Forces will be responsible for coordinating enforcement efforts, sharing information and resources, and developing localized strategies to address water quality issues specific to their regions.

PART III
ADMINISTRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

Article 7: Collaboration and Funding.

1. The successful implementation of this Act will require collaboration between federal and regional governments, local communities, the private sector, and international partners.
2. The government will allocate funds to support the initiatives under this Act, including water treatment infrastructure, research, and enforcement mechanisms.
3. External funding and technical assistance will be sought to augment national efforts, particularly for large-scale projects and advanced research.

Article 8: Transitional Provisions.

1. Entities currently engaged in activities that may be affected by the new regulations will have a transition period of two (2) Anno Nortone years to comply with the provisions of this Act.
2. During the transition period, technical and financial assistance will be provided to help entities meet the required standards.
3. A grace period of one (1) Anno Nortone year will be granted after the transition period, during which penalties for non-compliance will be waived, provided that the entity demonstrates substantial progress towards meeting the standards.
4. Special assistance programs shall be established for small businesses and local communities to support their compliance efforts. These programs will include technical assistance, access to low-cost water treatment technologies, and financial grants to cover the costs of compliance. The Department of Energy and Environment will outline these programs' specifics within six (6) months of this Act's enactment.

Article 9: Public Access and Participation.

1. The government will ensure public access to information regarding water quality, including data on pollutants, water treatment methods, and compliance records of entities.
2. Citizens will have the right to participate in decision-making processes related to water management, including public hearings and consultations on the development of water quality standards and conservation initiatives.
3. A mechanism will be established for the public to report violations of this Act, guaranteeing anonymity and protection for whistleblowers.
4. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency shall establish an online portal for public participation, where citizens can submit comments, view upcoming public hearings, and access reports on water quality and enforcement actions. This portal will also facilitate the submission of violation reports by the public, ensuring transparency and accountability in water management.

"Article 10: Research and Innovation.

1. The Department of Energy and Environment, in collaboration with academic and research institutions, will promote and fund research on water quality, sustainable water management practices, and innovative water treatment technologies.
2. The Department of Energy and Environment will maintain an annual budget dedicated to water research and innovation, which will be competitively awarded based on proposals' potential impact on improving water quality and sustainability within Nouvelle Alexandrie. Priority will be given to research focusing on emerging contaminants, efficient water use in agriculture and industry, and restoration of degraded water ecosystems.
3. To incentivize private sector investment in research and development of technologies that reduce water pollution and enhance water conservation, the government will introduce a tax credit program for companies that invest a certain percentage of their revenue in water-related research and development (R&D) projects.
   1. Eligible projects may include the development of non-toxic materials, water recycling technologies, and innovative water purification systems. The specifics of the tax credit, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, will be outlined by Departmental Orders issued by the Secretary of Energy and Environment, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury.
4. The government will establish a dedicated fund for water quality research and innovation, named the "Nouvelle Alexandrie Water Innovation Fund". This fund will provide grants to academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and private sector entities working on sustainable water management solutions. The NAWIF will support a range of activities, including basic and applied research, pilot projects, and the commercialization of new water technologies.
   1. The Department of Energy and Environment will publish a comprehensive guide detailing the funding application process, eligibility criteria, funding categories, and the selection process. The guide will be made available within one (1) year of this Act's enactment and will be updated annually to reflect evolving priorities and challenges in water management.

PART IV
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Article 11: Integration with Other Laws.

1. This Act shall be read in conjunction with other relevant national and international environmental and health laws. In cases of conflict, the provisions that most effectively protect water quality shall prevail.
2. The Act does not diminish the rights or protections afforded by other environmental legislation but seeks to enhance the legal framework for water quality management.

Article 12: Review and Reporting.

1. The Department of Energy and Environment shall review the effectiveness of this Act every five years and report its findings to the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
2. The review will include an assessment of water quality improvements, the effectiveness of regulatory measures, and recommendations for amendments to the Act to adapt to emerging challenges in water management.

Article 13: Establishment of the Comprehensive Review Committee for Water Management

1. To ensure the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of this Act, the Comprehensive Review Committee for Water Management (CRCWM) is hereby established. The CRCWM shall consist of stakeholders from diverse sectors critical to the Act's implementation and objectives. The composition of the committee will include, but not be limited to, the following members:
   1. Two (2) representatives from the Department of Energy and Environment, one of whom shall serve as the chair of the committee;
   2. Two (2) environmental experts specializing in water quality and ecosystem health, nominated by recognized environmental NGOs;
   3. Two (2) representatives from industries significantly impacted by water management regulations, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and utilities, selected through a nomination process overseen by the Department of Energy and Environment;
   4. Two (2) representatives from local government bodies, emphasizing regions particularly vulnerable to water quality and scarcity issues;
   5. Two (2) members of the public, including at least one representative from indigenous communities or regions disproportionately affected by water-related issues, to be selected through an open application process;
   6. One (1) legal expert in environmental law, to provide insights on regulatory compliance and enforcement challenges.
2. The CRCWM's primary duties will include:
   1. Conducting a comprehensive review of this Act, every five (5) years, with the first review commencing no later than five years after the Act's enactment;
   2. Identifying emerging environmental challenges, technological advancements, and socio-economic changes that may impact the Act's effectiveness and relevance;
   3. Proposing amendments to the Act and suggesting new policies or programs to enhance water quality management, conservation efforts, and sustainable water use practices in Nouvelle Alexandrie;
   4. Engaging with the public, stakeholders, and experts through consultations, public hearings, and written submissions to gather a wide range of perspectives and recommendations;
   5. Publishing a comprehensive report at the conclusion of each review period, detailing findings, recommendations, and proposed action plans. This report shall be submitted to the Cortes Federales and made publicly available on the Department of Energy and Environment's website.
3. The Department of Energy and Environment shall provide administrative and logistical support to the CRCWM, including but not limited to meeting facilitation, documentation of proceedings, and dissemination of public notices and reports.

PART V
CLOSING PROVISIONS

Article 14: Commencement and Application.

1. This Bill shall apply to all of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
2. This Bill shall not become law unless it has been given Royal Assent.
3. In the event any provision or part of this Bill is found to be invalid or unenforceable, only that particular provision or part so found, and not the entire Bill, will be inoperative.

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