Review of River Basin Commissions

Official: Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions Review Act

IntroducedMay 15, 2025

Water Resources DevelopmentCongressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsLakes and riversNew JerseyDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaMarylandNew York StatePennsylvaniaVirginiaWest VirginiaWater resources funding

Why This Matters

This bill mandates a review of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions to ensure they operate effectively and transparently. It aims to improve how these commissions communicate and manage their responsibilities.

If you live near the Mid-Atlantic rivers, this review could lead to better management and communication about river resources.

Affects: People living in the Mid-Atlantic region who rely on the rivers managed by these commissions.

Summary

Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions Review Act This bill directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review and report on the ethics policies, practices used to communicate with the public, and funding of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions. These commissions are the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Delaware River Basin Commission, and the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin. The GAO must submit a report to Congress on (1) the findings of the review, and (2) any recommendations to increase the transparency or congressional oversight of the commissions. Within 90 days of the GAO submitting its report, and annually thereafter for five years, each commission must submit to Congress a plan detailing actions the commission has taken to comply with the recommendations contained in the GAO's report.

What changes is this bill making?

1. The bill requires a review of the Mid-Atlantic River Basin Commissions within one year. 2. The review will assess ethics policies, public communication, and federal responsibilities of these commissions. 3. It will also identify any overlapping duties with other federal authorities. 4. After the review, commissions must report their actions to comply with recommendations for five years. 5. The findings will aim to improve transparency and oversight of these commissions.