H.R. 8027 — Advanced Wastewater Treatment Assistance Act of 2026

This section directs the EPA Administrator to establish a grant program providing formula-allotted grants to states (as defined in CWA section 502(3) (33 U.S.C. 1362(3))) for advanced wastewater treatment projects (i.e., projects eligible for assistance under CWA section 603(c) (33 U.S.C. 1383(c))). Grants require a 50% non-Federal cost share, except for projects serving qualified disadvantaged communities (as defined in CWA section 603(i)(1)(A) (33 U.S.C. 1383(i)(1)(A))); at least 49% of funds must support such communities directly, rural/small/tribal publicly owned treatment works benefiting them, or public regional providers serving multiple such communities with combined population exceeding 100,000; and the EPA and states may each use up to 1% of funds for administrative costs. Authorizes $1 billion for FY2026 through 2030, to remain available until expended.

This section directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator, in consultation with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director, to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a comprehensive study on the efficacy of advanced wastewater treatment technologies in capturing emerging contaminants, including nanomaterials and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The National Academies must issue a publicly available interim report not later than 3 years after enactment of this Act and a final report not later than 5 years after enactment.