December 18, 2025

Hoyle Secures Passage of Columbia River Clean-Up Act in Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) today announced the successful passage of the Columbia River Clean-Up Act in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, marking an important step forward in the effort to protect the health, economy and communities of the Pacific Northwest.

“I am grateful that this bill passed with bipartisan support and is moving forward from the committee,” Rep. Hoyle said. “It is crucial that we reauthorize this program to ensure stable funding for community partners to make meaningful progress on the rehabilitation of the Columbia River, and I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the House floor for a full vote.”

The Columbia River Clean Up Act would reauthorize the Columbia River Basin Restoration Program, which was created by U.S. Senator Merkley in 2016 to focus federal attention on reducing toxics and pollution through voluntary efforts in the Columbia River Basin. However, funding for the program is set to expire next year. The Columbia River Clean-Up Act would ensure the program can be funded for another five years, through 2030.

Senator Merkley introduced the Senate version of this legislation, and it is co-sponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

Background

The Columbia River Basin Restoration Program:

  • Officially designates the national importance of the Columbia River Basin, which includes the Columbia River and its tributaries in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.

  • Authorized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish the Columbia River Basin Restoration Working Group to understand and reduce toxics across the basin.

  • Created the Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program. Awardees in past years have included:

    • Over $5.5 million to expand a stormwater retrofit program in Lane County.

    • $1.9 million to Grand Ronde Tribe to reduce pollution in the Willamette River Basin.

    • $349,919 to Oregon State University to monitor mercury risk in the Willamette Valley.

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