Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, February 10: Agencies Continue to Remove Water, Environment Websites

Brett WaltonBrett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental […]

USAID Shutdown Causes Global Alarm in International Water and Climate Programs

Trump administration’s declared aim is to eliminate U.S. foreign aid agency.

Federal Water Tap, February 3: Trump Interferes in California Dam Releases

The Rundown President Trump orders water released from California reservoirs. Senate confirms leaders of EPA and Interior. Agencies begin taking down climate and equity web sites. EPA withdraws proposed rules on Florida water quality and industrial PFAS discharge. And lastly, a bill to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is introduced in Congress. “Photo of […]

At Phoenix’s Far Edge, a Housing Boom Grasps for Water

More than 1 million people could pour into western Maricopa County in the coming decades – if housing developers can secure the water.

Federal Water Tap, January 27: President Trump Attempts to Remake Environmental Policy through Executive Order

The Rundown President Trump issues executive orders on energy production, water supplies, and climate change. Other executive orders target foreign aid, FEMA, and the Paris agreement. In settlement with EPA, California mobile home park operator agrees to fix failing water system. Reclamation publishes a report detailing five options it will analyze for post-2026 Colorado River […]

Federal Water Tap, January 20: EPA Identifies Health Risks from PFAS in Biosolids

The Rundown EPA releases draft health risk assessment for two PFAS in biosolids. EPA publishes final toxicity review for inorganic arsenic, a naturally occurring drinking water contaminant. USGS releases study on water supply and demand in the Lower 48 states. EPA evaluates environmental impact of federal biofuels mandate. New study assesses potential for floating solar […]

Fertilizer from Sewage, a Utility Money Maker, Faces Uncertain Future

Wastewater industry rattled by toxic chemical contaminants in biosolids.

Federal Water Tap, January 13: National Climate Adaptation Plan Updated

The Rundown Biden administration submits national climate adaptation plan to the UN. NOAA confirms 2024 was the hottest year on record. EPA withdraws proposed rule to establish water quality standards for rivers and lakes on Indian reservations. Agencies announce $1.5 billion in infrastructure law funding for water systems. Senate committees begin hearings to confirm Trump […]

Federal Water Tap, January 6: Water Affordability Meetings Scheduled This Week

The Rundown EPA advisory board will meet this week to vote to approve a draft report on actions the agency can take on water affordability. EPA staff will hold a separate meeting the next day to discuss the agency’s recent water affordability report. Congressional Budget Office forecasts U.S. economic impact of low-probability climate scenarios. New […]

Federal Water Tap, December 23: EPA Reports on Water Affordability, Wetland Health

The Rundown EPA publishes a report on drinking water affordability and a status update on the health of the nation’s wetlands. Congress funds the federal government and includes $100 billion for disaster relief. White House report highlights federal opportunities to help communities who decide they want to move people away from climate risks or contaminated […]

Federal Water Tap, December 16: Coastal Groundwater Hazards

The Rundown Federal agencies publish reports on coastal groundwater hazards. White House science advisers submit their report on national groundwater security. EPA bans two hazardous chemicals that are often part of Superfund cleanups and designates a new Superfund site in the Upper Columbia River. The next Congress could use the Congressional Review Act to nullify […]

Safe Drinking Water Act Turns 50

Landmark law encounters new problems, enduring challenges.