Brett Walton

About Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club's Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, November 13: EPA Takes Next Step in Nitrate Health Assessment

November 13, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA’s health assessment division releases protocol for evaluating nitrate in drinking water. EPA orders Minnesota to respond to nitrate pollution of groundwater in the state’s southeast. The White House updates guidance for calculating costs and benefits of federal regulation. GAO reports on non-native mussels in the Columbia River basin and salmon health in […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

The Stream, November 8, 2023: Drought Continues to Cut Ship Capacity at Panama Canal

November 8, 2023/in The Stream/by Brett Walton

Local officials reckon it could take years to restore the damaged drinking water system in Lahaina.

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, November 6: EPA Grants Tribes’ Request to Scrutinize Tire Chemical that Kills Salmon

November 6, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA will take a closer look at 6PPD, a tire chemical that is toxic to salmon. EPA’s health assessment division resumes a review of the health impacts from nitrate in drinking water. Justice Department Camp Lejeune compensation claims for exposure to contaminated water exceed $3 trillion. Energy Department’s innovation arm considers a biotech-development […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

EPA Restarts Assessment of Health Risks from Nitrate in Water

November 2, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

The agency will evaluate the hazards from agriculture’s primary water pollutant

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

The Stream, November 1, 2023: Fishers and Scientists Work to Save South America’s Largest Body of Water, Overwhelmed by Oil and Algae

November 1, 2023/in The Stream/by Brett Walton

Anglers and scientists in Venezuela are coming together to clean Lake Maracaibo, South America’s largest lagoon, currently overwhelmed by oil and algae.

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, October 30: Feds Back State-Led Colorado River Conservation Plan

October 30, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Bureau of Reclamation reassesses options for Colorado River water conservation over next three years. The White House asks Congress for $55 billion on domestic disaster relief, other emergencies. The Treasury Department releases a report on climate hazards and household finances. The House approves a 2024 budget for the Army Corps and Interior Department […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

New Mexico’s Largest Fire Wrecked This City’s Water Source

October 25, 2023/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Era of megafires endangers water supplies in American West.

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, October 23: White House Asks Congress for Billions in Humanitarian Aid

October 23, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The Bureau of Reclamation summarizes public comments on managing the Colorado River after 2026, including wishes to analyze a “one dam” option. State Department negotiators continue talks with Canada about updating the Columbia River Treaty. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determines that 21 species are now extinct, including eight freshwater mussels in […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

The $58 Trillion Value of Water: A Conversation with Stuart Orr of WWF

October 17, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

New WWF report estimates the economic value of freshwater ecosystems.

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, October 16: EPA Pulls Cybersecurity Plan for Water Utilities

October 16, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The White House suspends environmental laws to build Mexican border wall. The EPA abandons plan to mandate cybersecurity check-up for water utilities. FEMA opens applications for $1 billion in climate resilience grants. The GAO details state and local spending of pandemic relief funds. A Senate committee will hold a hearing on the Supreme […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, October 9: Supreme Court Returns with Big Case on Regulatory Authority

October 9, 2023/in Federal Water Tap, Water News/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The Supreme Court begins its fall term and agency regulatory authority is a key issue. The Army Corps begins barging fresh water to southern Louisiana as the area contends with salt water in the Mississippi River. President Biden’s proclamation on Child Health Day mentions nitrate, arsenic, and lead in drinking water. EPA science […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, October 2: Federal Commission Identifies Needs for Protecting Water from Wildfire Damage

October 2, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown A federal wildfire commission highlights the need to protect water supplies from high-severity fires. The White House issues a disaster declaration for saltwater intrusion in Louisiana. GAO report details earmark spending in fiscal year 2023. EPA allocates funds to train workers for water sector jobs. EPA watchdog questions the agency’s handling of Great […]

Brett Walton

Brett 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 journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

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About Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton