Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, March 18: Spy Agencies See Water, Climate as National Security Risks

The Rundown U.S. spy agencies release global threat assessment, highlighting water and climate. Eight states broke heat records during a warm winter. U.S. and Canadian governments ask a binational commission to intervene on worsening water pollution from mining in a cross-border watershed. EPA watchdog recommends a more thorough review for overseeing water infrastructure dollars sent […]

The Stream, March 13, 2024: Cambodia Canal Proposal Could Harm Mekong Delta

A proposed $1.7 billion canal in Cambodia would link a coastal port to a Mekong River tributary.

Federal Water Tap, March 11: Congress Finalizes 2024 Budget for Water, Energy Agencies

The Rundown President Biden signs budget package for water, environment, and energy agencies that includes earmarks for water projects and an EPA spending cut. Reclamation publishes a final environmental impact statement for a short-term Colorado River conservation plan. IRS clarifies the tax status of lead service line replacements for homeowners. SEC finalizes a rule requiring […]

Federal Water Tap, March 4: Permanent Water Bill Assistance Program Proposed in Senate

The Rundown In a Senate proposal, federal water bill assistance program would shed its temporary status. Reclamation tallies water losses in the lower Colorado River basin. EPA program updates its schedule for releasing chemical toxicity assessments. New EPA office will focus on agriculture and rural affairs. GAO assesses environmental justice implementation for federal infrastructure investment. […]

Federal Water Tap, February 26: Natural Disasters Prompt Residents of U.S. Island Territories to Move, Census Finds

The Rundown Severe storms pushed people in U.S. island territories in the Pacific and Caribbean to find new homes. The Biden administration releases more federal funds for water infrastructure. An EPA regional office questions a plan to store coal waste at a shuttered power plant in Georgia. A House bill aims to establish a Mississippi […]

Federal Water Tap, February 19: Agriculture Census Reveals Farming Shifts

The Rundown USDA farm census finds decline in irrigated acreage and increase in cover crops. Interior Department brokers deal in Klamath River basin between farmers and tribes. GAO assesses flood-control infrastructure in a changing climate, and says the Defense Department should be more transparent about cleanup costs for a fuel spill on O’ahu. EPA, meanwhile, […]

Federal Water Tap, February 12: Modifying Glen Canyon Dam Operations to Combat Non-native Fish

The Rundown Bureau of Reclamation proposes changes to Glen Canyon Dam operations because of non-native fish. Legislation in Congress would facilitate watershed recovery after forest fires and reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Army Corps launches a new permit review system for faster processing. NOAA foretells El Niño’s demise. DOE pays hydropower operators to improve […]

Federal Water Tap, February 5: NSF Selects Water, Climate Innovation Hubs

The Rundown National Science Foundation invests potentially $1.6 billion in regional innovation hubs to address water, climate, and energy challenges. EPA proposes two new rules to prevent PFAS contamination of water sources. GAO reports cover precision agriculture, cybersecurity, and climate change’s consequences for nuclear sites abroad. EPA financial advisers will hold a public meeting on […]

Federal Water Tap, January 29: EPA Proposes Stricter Water Pollution Limits for Large Slaughterhouses

The Rundown EPA proposal would restrict nutrient pollution from the largest meat and poultry processors. EPA science advisers will not review the agency’s proposed rules for lead in drinking water. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing on breaching Snake River dams. USAID considers a grant program for water, climate, and gender in […]

Federal Water Tap, January 22: BLM Develops Large-Scale Solar Plan to Protect Habitats, Expand Renewable Energy

The Rundown Federal cybersecurity agency publishes a guide for water and wastewater utilities. GAO reports on foreign investment in U.S. farmland. BLM draft review aims to facilitate large-scale solar development in the western states. Senate committee will hold a hearing on the National Flood Insurance Program. EPA begins accepting applications for regional stormwater “centers of […]

Federal Water Tap, January 15: EPA Water Leader Will Step Down

The Rundown Radhika Fox, head of the EPA Office of Water, will leave her post at the end of February. Supreme Court rejects a petition to review a federal government veto of a contested Alaska mine. EPA advisory council will meet to discuss changes to federal rules on lead in drinking water. NOAA reviews the […]

Federal Water Tap, January 8: EPA River Survey Notes Ecosystem Improvements, Challenges Nationally

The Rundown EPA river and stream survey indicates slightly healthier waters, but nutrient pollution remains a top challenge, especially in the Corn Belt. EPA approves Louisiana’s request to manage carbon dioxide injection wells in the state. Saltwater in the Mississippi River continues to burden one Louisiana delta town. And lastly, congressional representatives weigh in on […]