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

January 27, 2025/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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

January 20, 2025/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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

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

January 15, 2025/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Wastewater industry rattled by toxic chemical contaminants in biosolids.

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, January 13: National Climate Adaptation Plan Updated

January 13, 2025/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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, January 6: Water Affordability Meetings Scheduled This Week

January 6, 2025/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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

December 23, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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, December 16: Coastal Groundwater Hazards

December 16, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

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 […]

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

Safe Drinking Water Act Turns 50

December 16, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Landmark law encounters new problems, enduring challenges.

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, December 9: Congress Has Unfinished, Last-Minute Business

December 9, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Congress still has a budget, disaster relief, Arizona tribal water rights settlements, and flood insurance reauthorization to complete in the coming weeks. EPA publishes more data from utilities that are testing drinking water for unregulated contaminants such as certain forever chemicals. House and Senate agree on legislation to authorize Army Corps water projects. […]

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

On the Frontlines of Climate Violence: A Conversation with Author Peter Schwartzstein

December 4, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Climate shocks can lead to violent disruptions.

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, December 2: U.S. Agencies Inaugurate Satellite Data Program for Central America

December 2, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown U.S. oil production hit a record monthly high in August. CBO forecasts an 8 percent decline in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in the next decade. Defense Department will host its annual conference on environmental research and innovation this week. USAID and NASA will launch a program in Central America this week to provide […]

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 25: White House Requests $98 Billion for Disaster Relief

November 25, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown White House requests $98 billion to respond to disasters stretching back more than two years. Bureau of Reclamation unveils five proposals to evaluate for Colorado River water supply. EPA study finds a common water utility communication method does not prompt customers to take a requested action. Senate releases its version of the farm […]

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