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

UN Conference on Water Aims to Rally Support for Ambitious Goals

March 20, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Global water challenges headline gathering in New York City this week.

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, March 20: EPA Draft Proposal Expands Number of PFAS Regulated in Drinking Water

March 20, 2023/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The EPA targets six PFAS in its draft drinking water regulation. Representatives in Congress introduce water-related bills on Superfund, lead pipe removal, cybersecurity, and contaminated wells. A white paper investigates potential solutions to Rio Grande water deliveries. The Supreme Court will hear an influential case this week involving tribal water rights to the […]

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

Majority Say Water Supply and Pollution ‘Very Serious’ Problems

March 15, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Global public opinion poll measures views on freshwater 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, March 13: EPA Proposes Stronger Wastewater Rules for Coal-Fired Power Plants

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

The Rundown EPA rules target three waste streams from coal-fired power plants. President Biden’s budget proposal would increase EPA funding and allow energy bill assistance funds to be used for water bill assistance. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists two freshwater mussel species as threatened. NOAA measurements of ocean surface temperatures indicate that La […]

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

Tax Incentives Find New Purpose for Conserving Water in American West

March 9, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Conservation easements protect the region’s depleted groundwater.

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, March 6: EPA Issues Cybersecurity Order for Water Utilities

March 6, 2023/in Water News/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA orders water utilities to detail cybersecurity plans. Upper Colorado River states want Reclamation to halt releases of extra water into Lake Powell. The EPA details funding for disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Congress kicks into gear with hearings on wildfire, train derailment, cryptocurrency mining, and flood insurance. And lastly, […]

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

Flush with Cash, State Lawmakers Consider Water Risks

February 13, 2023/in Water News, WEF/by Brett Walton

Water is poised for prominence this year in state law and policy.

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, February 13: DOE Grant Funding for Treating Oil and Gas Wastewater

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

The Rundown President Biden highlights water infrastructure in the State of the Union. The GAO explains how federal agencies can better implement cybersecurity laws. A Department of Energy lab offers grant funding for treating oil and gas wastewater. In Congress, lawmakers introduce bills on tribal water rights settlement, a water-supply tunnel in California, and animal […]

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, February 6: EPA Vetoes Pebble Mine in Alaska

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

The Rundown The EPA prohibits mining the Pebble deposit in the headwaters of Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed. The EPA finalizes guidance for balancing sewage system improvements with financial burdens to residential water bills. Republicans take aim at the Biden administration’s definition of the scope of the Clean Water Act. The GAO recommends the TVA develop […]

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 30: Valuing Nature: White House Publishes Natural Capital Accounting Strategy

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

The Rundown The White House publishes a strategy for incorporating natural assets into economic accounts. A climate scientist is appointed to a White House intelligence advisory board. EPA watchdog says the agency should better track municipal efforts to control sewer overflows. Federal officials will hold a public session this week to gather input on the […]

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

Road Salt, A Stealthy Pollutant, Is Damaging Michigan Waters

January 26, 2023/in Great Lakes, Water News/by Brett Walton

Rivers and lakes are becoming saltier while law and practice limit effective responses.

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 23: EPA Lists New Enforcement Priorities

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

The Rundown The EPA proposes elevating PFAS and greenhouse gas emissions as enforcement priorities for the next four years. NOAA proposes a National Marine Sanctuary in eastern Lake Ontario. EPA researchers want a better understanding of the economic benefits of improved water quality. A USDA agency will assess the environmental impacts of responding to an […]

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