Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, March 25: Plants for Energy: DOE Assesses Biomass Potential

The Rundown DOE report estimates biomass potential for energy production – and assumes careful stewardship of water to achieve it. Federal officials engage state governors on water utility cybersecurity. NOAA forecasters warn of water scarcity once again this fall in the lower Mississippi River. EPA watchdog finds cost overruns and delays for Gowanus Canal Superfund […]

World Water Day Reflects on Conflict, Peace

Unreliable water is a significant social risk.

Can U.S and Mexico Secure Water Supplies in Shrinking Rio Grande?

Changes are needed in 80-year-old water treaty to accommodate the drying climate.

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 […]