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

Water Resources Highlighted in Climate Adaptation Plans

December 7, 2015/in Water & Climate, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Countries see climate adaptation as a water problem Photo © J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue A center-pivot irrigation system waters a field in California’s Central Valley. Food production, flood protection, data collection, and other sectors influenced by changes in water availability are being included in national climate adaptation plans. Click image to enlarge. […]

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 7: California Drought Legislation Stalls in Congress

December 7, 2015/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Drought legislation will likely wait until next year. Federal officials travel to Paris for the UN climate conference. Climate change will hammer U.S. agriculture, while the National Park Service reports on climate adaptation at coastal parks and reserves. The House passes a bill that changes hydropower licensing and a bill that modifies a […]

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

Water Storage a Critical Question for Climate Adaptation

December 6, 2015/in Water & Climate, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

21st century conditions require big changes in approach ensuring adequate water supplies Photo © J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue In northern India between the cities of Chandigarh and Ludiana, the waters of the Sirhind Canal are held back by a dam that manages flow and floodwaters. By Brett Walton Circle of Blue Negotiators […]

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

Oregon Congressman Releases Draft Klamath River Bill

December 3, 2015/in California, North America, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Legislation does not authorize or fund dam removal.

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

At Paris Climate Talks, Water Is on the Rise

December 2, 2015/in Climate Change, Groundwater, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Water groups, active in Paris, focus on implementing a climate agreement

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

Scientists Urge Greater Attention to Groundwater in Climate Adaptation

December 1, 2015/in California, Climate Change, Groundwater, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Better management, research, and funding is needed.

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 30: President Obama Attends Paris Climate Change Conference

November 30, 2015/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown President Obama arrives in Paris. The Interior Department will review a proposed river diversion in southwest New Mexico. Food safety rule targets irrigation water. The Coast Guard updates a ballast water rule. 2015 continues to break heat records. “We support a strong and ambitious agreement that holds countries accountable for the emission target […]

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

Septic System Pollution Contributes to Disease Outbreaks

November 25, 2015/in Groundwater, Infrastructure, North America, Pollution, Water News/by Brett Walton

More research and funding is needed to help understand the severity By Brett Walton, Circle of Blue Drip by drip, septic systems, both faulty units and those that pass inspection, are nurturing an undesirable gang of bacteria, parasites, viruses, nutrients, and other contaminants in groundwater, streams, and soil in the United States. Septic pollution represents […]

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 23: Georgia and Florida to Seek Mediation in U.S. Supreme Court Water Case

November 23, 2015/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Longstanding opponents Florida and Georgia are attempting to work out their differences over water use in a contested river basin while the Supreme Court appoints an expert to oversee a groundwater lawsuit. An EPA advisory committee offers recommendations for updating the agency’s lead and copper rule. A Senate committee advances a bill to […]

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

Gila River Diversion Reaches Decision Point

November 20, 2015/in Hydropower, Infrastructure, North America, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Fate of an expensive Southwest water supply project is at stake By Brett Walton Circle of Blue Southwest New Mexico awaits one of the most significant federal decisions on water infrastructure and the environment in this region since the U.S. Forest Service designated 755,000 acres of the Gila National Forest in 1924 as the nation’s […]

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

Colorado to Approve First State Water Plan

November 18, 2015/in North America, Water News, Water Policy & Politics/by Brett Walton

Plan will endorse conservation, storage, and agricultural transfers as strategies to address projected water shortfall Photo © J. Carl Ganter / Circle of Blue The Roaring Fork River, a tributary of the Colorado River, flows through the resort town of Aspen. How to make the best use of the water in the Roaring Fork and […]

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

Atomic Crumbs Guide First Global Assessment of Groundwater Age

November 16, 2015/in Groundwater, North America, Water News/by Brett Walton

Newer groundwater is a small fraction of total reserves Photo © Brian Lehmann / Circle of Blue Gonzalo Alcantar of Hydro Resources, a well-drilling business, guides a large pipe into place so the drilling rig can dig a well near Sublette, Kansas. Hydro Resources drills new wells into the Ogallala Aquifer, the main water source […]

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