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HIGHLIGHTS
On November 7, the Trump Administration announced it had completed its review of EPA’s forthcoming rule redefining “waters of the United States.” More details will be released once the proposed rule is published.
On November 10, EPA proposed narrowing PFAS reporting requirements under TSCA to exclude categories of PFAS manufacturing or importation that companies are unlikely to know or reasonably determine.
On November 12, EPA finalized approval for Texas to administer permitting for Class VI underground injection wells, completing Texas’ authority over all UIC well classes.
On November 12, President Trump signed H.R. 5371, ending a 46-day shutdown and extending FY2026 continuing appropriations for most federal agencies at FY2025 levels. The package included full-year appropriations for USDA, FDA, VA, Military Construction, the Legislative Branch, and related agencies, while also extending 2018 Farm Bill programs through September 2026.
On November 12, Colorado River Basin States and the Department of the Interior issued a joint statement acknowledging missed agreement deadlines but emphasizing continued progress toward a future river-management framework. Ongoing negotiations highlight major disagreements between Upper and Lower Basin States over conservation responsibilities, with Arizona officials urging enforceable reductions and federal action to ensure Compact compliance.
October 29-November 5, Senate committees advanced and held hearings for several nominees for EPA, USDA, and GSA.
On November 19, the Interstate Council on Water Policy and WSWC will host a webinar focused on workforce development in the water sector. The event will feature presentations and a panel discussion with experts from public, private, and academic institutions.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Newsletter Changes
The Western States Water newsletter will switch to biweekly publication beginning with this issue (WSW #2683). Following recent strategic directions discussions, WSWC staff have determined that publishing the newsletter every other week will allow for more robust analysis of priority topics while freeing staff time to advance other objectives. No issue will be released next Friday. The next issue (#2686) will be released on November 28, 2025.
WSWC Spring Meetings
The WSWC Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable, jointly hosted by the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP), will be held from April 21-24, 2026.
Thompson Hyatt Room WSWC Block Reservations
WSWC/ICWP Spring (209th) Meetings and Washington Roundtable Meeting Page
ACWA/EPA Water Reuse For Data Centers Webinar
The Association of Clean Water Administrators and the Environmental Protection Agency will host a Water Reuse for Data Centers Webinar on December 3, 2025 at 2:00 pm ET. State and Federal Regulators can register for the webinar HERE.