Western States Water Newsletter

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Issue #2659

Highlights

• On May 2, the Office of Management and Budget released President Trump’s FY26 discretionary funding recommendations, proposing a $163B (22.6%) cut to non-defense spending while maintaining support for key sectors like infrastructure and law enforcement. Water infrastructure programs face steep reductions, including an 89% cut to State Revolving Funds, justified by claims of redundancy and inefficiency.
• On May 2, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a structural reorganization affecting several EPA offices, including the Office of Water, a redistribution of scientific functions, and the creation of the Office of Applied Science and Environmental Solutions (OASES)
• On April 23, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service released a progress review and interactive Story Map highlighting key research outcomes from its 2021–2025 Water Availability and Watershed Management Program.
• On April 30, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on Dr. Andrea Travnicek’s nomination as Assistant Secretary for Water and Science, where she emphasized collaborative solutions and prioritized Colorado River negotiations, drought response, and infrastructure modernization. She also committed to tribal consultation and support for rural water projects and settlements.

• On April 30, Michelle Bushman testified on behalf of WSWC in a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries hearing. She advocated for advancing federal water and hydropower development, streamlined permitting, investment in infrastructure, and support for small rural water systems and Indian water rights settlements.

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