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HIGHLIGHTS
- On May 21, the EPA issued a memo clarifying that CWA Section 401 allows states and tribes to address only water quality-related impacts. The memo aligns with the agency’s “Powering the Great American Comeback” initiative.
- On May 12, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a field hearing in Utah promoting geothermal energy. Lawmakers and experts highlighted legislation to streamline permitting.
- On May 12, the ASCE previewed its 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, noting that despite $580B in recent federal investments, half of the infrastructure categories—including water-related sectors—still rate at a “D” level. The report emphasizes that while IIJA funding is significant, decades of neglect and rising demands continue to strain water infrastructure, which now requires over $625B in investments to meet national needs.
- Randy Bates has been appointed as commissioner-designee of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, succeeding Christina Carpenter, who will join EPA Region 10 as Chief of Staff.
Aubrey Bettencourt has been appointed as Chief of NRCS; Bettencourt previously led the Almond Alliance and served in the Department of the Interior under President Trump.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The WSWC 2025 Summer Meetings and 60th Anniversary will be held in Snowbird, Utah. Registration for virtual attendance (June 11-12) is now available at the link below: