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Issue #2669
Issue #2669 Special Report
HIGHLIGHTS
- On July 7, EPA opened a public docket and launched stakeholder listening sessions to gather input on implementation challenges and regulatory uncertainty under Clean Water Act Section 401, following its May 2025 memo on the scope of CWA Section 401 certification. The agency is accepting public feedback through August 6 and federalism-related feedback through September 7.
- On July 9, the Senate Commerce Committee held a confirmation hearing for Dr. Neil Jacobs to lead NOAA, where members raised concerns about extreme weather response, proposed budget cuts, and preserving NOAA’s core science missions. Dr. Jacobs supported improving public alert systems and flood modeling, supporting nationwide LiDAR access, and closing the performance gap between U.S. and European weather models.
- On July 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced a $27.1B FY2026 agriculture bill, emphasizing support for farmers, food safety, rural development, and agricultural research, including $895M for NRCS conservation assistance and $3.6B for research. The bill contrasts with the House version by maintaining or slightly increasing investments in key areas while trimming urban agriculture funding.
- Severe overnight flooding on July 4 caused at least 120 deaths in Kerr and surrounding Texas counties. Governor Abbott has planned a special legislative session to address emergency communication, funding, and disaster preparedness.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Registration for the WSWC/NARF virtual Symposium on the Settlement of Indian Reserved Water Rights Claims is live. Please register here.