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HIGHLIGHTS
On December 18, the President signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law after bipartisan passage in both chambers. The Act includes multiple water-related provisions addressing PFAS restrictions and contamination, water and energy demands from military data centers, and assessments of water management risks and infrastructure needs on vulnerable military installations.
On December 11, the Senate passed twelve tribal bills by unanimous consent, including three measures amending existing Indian water rights settlements. The bills extend development timelines and authorize interest-related deposits to support water infrastructure, irrigation rehabilitation, and water delivery projects for several tribes.
On December 16, the Senate passed the Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, following House approval earlier this year. The bill lowers repayment costs for Arkansas River Valley communities by eliminating interest and extending repayment to support completion of a long-delayed drinking water pipeline.
On December 11, the House passed the PERMIT Act to reform Clean Water Act permitting processes and limit federal and state authority in several areas. The bill narrows the scope of Section 401 certifications, revises NPDES and Section 404 processes, and redefines “navigable waters” to exclude certain features from Clean Water Act jurisdiction.
On December 3, the Colorado River Research Group released Colorado River Insights, 2025: Dancing with Deadpool. The report warns of critically low reservoir levels by late 2026 and examines climate risks, governance challenges, allocation frameworks, and the need to reduce consumptive overuse.
On December 31, John Mackey will retire as Director of Utah’s Division of Water Quality, with Candace Hasenyager assuming the role in January 2026.
Adam Sullivan, Nevada State Engineer, departed from his role at the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources. Deputy Administrator. Chris Thorson will serve as the new Acting Administrator for the Division of Water Resources.
On December 18, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador announced the retirement of Chief Deputy Scott Campbell, naming Joy Vega as his successor in the Energy and Natural Resources Division.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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