Archive for May 2024
New EPA Rule Strengthens Protections for Tribal Water Rights
A recent rule finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes a national framework for considering tribal treaties and reserved rights when setting water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. Key takeaways: Clear Framework for Tribal Rights: This rule replaces a case-by-case approach with a consistent national framework for considering tribal rights in…
Read MoreClean Water Act Lawsuit Targets Industrial Facilities in Seattle for Damaging Local Waterways
The health of the Lower Duwamish River and Elliott Bay in Seattle, Washington, is at the centre of a recent lawsuit filed by the United States Department of Justice. The lawsuit names Crowley Marine Services, Inc., 8th Avenue Terminals, Inc., and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) as defendants, alleging they are responsible for…
Read MoreSan Francisco Faces Legal Action Over Untreated Sewage Discharges
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Attorney General, on behalf of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, filed a civil complaint against the city for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act (CWA). This lawsuit centers on the discharge of billions of gallons of untreated sewage from San Francisco’s…
Read MoreThe Public Lands Rule: Balancing Conservation and Development on America’s Public Lands
The Department of the Interior recently announced a new rule aimed at guiding the balanced management of America’s public lands. The Public Lands Rule, implemented by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), has significant implications for anyone concerned with the future of our public lands. This new rule prioritizes a holistic approach to public…
Read MoreA New Era in Understanding Our Rivers: A Look at a Groundbreaking NASA Study
For decades, our understanding of Earth’s river systems lacked a crucial piece of the puzzle: a comprehensive picture of the volume of water they hold and how it fluctuates. A recent study led by NASA researchers and published in Nature Geoscience is revolutionizing this field. This groundbreaking research provides the first global accounting of Earth’s…
Read MoreArizona and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Forge Historic Water Agreement
On April 26th, 2024, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and other prominent figures participated in a signing ceremony that finalized agreements allowing the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) to market a portion of their Colorado River water allocation to entities outside of their reservation. This landmark agreement represents a critical step forward in implementing the…
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