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The way New Mexico manages its water resources is undergoing a major transformation. With the passage of the Water Security Planning Act of 2023, the state is essentially starting from scratch with its water planning regulations. This presents a unique opportunity for residents to have a say in how this vital resource is managed in…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding $9.75 million in grants to coastal and Great Lakes communities to enhance their beach water quality monitoring and public notification programs. This funding, distributed under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, will enable states, Tribes, and territories to conduct comprehensive testing for harmful bacteria…

The Department of the Interior announced a $700 million investment to fund long-term water conservation projects across the Lower Colorado River Basin. This significant investment, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, aims to save over 700,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead and enhance the region’s drought and climate resilience. The funding is…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its 2024-2027 Climate Adaptation Plan. This plan outlines the agency’s strategy for addressing climate change impacts and building a more resilient nation.   Below are some of the key components of this plan.  Climate-Ready Workforce: EPA is investing in employee education and training to ensure staff understand climate…

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, have become a major concern for public health and water quality. These man-made chemicals have been linked to various health problems and are increasingly being detected in drinking water supplies.   A recent development in the ongoing…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…