Guest Columns

A comprehensive tax code overhaul passed by the House of Representatives last week, and a similar bill approved by a Senate committee, would preserve the federal tax exemption for municipal bond interest, while eliminating advance refunding. The actions put Congress on track to potentially sendRead More

The House Ways and Means Committee approved a comprehensive tax reform bill by a party line vote last week, sending the measure to the House floor. The full House is expected to consider the bill this week. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) is the HouseRead More

By Michael Warady The water industry has long been considered one of the least innovative, most lethargic industries in the world. The reasons given for this particular reputation vary based upon who you are speaking with, but range from: a lack of innovative thinking byRead More

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it has approved and helped fund a $141 million plan by Pennsylvania to implement 23 clean water infrastructure projects. The Intended Use Plan includes an award of $52,518,000 from EPA’s FY 2017 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). TheRead More

President Donald Trump has announced Andrew Wheeler as his nominee for EPA Deputy Administrator, the number two position at the agency. Wheeler has an extensive background with environmental law and policy. He started his career with EPA and later worked for Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.),Read More

At a Senate committee hearing on Oct. 4, David Ross, President Trump’s nominee to lead the EPA’s Office of Water, testified on his commitment to working with states and his strong belief in cooperative federalism. Ross commented that, if confirmed, he would ensure the Office of WaterRead More

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has announced that CEO and General Manager George S. Hawkins will step down from his current role as of Dec. 29. Hawkins, 57, joined DC Water in 2009. His departure from DC Water will cap aRead More

By Luis Casado & Eric Rensel Leaders in the water sector are all too familiar with the numbers. The average age of our country’s dams is 56 years old. The demands on wastewater treatment plants will grow nearly 25 percent in the next 15 years.Read More

By Erin Bonney Casey The City of Philadelphia has thrust itself into the broader national discussion on the affordability of water with its newly launched and unique water pricing model. In an era of rising water rates and constrained municipal budgets, Philadelphia is adapting toRead More

A pair of bills introduced last week by Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) would formally authorize EPA’s WaterSense program and authorize a new Department of Energy program to support demonstration projects that deliver water and energy efficiency improvements. The Water Efficiency Improvement Act (S. 1700) wouldRead More