Washington Report

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EPA intends to ‘strengthen’ lead and copper regulations as LCR revisions take effect

December 17, 2021 at 3:06 pm 0 comments

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced that the agency will begin developing a new regulation to better protect communities from exposure to lead in drinking water. EPA says it is committed to using every tool available—statutory authority under the Safe Drinking WaterRead More

EPA invites 39 new projects to apply for WIFIA loans

EPA invites 39 new projects to apply for WIFIA loans

December 10, 2021 at 2:29 pm 0 comments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that 39 new projects are being invited to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans and four projects are being added to a waitlist. The agency anticipates that, as funds become available, $6.7 billion inRead More

House passes Build Back Better Act with additional water provisions

House passes Build Back Better Act with additional water provisions

November 22, 2021 at 9:23 am 0 comments

In November, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a $1.75 trillion social spending bill that, according to the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), includes more than $10 billion for several water-related priorities. These funds would come in addition to the nearly $50 billion in newRead More

Biden signs Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with funding boosts for the water sector

Biden signs Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with funding boosts for the water sector

November 12, 2021 at 4:13 pm 0 comments

After months of negotiation and several delayed votes, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bipartisan, $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act this month, which was first approved by the Senate in August. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on Monday. AccordingRead More

NACWA, AMWA to partner for Water Utility Resilience Forum in Miami

NACWA, AMWA to partner for Water Utility Resilience Forum in Miami

October 11, 2021 at 6:00 am 0 comments

In the wake of the global pandemic and among other pressing challenges facing the water utility sector, resilience has emerged as a top issue. To highlight this, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) and the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) are co-hostingRead More

Lawmakers fail to bring infrastructure bill to vote by deadline

Lawmakers fail to bring infrastructure bill to vote by deadline

October 4, 2021 at 8:08 am 0 comments

The Sept. 30 deadline for the House of Representatives to vote on a bipartisan $550 billion infrastructure bill came and went last week without a resolution. The no vote on the infrastructure package comes as Congressional Democrats continue to negotiate the terms of a separate, potentially multi-trillionRead More

WEF honors individuals, orgs for service and contributions

WEF honors individuals, orgs for service and contributions

October 4, 2021 at 7:00 am 0 comments

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has proudly announced the 2021 WEF Awards recipients for individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the sustainability of water resources and made a profound impact on the future of the water profession. “Long-term resilience for the world’sRead More

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House proposes additional $30 billion for lead service line replacement

September 13, 2021 at 8:50 am 0 comments

House Democrats are proposing an additional $30 billion in federal funds for lead service line replacement efforts nationwide, a figure that would be in addition to $15 billion for lead service line replacements that was included in the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) approved by the SenateRead More

EPA announces $25 million in WIIN grants

EPA announces $25 million in WIIN grants

August 30, 2021 at 8:10 am 0 comments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the availability of $25 million in Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grants to help improve drinking water. EPA says it is committed to ensuring that all Americans, especially those living in small towns andRead More

EPA receives 50 new requests for WIFIA funding totaling $8.2 billion

EPA receives 50 new requests for WIFIA funding totaling $8.2 billion

August 19, 2021 at 8:51 am 0 comments

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has received 50 letters of interest in response to the agency’s 2021 Notices of Funding Availability. Requests totaling $8.2 billion exceed the agency’s $6.5 billion in available financing and highlight widespread needs for water infrastructure upgrades to benefit communities across theRead More