Legislation

Federal agencies issue amended WOTUS rule

On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army (the agencies) issued a final rule to amend the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule, published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023. The amendments conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s May …

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EPA, Army announce final rule defining “Waters of the US”

EPA, Army announce final rule defining "Waters of the US"

Just ahead of the new year the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Department of the Army jointly announced a final rule establishing a durable definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) that rolls back the Trump-era rule. “This final rule recognizes the essential role …

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Indoor water use legislation signed by Governor

Californians will be expected to do more with less, again. This time with water. Last week Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 1157 (Hertzberg) which lowers indoor water use standards to 47 gallons starting in 2025 and 42 gallons in 2030. “Climate change is resulting in less available water and more …

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Feinstein, Kelly, Sinema Introduce STREAM Act to increase water supply

On Tuesday Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) introduced S.4231, the Support to Rehydrate the Environment, Agriculture and Municipalities Act or STREAM Act, a bill they claim would increase water supply and modernize water infrastructure in California and throughout the West. “As the past two years have …

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Republicans introduce SB 890 to fund critical water infrastructure

Republicans introduce SB 890 to fund critical water infrastructure

Senators Jim Nielsen (R-Red Bluff) and Andreas Borgeas (R-Fresno) introduced Senate Bill 890 to ensure millions of acre-feet of water is stored during wet years instead of being flushed out to sea. “In 2014, California voters approved funding to build large, aboveground water storage,” said Senator Nielsen. “Because of bureaucratic …

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