Articles by J.J. Smith

Advances in technology such as directional drilling; fiber optic sensing; and hydraulic fracturing techniques from the oil and gas sector have “unlocked geothermal energy in places where it was previously impossible,” said Tim Latimer.

The Army Corps of Engineers is giving local governments, tribes, and nonprofits a chance to propose water-related projects—like improving flood control, water supply, or environmental infrastructure—for possible inclusion in its 2026 report to Congress. While this doesn’t mean projects will be built right away, it’s the first step in getting federal attention and funding.

'Uncertainty' about federal funding as directed by NEPA and the CWA is prevalent among utilities, according to Sigl, who said NEPA “has been extremely volatile since late” 2024.  

ince the IIJA’s inception, “thousands of projects have started, including projects to upgrade treatment plants, replace aging systems, and support the needs of small communities.”

The new initiative will enable EPA to tackle “PFAS from all of EPA’s program offices, advancing research and testing, stopping PFAS from getting into drinking water systems, holding polluters accountable, and providing certainty for passive receivers,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

The attacks have included threats of contamination and poisoning of water supplies, as well as arson attacks, bombs at water utilities, and others.

The Office of Water will 'be aimed at ensuring that we can make things better,' which has prompted the Office to plan 'listening sessions' that 'cross a wide range of stakeholders' in order to help 'chart our path,' she said.

Judy Sheahan, the conference’s assistant executive director for the environment, told The Driller the conference believes 'it was a mistake' for the EPA to set PFAS’ contamination levels in drinking water at 'four parts per trillion,' which Sheahan said is 'detection levels.'

Kramer, who served in the Office of Water during the first Trump administration, said under cooperative federalism EPA programs such as the Underground Injection Control Well Program (UICWP) would be “delegated from federal implementation to the states,”

The Supreme Court ruled that the EPA must first establish pollutant limits in discharges before holding NPDES permit holders accountable for water quality violations.