Articles by J.J. Smith

The EPA's new rule mandates facilities near waterways to develop plans for worst-case chemical spills.

Bipartisan U.S. Senators concur that the federal government needs to intervene to shield cities, water utilities, and water treatment facilities from legal responsibility for the detection of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water supply.

Washington state lawmakers have unanimously approved House Bill 2131, enabling utilities to sell thermal energy via thermal energy networks, promising efficient, fossil fuel-free heating and cooling solutions, and a $25 million grant program for initial projects.

Federal officials are ramping up efforts to safeguard U.S. water utilities against anticipated cyberattacks by Chinese hackers in 2026 and 2027, focusing on bolstering cybersecurity across the sector through partnerships and a newly forming task force.

Discover how upcoming EPA funding aims to support municipalities and water utilities in their crucial efforts to remove PFAS from drinking water.

The EDF said their recommendations on the proposed rule are based on methane emissions’ research on gas collection, transmission and distribution systems. 

Biden signed  six appropriations bills two days before sending his FY2025 budget request to Congress. Learn more about how FY2024 was allocated. 

The House of Representatives are currently waiting to move to either the House Rules Committee or House floor for at least five bills that impact the drilling industry.

The EPA extended the deadline to file comments on a proposed rule to impose a charge on petroleum and natural gas facilities for methane emissions.

BLM made public the increased fines in its rule, titled, 'Onshore Oil and Gas Operations and Coal Trespass—Annual Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustments.'