Regulatory
California rejects bill to crack down on how utilities spend customers’ money
California lawmakers on Monday rejected a proposal aimed at cracking down on how some of the nation’s largest utilities spend customers’ money. The bill failed to pass a legislative committee for the second time in the face of intense opposition from utilities, including Pacific Gas & Electric.
Washington watch: Pipelines concerned about Biden EPA methane fee proposal
The proposal divides the natural gas industry into three separate baskets, each with a different equation for determining the fee. Natural gas compression facilities and gas transmission pipelines are in the same category and the fee would be assessed when emissions exceed 0.11 percent of the natural gas sent to sale “from or through” the facility.
Insights and trends: Latest developments in utility and communications construction
The beginning of 2024 is shaping up to be just as dynamic as we had expected going into the year. The election stage is set for November, the Federal Reserve is trying to thread the needle between fighting inflation and making the “soft landing,” and most distressing, we all witnessed a terrible tragedy in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.
EPA classifies PFOA and PFOS as hazardous, water infrastructure faces Superfund cleanup
Designation as a hazardous substance under the Superfund law doesn’t ban the chemicals, known as PFOA and PFOS. But it requires that releases of the chemicals into soil or water be reported if they meet or exceed certain levels.
EPA finalizes PFAS contamination rule to clean up contaminated drinking water systems nationwide
This final action will address PFOA and PFOS contamination by enabling investigation and cleanup of these harmful chemicals and ensuring that leaks, spills, and other releases are reported. This action builds on the recently finalized standards to protect communities from PFAS contamination in drinking water.
Federal court denies tribes’ bid to halt $10 billion transmission line project in Arizona
A federal judge has rejected a request by Native American tribes to stop work on a $10 billion transmission line being built through a remote southeastern Arizona valley that will carry electricity from New Mexico to California.
California sets long-awaited drinking water limit for ‘Erin Brockovich’ contaminant
California regulators voted Wednesday to establish a drinking water limit on hexavalent chromium, a toxic chemical compound made infamous by the movie “Erin Brockovich.”
Wisconsin Republicans ignore governor’s $125 million proposal to combat ‘forever chemicals’ in groundwater
The moves are the latest twist in the ongoing stalemate between Evers and the Legislature over the best way to combat PFAS chemicals that have polluted groundwater in communities across the state.
Arizona introduces legislation to protect critical water infrastructure from cybersecurity threats
The legislation establishes a new governing body, the WRRO, with cyber and water infrastructure expertise to develop and enforce cybersecurity requirements for drinking and wastewater systems. The WRRO will work in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure cybersecurity measures are both practical and beneficial.
EPA fines California's East Bay cities, utilities over sewage discharges
The EPA and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board have announced fines totaling $372,876 for sewage discharge violations in the East Bay. Penalties target EBMUD and six cities for failing to prevent untreated sewage from entering San Francisco Bay.
Study reveals presence of 'forever chemicals' in New Mexico water sources, prompting EPA action
So-called forever chemicals have been found in water sources across New Mexico, according to recent studies by the U.S. Geological Survey and state environment officials.
Fire in Mexico City's storm drain highlights underground infrastructure strain amid water shortage
Amid a severe drought in central Mexico, water authorities grapple with mounting challenges, including a recent fire in one of Mexico City's storm drains, highlighting the strain on underground infrastructure. Struggling to address the water scarcity, authorities have decided to halt water extraction from the Valle de Bravo reservoir, home to an upscale lakeside community.
Wisconsin governor vetoes a Republican-backed bill targeting PFAS chemicals
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans have not been able to agree on the best way to combat pollution from PFAS. Both have stated that fighting the chemicals is a priority, but they have yet to come to a consensus on how to address the issue.
Pennsylvania Senate approves legislation for underground carbon capture wells
The Republican-penned bill lays out a framework for how Pennsylvania would regulate underground wells that store carbon dioxide, a critical component of carbon capture and removal technology that supporters envision as a way to slow climate change.
Biden administration sets first-ever limits on so-called ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The Biden administration on Wednesday finalized strict limits on certain so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water that will require utilities to reduce them to the lowest level they can be reliably measured.
DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
The DeLa Express project, which is poised to significantly impact the energy landscape, entails the construction of an approximately 690-mile, 42-inch diameter natural gas transportation mainline pipeline.
Judge dismisses lawsuit of injured Dakota Access pipeline protester
A federal judge in North Dakota has dismissed the excessive-force lawsuit of a New York woman who was injured in an explosion during the protests of the Dakota Access oil pipeline.
EPA recognizes outstanding clean water and drinking water projects
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has acknowledged the outstanding achievements of 32 infrastructure projects in clean water and drinking water sectors. These projects were honored under EPA’s AQUARIUS and PISCES national recognition initiatives.
California governor unveils updated water plan amid climate challenges
In response to the ongoing climate crisis, Governor Newsom's Administration has announced an updated Water Plan aimed at safeguarding California's water supplies and bolstering the state's resilience against extreme weather events.
Court approves 3M settlement over ‘forever chemicals’ in public drinking water systems
Chemical manufacturer 3M will begin payments starting in the third quarter to many U.S. public drinking water systems as part of a multi-billion-dollar settlement over contamination with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and several consumer products, the company said.
Illinois EPA issues updated permit to Chicago for combined sewer overflows
The Illinois EPA has issued a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to the city of Chicago that will bring additional oversight and monitoring of combined sewer overflows to Chicago area waterways.
Georgia officials table proposed “rain tax” that would fund stormwater infrastructure upgrades in Cobb County
Stormwater infrastructure in Cobb County features 50 year-old piping that causes frequent leaks, flooding and sinkholes. Budget constraints and maintenance bottlenecks exacerbate the problem.
Oregon OSHA fines Portland company after workers rendered unconscious in stormwater sewer
(UI) — The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) has fined a Portland environmental and emergency services company $118,800 for breaching job safety standards aimed at safeguarding workers in confined spaces.
House passes Rep. Duarte's legislation to streamline water permitting processes in the Valley
The legislation addresses existing ambiguities in NPDES permits, which have been susceptible to legal challenges, potentially stalling vital energy and infrastructure projects.
Boil advisory lifted for all of Jackson, Miss., one month later
After 30 days of boiling their water to get rid of contaminants and sometimes no water at all, Jackson residents are finally able to drink the water from the tap after officials lifted a boil water advisory put in place in mid-February when a deep freeze wreaked havoc on their water infrastructure.
Inside infrastructure: Safety debate continues to address new, controversial subjects
Every four or five years, multiple committees in Congress undertake the responsibility of reauthorizing the nation’s pipeline safety program and the federal agency that oversees it.
OSHA hits Georgia-based company with $300,000 fine after fatal trench collapse
A Georgia-based company faces a hefty fine exceeding $300,000 from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) due to alleged safety breaches stemming from a trench collapse incident that resulted in the death of a worker in Macon.
Enstor eyes FERC nod to double underground gas storage capacity at Mississippi Hub
Enstor Gas LLC has submitted an application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for an expansion of its underground natural gas storage facility located in Simpson County, Mississippi.
Chevron agrees to pay more than $13 million in fines for California oil spills
Chevron has agreed to pay more than $13 million in fines for dozens of past oil spills in California.
OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
A federal inquiry into safety practices following a fatal trench collapse near Fulshear, Texas, has resulted in penalties exceeding $250,000 for a Houston-area contractor.
- DeLa Express seeks FERC approval for Permian-to-Louisiana gas pipeline project
- OSHA penalizes Houston contractor over safety violations resulting in worker's death
- Fiber infrastructure has no known expiration date, Fiber Broadband Association research concludes
- Nevada OSHA fines Elon Musk's Boring Company over safety violations in Vegas tunnel project
- Damage prevention and safety: Turning awareness into action
- Ditch Witch 1030
- Michigan lawmakers introduce bills to create septic codes throughout the state
- Indiana American Water to gain 8,000 water customers with Silver Creek Water acquisition
- Arkansas governor allocates $42 million for water infrastructure projects
- Federal judge finds Flint, Mich, in contempt over lead water pipe crisis