Update on the Amended Waters of the U.S. Rule
Virtual Event | Zoom
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On August 29, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) issued a final rule amending the 2023 definition “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) to conform with the U.S. Supreme Court’s (SCOTUS) decision in Sackett v. EPA. The amendments made by the EPA and the Army Corps (the agencies) remove or elements of the definition that are invalid under the Sackett decision, including the significant nexus test and the definition of ‘adjacent.’ Join NACo for a discussion of the amendments made by the agencies and the future of WOTUS.
Featured Initiative
Waters of the U.S. Action Center
Featured Initiative
Supreme Court Advocacy Hub
U.S. House passes 2026 Water Resources Development Act
On July 14, the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee favorably reported H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA) by a bipartisan 66-0 vote. The bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives. The WRDA 2026 markup was originally scheduled for July 1 but was rescheduled to July 14 due to changes to the House calendar.
Senate Agriculture Committee passes Farm Bill
On September 16, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
U.S. House begins reauthorization process for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program
On August 27, leaders on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce announced the beginning of the reauthorization process for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) by circulating a discussion draft of the Safe Drinking Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2026. The discussion draft would reauthorize the DWSRF through fiscal year (FY) 2031 and authorize $1.126 billion annually for the program.
U.S. Department of Energy announces cancellation of National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
On August 12, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would not continue the designation process for three proposed National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETCs). The cancellation means that DOE is not actively considering any NIETCs, which preempt state and county siting authority for energy infrastructure.
U.S. EPA releases guidance for compliance with lead pipe removal requirements
On August 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released additional guidance for water systems to comply with the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LRCI). The guidance comes as water systems face a November 1, 2027, deadline to complete a baseline inventory of water service line materials and begin replacing service lines. The guidance provides further directions on how to assess, identify and access service lines to comply with the rule.
2026 NACo Energy Symposium
Join county leaders from across the country in the Texas Panhandle to engage with the most pressing energy issues shaping rural America today. Hear from experts, exchange ideas with peers and gain practical insights into the policies, projects and partnerships driving rural energy development.