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. 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.
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to reauthorize or extend key programs
NACo sends letter to Congressional leadership asking them to prioritize reauthorizing or extending key programs for counties ahead of September deadline
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee advances data center and permitting legislation
U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee advances permitting and data center legislation.
U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Ranking Member introduces legislation to protect ratepayers from costs of data center expansion
On August 3, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) introduced the Guarding Ratepayers from Increased Demand-costs (GRID) Savings Act of 2026. The proposed legislation would create a process for large electricity users to pay for any infrastructure costs associated with increased demand for the electric grid.
Senate Agriculture Committee holds Farm Bill markup, remains in committee
On August 6, the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee held a markup of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Senate's version of the 2026 Farm Bill.
Data Center Series: Water Use and Cooling
As the third session in NACo's Data Center Series, this call will focus on understanding water use and cooling of data centers.
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.