On Sept. 29, the U.S. the Senate voted to limit debate on short-term agency spending through Dec. 11, clearing the way for a final vote Wednesday to avoid a partial government shutdown.

On September 15, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The American Water Works Association (AWWA), and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) joined together to applaud the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for today’s pre-publication release of its proposed 2020 Financial Capability Assessment (FCA). This revised affordability guidance should ease the financial burden on low-income communities.

The White House National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulation took effect on Sept. 14th.  The rule, which aims to speed up federal reviews is taking effect as planned after a Federal judge declined to block the measure on Sept. 11.  The decision is a victory for the administration’s efforts to speed up approvals, especially for pipelines, oil and gas wells, highways, and other projects.

On Sept. 26, the House passed a $854 billion spending bill, which would contains FY19 funding for Defense, Health, Education, and Labor, and includes a Continuing Resolution (CR) that extends current funding for any unfunded agencies (including the EPA) until Dec. 7.

This week, Congress was stalled on both the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and a third minibus that includes Interior and Environment Appropriations for FY 2019. A Continuing Resolution (CR) that was approved by both the House and Senate that would keep the government running through at least December 7 is also in jeopardy as the President as expressed frustration with the deal.

Don't miss several exciting events at WEFTEC 2018, WEF’s 91st annual Technical Exhibition and Conference to be held Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, in New Orleans, LA. 

This week the House and Senate reached an agreement of the biennial Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), which include a number of major provisions that benefit drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure and policy. The conference report for the bill, known as America's Water Infrastructure Act (S. 3021), was passed unanimously by the House on Sept. 13, and it now awaits Senate approval, which is expected next week.

On September 13, Congress passed the first FY 2019 spending package which covers Military Construction – Veterans Affairs, Energy and Water, and Legislative Branch appropriations (HR 5895) and sent it to President Trump before the September 30 deadline.

On September 6, the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on the Environment held a hearing 'titled Perfluorinated Chemicals in the Environment:  An Update on the Response to Contamination and Challenges Presented.' During the hearing, House Committee Members expressed frustration with the pace of EPA’s action on the chemicals.

On September 5, EPA will hold a working and listening session in Leavenworth, Kansas, to hear from those affected by toxic nonstick chemicals. Leavenworth is one of eleven military institutions that the Department of Defense says was affected by Per - and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). (Politico, 9/5/18)