Regulatory
Senate approves 40-mile Southern Nevada water pipeline beneath Sloan Canyon
The U.S. Senate has approved legislation authorizing a 40-mile Southern Nevada water pipeline beneath Sloan Canyon, a project aimed at improving water reliability for Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley.
Inside Infrastructure: Significant recent action means future of permit reform lies in the Senate
Permitting reform is gaining momentum after the House advanced the SPEED Act and PERMIT Act, while EPA proposes updates to Clean Water Act Section 401 — leaving the Senate as the next major hurdle for changes affecting pipeline, broadband and water infrastructure projects.
Williams seeks FERC OK to begin 55-Mile Southeast pipeline construction
Williams’ Transco has secured its final federal authorization and is asking FERC for a Notice to Proceed on its 55-mile, 42-inch Southeast Supply Enhancement pipeline across Virginia and North Carolina, targeting a March construction start.
Wisconsin judge upholds state permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 relocation
A Wisconsin administrative law judge upheld DNR wetland, waterway and water quality permits for Enbridge’s 41-mile Line 5 relocation in northern Wisconsin, clearing a key hurdle for the large-scale underground pipeline project.
SCWA sues Riverhead over $35 million North Fork water pipeline project
The Suffolk County Water Authority has filed suit against Riverhead over zoning authority tied to its North Fork Water Main Project, a 12-mile pipeline aimed at improving regional water reliability.
New York PSC opens proceeding on grid upgrades tied to large-load projects
The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened a formal proceeding to review how large-load projects — including data centers — connect to the electric grid and how associated transmission and distribution upgrades are funded.
Saskatchewan excavation firm pleads guilty in trench collapse case
A Saskatchewan excavation contractor pleaded guilty to occupational health and safety violations after a trench collapse seriously injured a worker near North Battleford.
Virginia advances pilot for underground 500-kV transmission lines
Virginia legislation would expand the state’s underground transmission pilot to allow up to four 500-kV projects, requiring localities to cover at least 50% of undergrounding costs.
Charleston Water settles West Ashley sewer overflow case
Charleston Water System has agreed to accelerated sewer repairs, public overflow alerts and homeowner assistance as part of a settlement addressing sanitary sewer overflows in West Ashley.
N.Y. lawmakers propose pipeline mapping rules for leak-prone gas lines
New York lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require gas utilities to map and disclose planned work on leak-prone pipelines, potentially reshaping how aging distribution systems are regulated.
FERC clears Transco’s 55-mile pipeline across Virginia and the Carolinas
FERC has approved Transco’s 55-mile Southeast Supply Enhancement pipeline expansion, authorizing new large-diameter pipeline and compressor upgrades to add 1.6 MMdth/d of gas capacity across five states.
NUCA urges release of Hudson Tunnel funding amid federal pause
NUCA and its New Jersey chapter are calling on the Trump administration to release approved funding for the $16-billion Hudson Tunnel project, warning that delays could halt construction, disrupt jobs, and increase costs for taxpayers.
OSHA cites Birmingham contractor after trench collapse
OSHA has cited a Birmingham-area contractor for willfully exposing workers to trench collapse hazards at a Bessemer worksite, proposing more than $170,000 in penalties.
Gateway Tunnel construction faces shutdown next week as Trump withholds federal funding
The Gateway Development Commission said an immediate pause would result in roughly 1,000 job losses, while a longer shutdown could endanger more than 95,000 jobs and nearly $20 billion in economic activity.
PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
PHMSA has issued a safety advisory warning natural gas distribution operators about heat-related failure risks in aging Aldyl A plastic pipelines, following a fatal 2023 explosion in Pennsylvania.
Abandonment-in-place proposed for 50 miles of buried pipeline across Texas
Transco has asked FERC for approval to abandon about 50 miles of 24-inch interstate natural gas pipeline in South Texas, launching an environmental review tied to its North Padre Island Lateral project.
PHMSA revises pipeline safety regulations, cutting compliance burdens
PHMSA finalized new pipeline safety and fuel transport rules designed to cut compliance costs, ease infrastructure upgrades and lower energy transportation expenses.
Pennsylvania reviews new permits for pipelines, water systems and subsurface work
Pennsylvania regulators are advancing permits tied to pipelines, water systems, wetlands crossings and underground infrastructure projects, according to new state notices.
Trump's EPA moves to roll back state water permit power under Clean Water Act
The Trump administration has proposed rolling back state and tribal authority under the Clean Water Act, narrowing water quality reviews for federally permitted projects in a move aimed at speeding approval of pipelines and energy infrastructure.
U.S. Army Corps finalizes 2026 nationwide permits affecting stream, wetland construction
The nationwide permits authorize activities regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, providing a streamlined approval process for projects with no more than minimal environmental impacts.
White House finalizes NEPA rollback to accelerate energy, infrastructure permitting
The White House has finalized a rollback of regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act, a move officials say will shorten permitting timelines for energy and infrastructure projects. The action comes as Congress continues debating broader permitting reform aimed at reducing delays for major construction nationwide.
PUC cracks down on One Call violations tied to underground utilities
Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission issued more than $232,000 in penalties and education requirements tied to underground utility damage violations reviewed during its December enforcement meeting.
Deadly trench collapse in Goodyear, Ariz., triggers state fines for contractors
Arizona safety regulators fined two construction companies after a July trench collapse in Goodyear killed a worker, citing failures in trench protection and site inspections.
PHMSA seeks record fine after pipeline failure spills 1.1 million gallons
PHMSA has proposed a record $9.6 million civil penalty against Panther Operating Company following a 2023 failure of the Main Pass Oil Gathering pipeline that spilled more than 1 million gallons of crude oil.
Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
President Trump vetoed legislation to finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit, citing escalating costs, extended repayment terms, and concerns over federal taxpayer exposure for the $1.3 billion water pipeline project.
Feds recommend continued use of Iowa-crossing Dakota Access pipeline
Federal regulators have completed the Final EIS for the Dakota Access Pipeline at Lake Oahe, signaling support for continued operations and setting up a formal approval decision in early 2026.
House passes PERMIT Act to streamline clean water rules for energy, pipeline projects
The U.S. House has passed the PERMIT Act, a bill aimed at streamlining Clean Water Act reviews and cutting project delays for pipelines, energy infrastructure, and utilities. Lawmakers say the reforms will reduce red tape and lower construction costs while maintaining environmental protections.
Alaska LNG wins early federal approval, clearing final permit for 800-mile pipeline
Federal regulators have completed all environmental and permitting reviews for the $40 billion Alaska LNG project, clearing the way for its 800-mile gas pipeline and export terminal.
Metro Council resolution challenges Boring Co. tunnel proposal over subsurface, labor issues
A proposed tunnel linking downtown Nashville to the airport is drawing formal opposition from Metro Council members, who cite unanswered safety, geological and labor questions. While the measure cannot stop the project, it adds political pressure and calls for full public disclosure before any use of public land.
Pipeline expansion plans in Virginia face calls for full environmental review
Virginia lawmakers are urging FERC to require full environmental impact reviews for proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate and Transco expansions in Southwest Virginia, citing environmental, safety and cumulative impact concerns.
- Inside Sempra’s 72-mile pipeline with 18 major trenchless crossings
- Trump vetoes bill to finish $1.3 billion Colorado water pipeline
- PHMSA warns of heat risks in aging plastic gas distribution pipelines following deadly Pennsylvania explosion
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- OSHA seeks $1.2 million fine after fatal trench collapse in Connecticut
- Worm-like robot burrows underground to cut power line installation costs
- First tunnel boring machines complete testing for Hudson Tunnel Project
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Construction jobs stumble into 2026 after weak year
- NWPX grows water infrastructure portfolio with Colorado precast facility