Regulatory

BLM approves right-of-way for 220-mile California water pipeline conversion

The Bureau of Land Management has approved a right-of-way allowing conversion of a 220-mile natural gas pipeline into a water conveyance system in Southern California. The project will deliver up to 25,000 acre-feet of water annually from the Mojave Groundwater Bank.

PHMSA proposes first major pipeline repair rule update in two decades

PHMSA has proposed its first major update to federal pipeline repair standards in two decades, introducing risk-based engineering criteria that could save operators $390 million annually while improving pipeline safety.

Illinois court clears way for $37.6 million storm sewer project in La Grange

An Illinois appellate court has cleared the way for La Grange's $37.6 million 50th Street Relief Storm Sewer Project, allowing the village to move forward with long-planned flood control improvements.

EPA says U.S.-Mexico sewage projects advance in Tijuana River cleanup

EPA released a quarterly update on construction and rehabilitation projects designed to reduce sewage pollution in the Tijuana River.

Sen. King urges FERC to reject $67 billion NextEra-Dominion merger

Sen. Angus King is urging FERC to reject NextEra Energy's proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy, arguing the merger would concentrate too much market power and reduce competition in U.S. electricity markets.

Nearly 500 miles of Southeast gas pipelines advance with final FERC EIS

The 199-mile Mississippi Crossing Project and 291-mile South System Expansion 4 have reached a key regulatory milestone as FERC advances its review.

Great Basin pipeline expansion wins BLM approval in Nevada

A natural gas pipeline expansion in western Nevada has cleared another regulatory hurdle after federal agencies completed environmental review.

PHMSA proposes pipeline tank inspection rule overhaul

PHMSA has proposed updating federal inspection requirements for hazardous liquid pipeline breakout tanks, a move officials say could save industry more than $125 million while aligning regulations with current industry standards.

EPA rebrands Biden-era water funding as MAHA initiative

The EPA is promoting billions of dollars for lead pipe replacement and PFAS cleanup under the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative, though the funding originated under the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law.

Port Clinton, Ohio, exits wastewater settlement after $15 million upgrades

Federal and state regulators have ended a long-running wastewater settlement with Port Clinton, Ohio, after the city completed $15 million in upgrades that nearly eliminated combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie.

FERC proposes major expansion of natural gas pipeline blanket certificate program

FERC is proposing sweeping changes to its blanket certificate program that could accelerate natural gas pipeline development, raise project cost thresholds and reshape how future infrastructure projects move through the regulatory process.

Utah signs federal permitting deal to speed infrastructure projects

Utah has signed a new federal-state permitting agreement aimed at accelerating infrastructure and energy projects through coordinated environmental reviews and streamlined approvals.

Federal review advances Mojave groundwater bank project

Federal review work is advancing on the proposed Mojave Groundwater Bank project in Southern California, which includes groundwater storage and pipeline infrastructure intended to strengthen long-term water supply reliability across the Southwest.

EPA proposes rollback of several PFAS drinking water rules

The EPA is proposing to rescind several PFAS drinking water regulations tied to GenX chemicals and other compounds while reconsidering future federal standards.

FERC targets faster gas pipeline, LNG permit approvals

FERC proposed sweeping reforms to streamline permitting for natural gas pipeline infrastructure, potentially speeding approvals for pipeline, LNG and energy upgrade projects.

PHMSA opens $22 million in pipeline, hazmat safety grants

PHMSA has announced more than $22 million in grant funding to support pipeline safety, hazardous materials response training and infrastructure safety programs nationwide.

Industry coalition targets EPA veto authority over infrastructure permits

A new industry coalition is urging the Trump administration to limit EPA veto authority tied to federally permitted energy and infrastructure projects.

Water utilities back EPA move to revise PFAS drinking water requirements

Major water utility groups are backing EPA proposals that would extend PFAS drinking water compliance deadlines, saying utilities need more time to plan and implement treatment infrastructure upgrades.

Court halts some Line 5 construction tied to waterway permits

A Wisconsin judge has halted portions of Enbridge’s Line 5 reroute project tied to several waterway crossings, while allowing most construction on the controversial pipeline relocation to continue.

Senate passes PIPELINE Safety Act aimed at strengthening buried utility protection

The Senate has passed the bipartisan PIPELINE Safety Act, advancing new excavation damage prevention measures tied to 811 participation, GIS mapping and buried utility protection.

California renews push for Delta tunnel, statewide water infrastructure projects

California is renewing its push for the Delta tunnel and other major water infrastructure projects as debates continue over cost, environmental impacts and long-term water reliability.

Texas water pipeline project faces questions over permitting authority

Corpus Christi’s major water pipeline project is moving forward as county officials question whether the city can proceed without formal local approval. The 13-mile pipeline is designed to boost water supply capacity and help delay additional drought-related restrictions.

Green Chile pipeline wins federal approval in New Mexico

The BLM approved the Green Chile natural gas pipeline in New Mexico using an accelerated review process, advancing a 400 million cubic feet per day line tied to a proposed data center project.

PHMSA adds AMPP corrosion standards to federal pipeline safety rules

PHMSA incorporates updated AMPP corrosion standards into federal pipeline safety regulations, signaling a shift toward stricter compliance and alignment with current industry practices.

Maryland drops contractor on major bridge rebuild, raising timeline concerns

Maryland officials have dropped a contractor from the Key Bridge rebuild project over cost concerns and will seek new bids while construction work continues.

Court clears path for MVP Southgate pipeline construction in Virginia, North Carolina

A federal appeals court denied motions to halt water permits for the MVP Southgate pipeline, allowing construction to proceed while legal challenges continue.

Pipeline project advances in New Mexico, Arizona as review process begins

A proposed 234-mile natural gas pipeline across the Navajo Nation has cleared its first approval hurdle, advancing a project aimed at supplying power markets in the U.S. Southwest.

Trump EPA wants to remove restraints on infrastructure permitting

Proposed EPA changes to Clean Water Act permitting could accelerate infrastructure approvals while limiting states’ ability to block projects, setting up a new regulatory battle over pipelines, utilities and water infrastructure.

Court ruling blocks financing path for California Delta tunnel project

A California court decision has halted the state’s attempt to secure bond financing for the Delta tunnel project, adding uncertainty to the multibillion-dollar water infrastructure plan.

New guidance targets faster fiber design, permitting

New broadband guidance highlights the importance of field surveys and base mapping to reduce redesigns, avoid permit delays and accelerate fiber network deployment.