Regulatory
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.
LA County pushes to bury overhead power lines after wildfires, but telecom holdouts stall progress
Los Angeles County officials are pushing to move power lines underground after recent wildfires, but progress has stalled as telecom providers refuse to remove their overhead cables, forcing the county to consider legal action.
Zoning showdown: SCWA claims immunity as North Fork pipeline review advances
The Suffolk County Water Authority has ruled its 12-mile North Fork water main project exempt from Riverhead’s zoning and land-use review—setting up a major jurisdictional clash as the pipeline enters a full environmental impact study. Riverhead disputes the finding and is weighing legal action.
EPA earmarks $3 billion to accelerate lead pipe replacements nationwide
The EPA has announced $3 billion in new State Revolving Fund (SRF) dollars to accelerate removal of lead service lines nationwide, along with $1.1 billion in redistributed unused funds. Updated inventories show roughly 4 million remaining lead pipes—far fewer than previously estimated—allowing states to target replacements more efficiently.
N.J. contractor seeks to pause bidding on Gateway Tunnel viaduct contract
A major New Jersey contractor is asking a federal judge to halt bidding on a key Gateway Tunnel viaduct contract, arguing that the project’s labor agreement unfairly blocks its participation. The challenge adds another layer of uncertainty to the $16 billion rail program as federal reviews and funding delays continue.
Alberta excavating firm fined $100,000 after trench collapse injures worker
HCL Site Services Ltd. of Vegreville, Alberta, was fined $100,000 after pleading guilty to an Occupational Health and Safety violation following a 2022 trench collapse that seriously injured a worker on a sewer line project in Viking.
Public support for undergrounding surges as regulators debate long-term plans
A new statewide poll shows nearly 90% of Californians support undergrounding power lines to reduce wildfire risk—just as the CPUC prepares to vote on guidelines that could shape future projects. Utilities warn proposed rules may limit long-term undergrounding efforts even as public demand continues to climb.
Legal challenges fail to stop Montana’s Lakeside sewer expansion project
Montana courts have cleared the way for the Lakeside County Water and Sewer District to move forward with its wastewater expansion after denying two lawsuits seeking to block the project in Flathead County.
Ontario contractor fined $80,000 for unsafe excavation that ruptured gas pipelines
A North York contractor was fined $80,000 after unsafe excavation damaged two gas pipelines, cutting service to dozens of homes. Ontario’s safety authority says the incidents highlight growing risks from improper digging around underground utilities.
Texas voters approve $20 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades
Texas voters approved a $20 billion water infrastructure plan to repair aging pipes, upgrade treatment facilities, and secure long-term water supplies across the state — the largest investment of its kind in Texas history.
Two major Mississippi pipeline projects approved for expedited federal review
Two Southeast natural gas pipeline projects — Mississippi Crossing and South System Expansion 4 — have been added to the federal FAST-41 program, expediting review for nearly 500 miles of new and upgraded underground infrastructure across Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia.
NESE pipeline project up for fourth review after repeated denials over NY water quality concerns
The Northeast Supply Enhancement (NESE) gas pipeline is back for a fourth attempt at state approval after repeated denials over water quality risks. The 17.4-mile underwater route through New York Harbor faces strong opposition from environmental groups and Staten Island officials as regulators weigh permits under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration.
PHMSA proposes broad pipeline safety rule changes to reduce costs, allow new technology
The changes aim to reduce costs, streamline permitting, and allow expanded use of drones and satellite patrols. Industry groups support the direction, while environmental advocates raise concerns about reduced oversight.
U.S. Army Corps approves Enbridge's $500 million Line 5 Tunnel project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has granted federal approval for Enbridge’s Line 5 Great Lakes Tunnel, a $500 million project to encase the existing oil pipeline beneath Michigan’s Straits of Mackinac in a concrete tunnel. The permit marks a major milestone for the Canadian energy company’s plan to reinforce one of the region’s most scrutinized pipeline systems.
Senate panel backs bipartisan bill to boost pipeline safety and leak detection
The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has advanced a bipartisan bill from Sen. Gary Peters to boost PHMSA funding, expand leak detection research, and strengthen cybersecurity protections for U.S. pipelines.
Court rejects Green River pipeline plan to move Utah water to Colorado
The Utah Supreme Court has unanimously rejected a plan to export 55,000 acre-feet of Green River water to Colorado, ruling that the developer failed to prove the water could be put to beneficial use outside Utah.
New data show gains in California’s groundwater recovery and resilience
California’s Department of Water Resources reports stable groundwater levels and fewer dry wells statewide as part of its 2025 groundwater progress updates marking 10 years of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
New York approves buried power line for Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor facility
New York has approved a two-mile underground transmission line to connect National Grid’s Clay substation with Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor megafab in Onondaga County — a key step toward powering the largest private investment in state history.
Pennsylvania DEP approves Transco permits for Chester, Lancaster pipeline projects
The Pennsylvania DEP has approved permits for Transco’s Northeast Supply Enhancement Quarryville Pipeline Loop and compressor station projects in Chester and Lancaster counties.
FERC removes rule delaying pipeline construction during rehearing requests
The decision, supported by major midstream operators, is expected to streamline natural gas project timelines and remove up to 150 days of potential delay under prior procedures.
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Alaska LNG pipeline could require 7,000 workers at peak construction, developers say
- Ohio trench collapse kills one worker, injures two during pipe installation
- Elon Musk's Boring Co. fined for dumping drilling waste into Vegas sewer system
- $1.4 billion Midwest pipeline expansion to move more Canadian oil to U.S. Gulf
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
- Massive water line failure leaves majority of Waterbury without service
- Infrastructure failure releases 100,000 gallons of wastewater in Houston; repairs ongoing
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines