Regulatory
Federal court greenlights Crow Creek Gas pipeline construction in Idaho-Wyoming
A federal court cleared construction of the 48-mile Crow Creek natural gas pipeline between Idaho and Wyoming, rejecting environmental groups’ request to halt the project after the Forest Service’s supplemental review.
BLM reviewing application for 122-mile Ridgeline gas pipeline in Tennessee
The BLM is reviewing an application for the 122-mile Ridgeline Expansion Pipeline in Tennessee, proposed to supply gas to TVA’s Kingston Fossil Plant as it shifts from coal to LNG.
Plan for single Americas energy network gains momentum amid political push
Plans are taking shape to link power grids across the Americas — a project that could span from Alaska to Patagonia and reshape the continent’s energy future. Political leaders are reviving interconnection efforts as renewable power surpluses in Latin America grow.
Editor’s Log: EPA funding cuts put sewer, water infrastructure at risk
Editor-in-Chief Robert Carpenter examines how proposed EPA budget cuts could jeopardize key sewer and water funding programs, leaving cities scrambling as federal support dwindles.
U.S., Mexico sign deal to end decades-long Tijuana River sewage crisis
The U.S. and Mexico signed an agreement to accelerate sewage infrastructure projects and permanently resolve the decades-long Tijuana River pollution crisis affecting Southern California.
EGLE opens public comment phase for Line 5 tunnel project
Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has opened a public comment period for the Enbridge Line 5 tunnel project in the Straits of Mackinac. According to WLNS 6 News, members of the public can submit comments until Aug 29, with the EGLE launching a full review of the project this week.
PPI voices support for FLOW Act to accelerate lead line replacement
The Plastics Pipe Institute, Inc. (PPI) today announced its strong support of the Financing Lead Out of Water (FLOW) Act, H.R. 3892. This bipartisan legislation will help communities across the country accelerate the removal of hazardous lead service lines.
New Mexico cities push to fast-track stalled water, sewer funding approvals
New Mexico cities are calling for reforms to speed up water and sewer infrastructure funding approvals, citing costly delays and project backlogs affecting communities statewide.
Ohio Supreme Court rules sewer line location isn’t a ‘defect’ in property dispute
For underground infrastructure professionals, the case highlights the legal boundaries of disclosure related to buried utilities.
Pipeline safety enforcement sees steep drop in Trump’s second term
According to regulatory filings, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has shown a steep drop in enforcement cases since Trump took office in January. Bloomberg Law reported that President Trump’s efforts to drive efficiencies in government branches have resulted in the record low for pipeline safety regulations.
Williams’ Northeast gas pipeline revived as New York reopens review process
New York regulators are reexamining the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline after previously denying permits. Williams' gas project could reshape the state’s energy infrastructure as federal and state policies collide.
Over 1,600 lead lines replaced by Greater Cincinnati Water Works over the past year
Greater Cincinnati Water Works has replaced more than 1,600 lead service lines over the past year, a record number for the utility that exceeds the amount replaced last year by 30%, according to WVXU News. The utility is working hard to meet U.S. EPA regulations that require at least 10% of remaining lead lines to be replaced every year starting in 2028.
Texas approves $20 billion for water infrastructure; final decision up to voters
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a $20 billion infrastructure package to modernize Texas’ water systems and secure future supplies. The plan includes immediate upgrades and a 20-year funding proposal.
DEP launches SPEED program to fast-track stormwater construction permits
Pennsylvania DEP’s new SPEED program lets builders pay for an expedited third-party review of Chapter 102 stormwater permits, part of a broader push to modernize the state’s environmental permitting process.
N.C. court rules unmanaged stormwater runoff can constitute trespass
A North Carolina appeals court has confirmed that stormwater runoff crossing property lines without permission may be considered trespass, setting precedent for liability in cases where infrastructure agreements lapse. The decision underscores the importance of proactive stormwater management and clear easement terms in development and construction projects.
PHMSA withdraws pipeline inspection guidance, citing overreach
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has withdrawn a Biden-era advisory bulletin tied to the 2020 PIPES Act, citing federal overreach and excessive regulatory burdens on the pipeline industry.
High PFAS levels in Calhoun, Ga., spark legal action, water and sewer system reforms
Tests show PFAS concentrations in Calhoun’s drinking water about 600% higher than the EPA’s minimum reporting level, prompting a lawsuit, a settlement requiring tighter sewer-pretreatment controls, and new monitoring of residential wells.
Texas Legislature advances major water bill, eyes $1 billion in infrastructure funding
Texas lawmakers have approved legislation that could unlock $1 billion annually for water infrastructure and groundwater research, pending voter approval this November. The bill also marks the state’s first major investment in local aquifer science.
Study: Aging systems, regulations to drive $515 billion in U.S. water infrastructure upgrades
Bluefield Research projects U.S. capital spending on water and wastewater treatment infrastructure will top $515 billion by 2035, with most funding going toward aging system upgrades and regulatory compliance.
Texas House approves bill to strengthen state's water infrastructure
The Texas House gave initial approval to Senate Bill 7 on Monday, May 26, which if passed, would add $1 billion per year to the Texas Water Fund. Texas Governor Greg Abbott named the bill one of his seven emergency items for the legislative session, citing drought concerns in the state.
New tool allows tribal, local governments to model lead line replacement costs for free
Developed under the leadership of Anthony Ross, former EPA Flint Emergency Coordinator, the Lead Service Line Replacement Cost Calculator (LSLRCC) empowers users to accurately plan and budget for replacing an estimated 9.2 million lead service lines nationwide.
Inside Infrastructure: Pipeline safety debate continues, construction fully engaged
The issue of pipeline safety, especially with regard to preventing damage to underground facilities during excavation, is a longstanding priority of the excavation construction industry. Although pipeline safety legislation has traditionally been bipartisan, battles over climate change and other peripheral issues have polarized the pipeline safety debate and obstructed efforts to move a bill through the legislative process and enacted into law.
EPA lifts emergency order on Flint, Mich., water, restoring standard lead monitoring
The EPA has lifted its 2016 emergency order on Flint, Mich.’s drinking water, citing full compliance with federal lead standards. City officials vow continued investment in water safety and infrastructure.
Wisconsin Senate passes lead pipes bill, allowing private water utility access to federal funding
According to Wisconsin Public Radio, Republican members of the state's Senate have narrowly passed a bill that will grant access to federal funds to the state's only private water utility, Superior Water, Light & Power Company. The approval would make the company eligible for loans under Wisconsin's Safe Drinking Water Loan Program for lead pipe replacement projects.
EPA announces rollback for some Biden-era limits on ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water
The EPA is scaling back PFAS regulations under the Trump administration, delaying compliance for PFOA and PFOS while withdrawing limits for other chemicals.
Zeldin’s EPA moves to shield utilities, shift PFAS costs to polluters
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has announced new steps to tackle PFAS contamination, including testing, discharge limits, and a liability framework to hold polluters accountable.
Work paused on NYC’s massive tunnel repair as drought triggers contract overhaul
The $2 billion effort to fix a leak in New York City’s Delaware Aqueduct, which supplies water to millions, is now expected to finish after 2027 due to drought-related delays and contract revisions.
Los Osos, Calif., water pipeline project still on hold as Army Corps delays approval
A long-awaited pipeline project to connect Los Osos, Calif., to the state water system remains stalled as the Army Corps of Engineers has yet to approve funding. Local officials and Congressman Salud Carbajal are pressing for action.
EPA faces key decision on future of national PFAS drinking water limits
The EPA is expected to decide soon whether to uphold strict PFAS drinking water limits challenged by utilities, with millions of Americans' water protections hanging in the balance.
Army Corps eyes fall 2025 for Line 5 Tunnel permit decision
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said it expects to make a permit decision on the Line 5 Tunnel Project in fall 2025, with a draft environmental review set for release May 30 and public comments accepted through June.
- 27 pipeline safety violations tied to deadly Pa. chocolate factory explosion
- Contractor gas line strike triggers home explosion in Missouri
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion
- Fatal trench collapse in Mass. leads to $4.6 million OSHA penalty, dozens of violations
- OSHA investigates fatal trench collapse at Conroe construction site
- T-Mobile to expand fiber broadband infrastructure footprint with $4.9 billion Metronet acquisition
- Cityside launches $100 million fiber build in Corona, Calif.
- FiberLight to build 1,400-mile West Texas dark fiber network in $350 million expansion
- Alaska fiber buildout to expand broadband in rural communities
- 11-mile Texas pipeline replacement upgrades 72-in. PCCP to 102-in. steel