Brett Walton

About Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club's Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton

Federal Water Tap, July 8: Feds Sue Washington State Dairies over Nitrate Pollution

July 8, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Justice Department files lawsuit against Yakima Valley dairies for polluting groundwater. EPA publishes new maps of water system boundaries. Reclamation finalizes plan to protect Colorado River fish from non-native predators. House committee considers a budget bill that would cut EPA funding by 20 percent. Reclamation assesses a Colorado River water conservation plan from […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, July 1: Supreme Court Weakens Agency Power to Interpret Vague Laws

July 1, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown High court strikes down longstanding deference to agency expertise in policymaking. Army Corps project to reduce flooding on Louisiana coast needs to be redesigned due to bigger seas, storms. House proposal would slash EPA budget by 20 percent and cut drinking water funding while continuing earmarks and changing policy. House committee advances Army […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, June 24: Supreme Court Blocks State-Led Rio Grande Water Agreement

June 24, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown The high court sides with the federal government in rejecting Rio Grande water deal between New Mexico and Texas. GAO audits an Interior program for economic development on former mining lands. State and federal agencies will assess water use in the lower Snake River, to inform the potential breaching of four dams. NOAA […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, June 17: ‘Connecticut-Sized’ Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone This Summer, NOAA Says

June 17, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Federal forecast estimates size of Gulf of Mexico dead zone. EPA watchdog says agency is not prepared for public notification rules for lead in drinking water. House passes non-flushable wipes labeling bill. EPA publishes guidelines for a toxic tire chemical in rivers and lakes. USGS reports on groundwater levels in the Navajo aquifer, […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Colorado River Water Use in Three States Drops to 40-Year Low

June 14, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

Arizona, California, and Nevada take less water from the struggling river.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, June 10: Researchers Estimate Lithium in U.S. Groundwater

June 10, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown USGS researchers use computer models to map lithium, unregulated in drinking water, in groundwater. Montana senators introduce a bill to amend the Crow Tribe water rights settlement. FERC attempts to clarify water quality permitting process for energy projects. Army Corps has $120 million to raise homes in southwest Louisiana against floods. And lastly, […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, June 3: EPA Proposal Aims for Structural Change in U.S. Drinking Water Sector

June 3, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Proposed EPA rule, by targeting structural problems, aims at the root of utility drinking water violations. Report shows Colorado River water use in three lower basin states drops to four-decade low. IRS proposal would allow new hydropower generation access to federal clean electricity tax credits. Reclamation allocates hundreds of millions for water reuse, […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, May 28: EPA Alerts Water Utilities to Inadequate Cybersecurity Protections

May 28, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown EPA finds that most water utilities it inspected have deficient cybersecurity. Feds settle with Norfolk Southern over toxic releases from East Palestine train derailment. Defense Department funds research into water and extreme weather to inform its strategic planning. EPA will hold a public meeting on its water affordability needs assessment. Today is the […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, May 20: EPA Estimates Wastewater Funding Needs over Next Two Decades

May 20, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Some $630 billion is needed for sewage treatment and stormwater control. A bill in Congress would require a report on efforts to engage with Canada on nuclear waste disposal in the Great Lakes basin. EPA announces the first meeting of an advisory committee that will recommend ways to address water pollution from animal […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Wildfire Rampage Injures Lungs in the Great Lakes

May 14, 2024/in Water News/by Brett Walton

People are unprepared for smoke from forest fires worsened by intense drought and heat.

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, May 13: Army Corps Eyes New Lake-Dredging Technique for Kansas Reservoir Filling with Sediment

May 13, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Army Corps plans to evaluate a novel dredging project in a Kansas reservoir. Bureau of Reclamation finalizes a two-year water management plan for main Colorado River reservoirs. Texas senators introduce Rio Grande legislation. Reclamation awards $148 million for drought resiliency projects in the western states. Ohio county and city sue EPA over Lake […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

Federal Water Tap, May 6: White House Issues Cybersecurity Memo for Critical Infrastructure

May 6, 2024/in Federal Water Tap/by Brett Walton

The Rundown Protecting water systems and other critical infrastructure is the heart of a Biden administration cybersecurity plan. EPA memo details requirements for states and tribes when using federal funds to replace lead drinking water pipes. EPA moves to protect tribal fishing rights when states set water quality standards for rivers and lakes. FDA finalizes […]

Brett Walton

Brett writes about agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and the politics and economics of water in the United States. He also writes the Federal Water Tap, Circle of Blue’s weekly digest of U.S. government water news. He is the winner of two Society of Environmental Journalists reporting awards, one of the top honors in American environmental journalism: first place for explanatory reporting for a series on septic system pollution in the United States(2016) and third place for beat reporting in a small market (2014). He received the Sierra Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 2018. Brett lives in Seattle, where he hikes the mountains and bakes pies. Contact Brett Walton

circleofblue.org/author/brett

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About Brett Walton

Entries by Brett Walton