News
Senate Confirms Jeff Hall for OECA
On December 11, 2025 the Senate confirmed Jeff Hall to lead EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). From an EPA press: “Mr. Hall was initially appointed by the Trump Administration to be OECA’s Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator. Shortly thereafter, he became the President’s nominee for OECA’s Assistant Administrator. Since February, Mr. Hall has served first as OECA’s Acting Assistant Administrator and then as a Senior Advisor to Administrator Zeldin during the confirmation process. Mr. Hall joined EPA from a small law firm, where he handled a wide variety of cases and litigated at all levels of the federal courts. Prior to that, he held several positions at the Department of Justice over the course of seven years, including Senior Counsel to the Associate Attorney General, Policy Counsel for the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division, and appellate attorney in the Environmental and Natural Resources Division. Prior to joining the federal government, Mr. Hall was an antitrust and securities attorney at a large law firm in Washington, D.C., and a clerk on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He holds degrees from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.”
EPA WIFIA Loans for Oregon and Washington
This week EPA announced Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans totaling ~$240 million to go to the City of Rockwood, Oregon; the City of Medford, Oregon; and King County, Washington. WIFIA is a federal loan program, started in 2014 and administered by EPA, that aims to accelerate investment in the nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental credit assistance for regionally and nationally significant projects. Details related to these three projects include:
- King County, Washington: A $65 million WIFIA loan to modernize the wastewater infrastructure system. This loan will benefit around 190,000 people by replacing and building new components of the system and adding 50 years of useful life to part of the wastewater pipeline. This will be King County’s fifth WIFIA loan, supporting over $1 billion in wastewater infrastructure investments.
- Medford, Oregon: A $147 million WIFIA loan will benefit 166,000 Americans by improving infrastructure and protecting the water quality of the nationally significant Rogue River, while creating over 900 local jobs.
- Rockwood, Oregon: A $28 million WIFIA loan will support the Rockwood Water People’s Utility District in northwest Oregon. This is the district’s second loan for the Cascade Groundwater Development Project that will improve the reliability of its drinking water system for 66,000 people.
More information regarding the current notice of funding availability can be found here: Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) | US EPA
Report Finds States Cut Environmental Budgets
Last week the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP), an environmental NGO focused on protecting public health and natural resources, published a report claiming that “more than half of states (27) have cut the budgets of their own environmental agencies over the last 15 years.” The Executive Summary goes on to say that seven states “have reduced their pollution control funding by at least a third, when adjusted for inflation” and almost two thirds of states (31) “also cut the staffing of their environmental agencies, eliminating 3,725 positions over this time period (or about 13 percent of jobs at these state agencies).” The report does acknowledge that a few states “moved sharply in the opposite direction and built up their state environmental agencies.” The report also claims that these cuts are occurring “[A]t a time when the Trump Administration is proposing draconian cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), claiming that states can take on more responsibility for environmental oversight.” A copy of the full report can be found here: EIP_Report_StateofDecline_12.10.25.pdf
OECA Memo: Compliance First
On December 5, 2025 OECA issued an internal memo to headquarters and regional staff that reinforces the importance of prioritizing environmental compliance across all OECA enforcement actions “in the most efficient, most economical, and swiftest means possible, while ensuring that our actions align with the clearest, most defensible interpretations of our statutory and regulatory mandates.” Important elements of the policy mentioned in the memo include:
- Alignment with current agency priorities and Executive Orders
- Proactive outreach, technical assistance, and training to the regulated community to facilitate compliance to fix issues before enforcement is needed
- Collaboration with state/tribal coregulators is expected
- Transparent dialogue is mandated, no surprises builds trust
- Findings of violation must be clear and unambiguous and based on the “best reading” of the relevant statute and regulation
- Timely and efficient return to compliance is important, although formal enforcement may be necessary
- Reasoned transparent decision making is preferred based on the Law, Evidence, Analysis, Programmatic Input, and Stakeholder Impacts (LEAPS).
EPA and USACE Publish Proposed WOTUS Rule
On Nov. 20, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers published the proposed “Updated Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” in the Federal Register. Click here to read the proposed rule. This commences a 45-day public comment period; comments on the proposed rule must be received by the agencies on or before Jan. 5, 2026. ACWA submitted a letter to the agencies on Nov. 26, requesting a 15-day extension of the comment period.
The agencies have stated that the proposed rule “will fully implement the direction provided by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sackett v. EPA,” and that the proposed definition of WOTUS “would fully implement the Court’s direction by ensuring federal jurisdiction is focused on relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies of water—such as streams, oceans, rivers, and lakes—and wetlands that are connected and indistinguishable from such waterbodies.” The agencies’ state that the proposed rule would:
- Define “relatively permanent” to ensure the Sackett decision is fully implemented. The term focuses on those waters that are standing or continuously flowing year-round or at least during the “wet season.” This would be applicable to the tributaries and lakes and ponds categories.
- Define “tributary” to ensure only those relatively permanent bodies of water that meet specific requirements be considered jurisdictional.
- Define “continuous surface connection” to fully implement the Sackett decision. This term would require wetlands to meet a new two-part test to be jurisdictional: 1) they must abut a jurisdictional water, and 2) they must have surface water at least during the wet season.
- Remove interstate waters from the categories of jurisdictional waters to make clear that such waters no longer gain jurisdiction by simply crossing state lines.
- Clarify what constitutes “excluded ditches” through a proposed definition of ditch to distinguish these features from other types of waters and exclude those ditches constructed or excavated in dry land.
- Clarify what constitutes “excluded prior converted cropland” with a definition that allows the agencies to identify prior converted cropland and to ensure that prior converted cropland only loses its designation when it has been abandoned and reverts to wetlands. The definition provides additional context on abandonment to ensure agricultural producers do not inappropriately lose the exclusion under the Act for doing good work on their lands.
- Clarify what constitutes “excluded waste treatment systems” through the addition of a definition which provides helpful direction as to the breadth of systems that meet the exclusion.
- Underscore that groundwater is not considered WOTUS through a proposed exclusion.
Click here to read EPA’s public fact sheet on the proposed rule.
Click here for EPA’s WOTUS webpage.
Association Updates
Notice – No Wrap the Week of December 22nd
In observance of the holiday, ACWA will not publish a Weekly Wrap the week of December 22nd. ACWA Offices will be closed from December 24th, 2025 through January 2nd, 2026. Look out for our next edition the week of January 5th, 2026. Happy Holidays!
2026 State Summit on Water Reuse
The 2026 State Summit on Water Reuse will take place on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 8:00am to 3:15pm (PT), at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown in Los Angeles, California. This free, state regulator-only event is hosted by ACWA, ASDWA, ECOS, ASTHO, GWPC, and U.S. EPA, and will be held once again in conjunction with the WateReuse Association Annual Water Reuse Symposium, which begins March 8th. Please CLICK HERE to indicate your interest in participating in the State Summit by Friday, December 19th. Formal registration and additional details will follow in early 2026.
The primary goal of the State Summit is to provide a place for state regulators to share and learn about a range of water reuse issues, network with state colleagues, and coordinate with representatives from select federal agencies. The Summit will feature perspectives from many states and provide an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts and key questions with colleagues from around the country. Please contact Ward Scott (wscott@acwa-us.org) for more information.
ACWA 2026 Mid-Year Meeting – Hotel Room Block Closes 3/3!
Dates: March 25-26, 2026
Location: Alexandria, VA
Reserve your room now by calling 1-800-Hiltons (1-800-445-8668) and using group code 92N, or click here.
Group Rate: $276/night
View the draft agenda here.
Check our event webpage for more information.
2026 National Industrial Permitting Workshop – Save the Date
Dates: April 7-9, 2026
Location: Washington, DC
Purpose: The 2026 National Industrial Permitting Workshop supports implementation of federal and state industrial permitting programs nationwide by sharing best management practices, showcasing innovative federal and state programs, highlighting new approaches and technologies, facilitating discussion on national program enhancements and improvements, identifying state resource needs including tools, training and guidance, and proposing solutions to challenges and barriers faced by the regulators and other stakeholders. More information can be found on ACWA’s event page.
2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop – Registration and Draft Agenda Now Available!
Dates: April 21-23, 2026
Location: Little Rock, AR
Registration is open for the 2026 Water Quality Standards Workshop! This workshop will take place April 21-23, in Little Rock, AR. This workshop is a national meeting organized by ACWA for state staff involved in state water quality standards programs, as well as for both Regional and Headquarters-based U.S. Environmental Protection Agency managers and staff. The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock.
Registration is available here.
View the draft agenda here.
The workshop will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Little Rock. Reserve your hotel room here. The room block will close on March 30, 2026. ACWA does anticipate having travel support for state staff.
When available, more information can be found on ACWA’s events page.
ACWA 2026 Annual Meeting – Save The Date!
Dates: August 5, 2026 at 8:00 am – August 7, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Board of Directors will meet August 4, 2026.
Venue: The Eldorado Hotel and Spa, Santa Fe, NM
Check back here for more information regarding registration, lodging, and agenda.
Meetings and Webinars
SRF Office Hours
Environmental Finance Center Network provides SRF Office Hours. These sessions are designed to help state agencies, utility operators, and stakeholders navigate SRFs with practical insights and strategies. Each session begins with a theme to provide clarity on managing SRF-funded projects, followed by an open “Ask Me Anything” Q&A.
- January 7: What are the SRFs? Pros and Cons
- January 12: I’m confused, where do I start a project?
SWC Webinar on Forests & Water Partnerships
Date and Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2:00–3:30 pm ET
REGISTER HERE
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 2:00–3:30 pm ET, the Source Water Collaborative and Southeastern Partnership for Forests & Water are hosting a webinar entitled, “Stronger Together: Forests & Water Partnerships.” Join us for an engaging session on how the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Denver Water are leveraging forest management and conservation to protect their drinking water sources. After the presentations and a lively Q&A, we’ll move into a brief breakout discussion—your chance to connect with peers and explore how these strategies could benefit partnerships in your own region.
For more information, view the webinar flyer.
Job Opportunities
Environmental Hydrogeologist 1-2
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Closing Date: Open until filled
The Watershed Improvement Unit in the Water Quality Division is looking for a Hydrogeologist to remediate abandoned hardrock mines that are polluting rivers and streams. The Hydrogeologist will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating remedial designs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing technical expertise to address the environmental and public health risks associated with abandoned hardrock mines. The Hydrogeologist will work with a multidisciplinary team to assess, plan, and execute remediation projects. This role plays a key part in protecting and enhancing Arizona’s waterbodies for the enjoyment of people and wildlife.
For more information and to apply, click here.
Natural Resource Analyst (Water Quality NEPA Coordinator)
Location: Cheyenne, WY
Closing Date: Open until filled
This position is responsible for coordinating the Water Quality Division’s (WQD’s) role in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental review processes. It assists with the development and implementation of Wyoming’s surface water quality standards consistent with the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and the federal Clean Water Act. The position collaboratively reviews, evaluates, and develops recommendations on proposed federal projects to ensure that federal agency actions are consistent with Wyoming’s water quality rules, including surface and groundwater quality standards, regulations for discharges to surface or groundwaters, and regulations for water and wastewater facility permitting. The position supports the development and implementation of Wyoming’s Surface Water Quality Standards, including technical reviews, research, document development, and assistance in the development of proposed changes to standards and implementation documents.
For more information and to apply, visit Wyoming Job Opportunities.
Environmental Analyst or Engineer – Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
Location: Lowell, MA
Closing Date: Open until filled
To apply, email your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample to jobs@neiwpcc.org. Please reference #26-Lowell-001 in the email subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Environmental Specialist
Location: Brainerd, MN
Closing Date: December 22, 2025
This position exists to carry out permitting, inspection, and compliance/enforcement activities for the MPCA’s Feedlot Program. The incumbent will review and issue feedlot permits; inspect feedlots to determine compliance with permits and regulations; develop appropriate responses to non-compliance, including formal enforcement actions; educate and assist feedlot owners and their consultants on feedlot requirements; and support delegated county feedlot officers with guidance and training. For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Municipal Wastewater Engineer
Location: Duluth, MN
Closing Date: December 29, 2025
As a Municipal Wastewater Engineer at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will provide assistance to the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) permit programs through review and recommend actions related to wastewater treatment projects in order to provide reasonable assurance that each project is technically acceptable and feasible and that all applicable regulations and administrative requirements are met. The incumbent will conduct technical reviews of planning documents, plans, and specifications. This position will ensure that all loan or grant requirements are met, inspect significant construction activities, explain program requirements to interested parties, and participate in meetings and hearings.
Job ID 90708 – Municipal Wastewater Engineer
Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)
Location: Union Gap, WA
Closing Date: January 4, 2026
If you’re interested in applying for this position or reading additional information, please follow this link:
Senior Hydrogeologist (Hydrogeologist 4)
Environmental Consultant
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Closing Date: January 5, 2026
The Water Quality Restoration Program at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has two vacancies for Environmental Consultants. Please visit the links below for more information and to apply.
Environmental Consultant – 37020530
Environmental Consultant – 37011174
Water Quality PC Tech
Location: Brainerd, MN
Closing Date: January 14, 2026
This posting will be used to fill 2 vacancies. For more information and to apply, visit Minnesota Careers.
Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Launch Stewards
Location: Lake Champlain, NY and VT
Closing Date: January 20, 2026
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org; please reference #26-LCBP-002 in the email subject line. Application review will begin on January 20, 2026, and will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.
Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.
