Blog
USCMA Went into Effect July 1, 2020
The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) entered into force on July 1, 2020. This marks the beginning of a new trade chapter in North American trade relations. The USMCA is designed to offer a more balanced and reciprocal approach to trade while promoting freer market forces and what many believe is a more fair set of trade [...]
EPA Decides Not to Regulate Perchlorate in Drinking Water
In a June 18, 2020 Press Release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final action not to regulate perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Perchlorate, a chemical often included as an ingredient in rocket fuel, explosives, and missiles, has been linked to several health effects including hormone disruption and negative effects on [...]
EPA Provides Tool for Water Utilities to Assess Financial Impact of COVID-19
In a July 8, 2020 Press Release, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of a new assessment tool to assist water utilities in evaluating the financial impact of COVID-19 on operations. The pandemic is challenging both the operations and financial health of most utilities. Many expect to experience severe revenue declines due to [...]
OSHA Releases Employer Guidance on Re-Opening Non-Essential Businesses
In a June 18, 2020 Press Release, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued guidance to assist employers that are reopening their non-essential businesses after shuttering or partially shuttering in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The guidance supplements the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' previously developed Guidance on [...]
California Begins Regulation of Microplastics in Drinking Water
On June 16, 2020, the California State Water Resources Control Board (CA SWRCB or Board) became the first regulatory agency in the world to specify and adopt a definition of ‘Microplastics in Drinking Water’. The CA SWRCB unanimously adopted the microplastic definition, which includes plastic particles with three dimensions that are greater than 1 nanometer and [...]
WWEMA Joins Other Water Associations in Calling on Congress to Address Water and Wastewater Needs in Future COVID-19 Relief Aid Package
The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) has joined with other related water associations, including the WateReuse Association, the Water Environment Federation, the American Water Works Association, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the US Water Alliance, and others in calling on [...]
Infrastructure Package Regains Momentum on the Hill
In a May 27, 2020 press conference, House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) indicated her intention to introduce an extensive infrastructure package, which will include a focus on ‘green’ infrastructure. Both chambers of Congress appear to be ready to begin tackling this issue in earnest this summer. The package is expected to be modeled after the Democratic [...]
Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act Passes House and Senate
Updated 6/8/2020. President signed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act into law on June 5, 2020. On June 3, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA). The vote was a voice vote and the PPPFA passed without amendment to the U.S. House of Representatives’ version, which passed the House by a [...]