Outlook for US EPA Priorities for 2026-2027

Presented by Caitlin McHale, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Strategic Initiatives, US EPA Office of Water

Caitlin McHale, the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Strategic Initiatives at the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water, presented an outlook on EPA’s priorities throughout 2026-2027. She highlighted five key focal points the agency is focusing on in the coming year:

  • Clean air, land, and water for every American
  • Restoring American energy dominance
  • Permitting reform, cooperative federalism, and cross-agency partnership
  • Making the USA the artificial intelligence capital of the world
  • Protecting and bringing back jobs in the automative industry

McHale detailed the Office of Water’s ongoing initiatives and their direct relevance to the water and wastewater industry. A primary focus responding to reform of the “Waters of The Unites States” (WOTUS) definition. Currently, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are revising this framework to comply with the Supreme Court Sackett vs EPA decision. As McHale stressed, the goal is to create a clear, stable code of law that avoids repeated changes based on the administration in power. On the topic of legislation, she also informed the audience that the EPA is revising the Clean Water Act section 401 to better clarify the roles of the state and tribes in the permitting process to increase efficiency.

Turning to contaminants, McHale addressed the critical topic of PFAS, noting that the EPA is working on implementing drinking water standards, reconsidering current rules due to procedural concerns, proposing wastewater PFAS discharge limits, and reviewing the biosolids PFAS risk assessment. She emphasized the importance of reducing PFAS “at the source” to reduce costs for both utilities and consumers. Additionally, McHale provided key regulatory updates regarding the Lead and Copper Rule. The EPA is currently finalizing rules to identify and replace lead service lines in the next ten years, increasing transparency to protect vulnerable communities, and strengthening testing standards.

McHale also addressed fluoride, stating that the EPA is accelerating its review on potential fluoride related health risks in drinking water. She also reminded everyone that the agency does not promote the use of fluoride in drinking water but instead sets the maximum allowable levels to protect public health.

Finally, McHale outlined the EPA’s broader support mechanisms for the water sector, including the Real Water Technical Assistance Initiative, which aims to support small and rural water systems across the country with development and compliance. She concluded her remarks by noting that the EPA is increasing guidance around Buy America Build America (BABA) requirements, expanding its Water Reuse Action Plan to address data center concerns, and pledging ongoing federal support to the industry on workforce development.