ACWA Weekly Wrap Vol. XVI, Issue 8 (Week of March 24, 2025)

News

Assistant Administrator Confirmation Hearing

This week the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a confirmation hearing for Jessica Kramer, nominee for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Assistant Administrator for Water. Ms. Kramer currently serves as a Senior Advisor to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. Most recently, she served as Deputy Secretary of Regulatory Programs at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, where she managed statewide environmental programs. Ms. Kramer also briefly served as a senior policy advisor and counsel for Government Relations at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. She has extensive experience developing and implementing water policy, including serving as water counsel under Ranking Member (now Chair) Shelley Moore-Capito for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. She served in EPA’s Office of Water previously, as Senior Policy Counsel to the Assistant Administrator under the first Trump Administration. Ms. Kramer also worked for roughly six years in the State of Wisconsin as an Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice in the Environmental Protection Unit and in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources as an environmental enforcement specialist and attorney. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and her law degree from Marquette University Law School. Read her opening statement. Watch the hearing.

EPA and USACE Request Recommendations on Waters of the United States

On Monday, March 24, EPA published an announcement in the Federal Register, WOTUS Notice: The Final Response to SCOTUS: Establishment of a Public Docket; Request for Recommendations. In its announcement, EPA and the Department of the Army indicate their intention to engage with State and Tribal co-regulators, industry and agricultural stakeholders, environmental and conservation stakeholders, and the public on certain key topics related to the implementation of the definition of “waters of the United States” in light of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Sacket v. Environmental Protection Agency.

In addition to upcoming listening sessions, the agencies are accepting written recommendations from members of the public via a recommendations docket. Written recommendations must be received on or before April 23, 2025. Written recommendations may be submitted electronically to OW-Docket@epa.gov (include Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2015-0093.

ACWA Releases Updated Funding Chart

This week, ACWA updated its funding chart to reflecting the FY 2025 “Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025” funding levels. View the updated funding chart here.

ASCE Release Infrastructure Report Card

The American Society of Civil Engineers released its most recent Infrastructure Report Card. The 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure provides a snapshot of how our infrastructure systems are faring and offers solutions for improving the performance of each category. For the second consecutive report, Report Card grades show that U.S. infrastructure is improving as a result of robust investment. Drinking water infrastructure received a grade of C- and wastewater infrastructure received a grade of D+. In 2021, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure received the same grades.

CRS Report: EPA Water Infrastructure Programs and FY2025 Appropriations

Policymakers and stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the nation’s water infrastructure and the financial challenges communities confront in maintaining/replacing aging infrastructure. In 2024, EPA estimated that wastewater and stormwater infrastructure would need $630.1 billion over the next 20 years to meet federal water quality objectives. In 2023, EPA estimated that drinking water systems would need $625 billion over 20 years to meet safe drinking water requirements. Details regarding the entire FY2025 appropriations can be found in the tables provided in the report. As FY2026 appropriations deliberations begin, several considerations pertain to water infrastructure funding including whether or how to provide congressionally directed spending for local water infrastructure projects, given the end of IIJA appropriations in FY2026 and how funding levels for EPA water infrastructure programs align with the estimated water infrastructure needs.

For more details:
EPA Water Infrastructure Programs and FY2025 Appropriations | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

CRS Report: ELGs for Steam Electric Power Plants

The Clean Water Act (CWA) prohibits the discharge of pollutants from any point source into “waters of the United States” without a permit. EPA publishes Effluent Limitation Guidelines (ELGs) which are nationally applicable regulations that establish technology-based standards for categories of industrial dischargers. This report provides the history of the Steam Electric ELG, including the original 1982 rules and subsequent regulations updates and legal decisions that have impacted ELG development. On March 12, 2025 EPA announced its plans to reconsider the latest May 2024 Rule, as part of the second Trump Administration’s announcement of deregulatory actions to “power the great American comeback.”

For more details:
ELGs for Steam Electric Power Plants | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

EPA OIG Report: Evaluation of Guidance to SRF Programs for Implementing the Build America, Buy America Act Requirements

While EPA issued two memorandums on implementing the Build America, Buy America Act requirements, its guidance related to manufactured products, documenting compliance, the consequences for noncompliance, using current waivers, and applying for new waivers was not sufficient. For example, the guidance did not fully address how to classify an item as a manufactured product or how the amended adjustment period waiver would impact multiyear projects. Without additional guidance, state revolving fund program administrators and manufacturers had concerns about complying with the Act’s requirements. OIG provided four recommendations to develop guidance that: 1) clarifies how to determine whether an item should be classified as a manufactured product and how to determine the cost of manufactured product components; 2) documents compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act requirements, which also provides detail on the potential consequences for noncompliance; 3) explains how the adjustment period waiver impacts multiyear projects; and 4) clarifies the waiver process.

For more details:
Evaluation of the EPA Office of Water’s Guidance to State Revolving Fund Programs for Implementing the Build America, Buy America Act Requirements

Association Updates

2025 Water Quality Standards Workshop – Room Block Closing March 31st!

Dates: April 22-24, 2025
Location: Des Moines, IA

Registration is currently on a waitlist. Please contact Jasper Hobbs and Lexy Bailey with any questions.

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 Embassy Suites in Downtown Des Moines. Reserve your hotel room here: ACWA Water Quality Standards Workshop. The room block will close March 31, 2025.

ACWA does anticipate having travel support for state staff. When available, more information can be found on ACWA’s events page.

Save the Date: 2025 ACWA CWA Cross-Program Workshop

Dates: July 21-23, 2025
Location: Chicago (Rosemont), IL

ACWA will host the 2025 CWA Cross-Program Workshop on July 21-23, 2025 in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. The theme for this year’s Workshop will be “CWA Cross-Program Coordination to Improve Nutrient Management and Address Nutrient Pollution.” The 2025 Workshop is the third annual Cross-Program Workshop held in cooperation with EPA.

Cross-Program Workshops bring together state and federal CWA program administrators to discuss and share ways in which cross-program coordination and collaboration can be strengthened to more effectively and efficiently restore and protect the nation’s waters. Participants identify cross-program challenges and barriers to CWA implementation; work toward solutions to cross cutting water quality topics; identify ways to improve technical capabilities; highlight opportunities for cross-program planning, implementation, and co-operation; and clarify linkages, roles, and responsibilities among CWA programs. 

The Workshop target audience will be state regulators from around the country with practical experience and responsibilities in supporting and managing CWA Section 303(c), 303(d), and/or 402 programs, as well as EPA representatives for each of the programs. Attendees should come prepared to discuss ways in which cross-program coordination has been an important aspect of successful program and/or restoration plan implementation, as well as cross-program challenges and needs.

Agenda and Registration: Registration information and a draft agenda will be available soon.

Hotel: Book your hotel room here. The room block will close June 30, 2025.

Travel Support: ACWA plans to provide limited state travel support in the form of a post-Workshop reimbursement. Please contact Ward Scott directly if you know you will require travel support to attend the Workshop.

Meetings and Webinars

EPA Tools & Resources Training Webinar: Enhancing Nutrient Reduction Efforts with the National Nutrient Inventory (April 3, 2025)

EPA will host a webinar on Thursday, April 3, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET, on the National Nutrient Inventory Research Portfolio, which provides users with (1) nationally consistent, standardized methodology to track nutrient pollution sources across the U.S., and (2) models to help understand how these pollution sources affect local and downstream water quality. The webinar to showcase the latest datasets and other products currently available in the National Nutrient Inventory Research Portfolio and show a first look at the web application, an online visualization and data download platform that will allow researchers, tribes, local communities, and states to acquire foundational inventory data and incorporate water quality predictions at management-relevant scales.

Please click here to register for the National Nutrient Inventory training webinar

EPA Tools & Resources Training Webinar: Detection and Forecasting of Harmful Algal Blooms (April 16, 2025)

EPA will host a webinar on Wednesday, April 16, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET to present two EPA research efforts related to detecting and forecasting cyanoHABs. The first uses satellite data to predict weekly probabilities of cyanoHABs in over 2000 U.S. lakes. EPA launched the public beta test forecast website for the 2024 active HAB season, and a newly updated forecasting website is planned for 2025. The forecasting has 91% overall accuracy, allowing states and local partners to prepare for, and quickly respond to, cyanoHAB events, mitigate health risks, and protect public health. The second research effort uses cyanotoxin encoding genes as an early warning system to predict cyanoHABs in source and recreational waters throughout the U.S.

Please click here to here to register for the Detection and Forecasting of HABs webinar

EPA Training Announcement/Reminder for ICIS NPDES Training Series

Please share with your staff that use ICIS-NPDES and note, each part will need to be registered separately from one another. 

Additional registration links will be added as we receive them.

Please contact ICIS@epa.gov if you have any questions.

Job Opportunities

Environmental Engineer III – Drinking Water

Location: Springfield, MA
Closing Date: April 1, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit MassCareers Job Opportunities.

Environmental Analyst III – Wetlands Program

Location: Springfield, MA
Closing Date: April 1, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit MassCareers Job Opportunities.

Student Worker Paraprofessional

Location: Detroit Lakes, MN
Closing Date: April 2, 2025

Job ID 84615 – Student Worker Para Professional

Water Quality Program Capital Budget Manager (WMS2)

Location: Lacey, WA
Closing Date: April 3, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit Washington Ecology Job Opportunities.

Climate Smart Food Systems Industrial Innovation Program Lead

Location: Various Locations, MN
Closing Date: April 3, 2025

For information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Climate Smart Food Systems Program Lead

Location: Various Locations, MN
Closing Date: April 3, 2025

For information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Climate Smart Food Systems Grant Program Lead – Planner Principle State

Location: Various Locations, MN
Closing Date: April 3, 2025

For information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Climate Smart Food Systems Industrial Innovation Program Lead Vehicles – Planner Principle State

Location: Various Locations, MN
Closing Date: April 3, 2025

For information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Environmental Compliance Inspector

Location: Helena, MT
Closing Date: April 5, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit Montana’s Official State Website.

Environmental Analyst – Long Island Sound Regional Coordinator

Location: Albany, NY
Closing Date: April 5, 2025

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org by April 6, 2025. Please reference #25-LISS-001 in the email subject line. Accepting applications until the position is filled. A full position description and benefits may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/about-us/careers.

Environmental Analyst II 

Location: Springfield, MA
Closing Date: April 8, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit MassCareers Job Opportunities.

Environmental Analyst I – Asbestos Program Springfield

Location: Springfield, MA
Closing Date: April 8, 2025

For more information and to apply, visit MassCareers Job Opportunities.

Colorado Water Quality Standards Criteria Unit – Manager

Location: Denver, CO
Closing Date: April 8, 2025

Colorado’s Water Quality Standards – Criteria Unit is seeking an experienced and dedicated Unit Manager to lead an exceptionally talented team. This unit is responsible for reviewing and developing water quality standards to protect the beneficial uses of Colorado’s waters. The work involves conducting scientific research and statistical analyses, evaluating regulatory and policy approaches, performing fieldwork, and thoughtfully incorporating principles of health equity and environmental justice.

The Unit’s efforts culminate in recommendations for water quality classifications and standards presented to the Water Quality Control Commission. In addition, the team provides technical assistance and support to other sections within the Water Quality Control Division, develops implementation guidance, and collaborates with other programs at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to support effective application of water quality standards.

Apply here.

Upcoming Announcement: Colorado Water Quality Standards Feasibility Unit – Small Communities Feasibility Coordinator

This position is part of a team that provides scientific analysis, policy and regulatory recommendations, and other technical information to the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC). The unit’s work involves researching and analyzing complex water quality topics to support the development, implementation, and review of water quality standards variances in accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and the Colorado Water Quality Control Act.

Our team’s Small Community Feasibility Coordinator develops economic, technological, and environmental feasibility tools to scale our program’s support for small communities working to improve water quality. This work includes connecting with communities and conducting technical work to support the development of robust policy proposals that maximize feasible water quality progress throughout Colorado. By evaluating cost-effective and practical approaches, the coordinator ensures that small communities have the resources and insights needed to implement sustainable improvements while considering their unique constraints.

An ideal candidate:

• Effectively translates engineering concepts for decision-makers and communities.
• Conducts independent research and develops clear, actionable resources.
• Understands policy, economics, and philosophy and their impact on water quality.
• Solves problems proactively, connecting people, data, and systems.

If you’re interested in this position, enjoy solving difficult problems, and having a meaningful impact, please reach out to blake.beyea@state.co.us with any questions or for more information. The official job announcement is expected to open (Spring 2025).

Aquatic Invasive Species Boat Launch Stewards

Location: Lake Champlain, NY and VT
Closing Date: Open until filled

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to jobs@neiwpcc.org; please reference #25-LCBP-003 in
the email subject line. Application review will begin on February 2, 2025, and will continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. A full position description may be viewed at: https://neiwpcc.org/aboutus/careers.

Be sure to check out other opportunities on ACWA’s Job Opportunities page.