The EPA extended the public comment period on July 3 for their advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM): Increasing Consistency and Transparency in Considering Costs and Benefits in the Rulemaking Process. This ANPRM seeks more information on how costs and benefits are to be considered by the EPA and whether the Agency can increase consistency and better improve transparency across all environmental statutes.

Building upon the recent PFAS National Leadership Summit in Washington DC, EPA announced on June 27 that the Agency would expand its community engagement on per- and poly-fluoroalkl substances by holding more local workshops this summer in Pennsylvania, Colorado and North Carolina.

Former EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt submitted his resignation late last week, and EPA Deputy Administrator Andrew Wheeler was named Acting Administrator effective July 9.

The Senate passed its version of the 2018 Farm Bill prior to the July 4 recess, and the bill included several key priorities that were advocated for by NACWA and its Farm Bill Working Group. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 86-11.

The EPA’s Water Security Division is hosting several webinars which may interest public clean water utilities.