Water Issues on the Horizon in the Second Half of 2026

Short summary

EPA is advancing major water regulatory changes in 2026, including narrowed Clean Water Act jurisdiction, revised Section 401 certifications, and new PFAS drinking water standards. States are simultaneously expanding their own water regulations to fill perceived federal gaps. Companies face a fragmented, increasingly complex compliance landscape.

• •EPA narrowing CWA jurisdiction following Sackett; states filling gaps with expanded programs
• •Section 401 certification rules pending with 80K+ public comments; final rule timeline missed
• •Supreme Court ruling (SF v. EPA) reshaping NPDES permits toward implementation-step focus

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