Potential Biden Administration Changes

Climate change was the top environmental focus during Biden's 2020 presidential campaign, so it is reasonable to assume that where his administration's efforts will be focused initially. In fact, at time of this writing, lead candidates for heading up US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) all work in positions champion ambitious climate policies. However, with coal-state senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and John Barrasso (R-WY) chairing Committee on Environment Public Works Natural Resources, respectively, Biden clean energy move more slowly rely regulatory options than if he had own party controlling both bodies Congress. For example, have legislative available address greenhouse gases vehicle efficiency standards. And while presidents do power executive orders their disposal, they limited authority and—as we've seen past few years—can get easily hung court unless very carefully crafted. Specific water, Senate remains Republican control after January's Georgia runoff elections, not likely we see a major rewrite Safe Drinking Water Act make easier USEPA write new regulations. Either way, don't surprised some Republicans support streamline rule-writing degree. There are plenty contamination from per- polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or service line issues states districts, those attention. It drinking water regulations issued handful chemicals within PFAS family, but probably whole class compounds. centrist by nature, because used everything medical devices semiconductor chips cables, administration take these uses into account. The could require Clean permits list releases volumes, halt approvals use compounds, close loopholes existing reporting requirements. justice has been an ongoing cause incoming vice president Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA), expect higher profile administration. Enforcement also renewed emphasis. As saga Waters United States rule, Trump narrower definition regulated wetlands its predecessor, court. If moves newest definition, action courts. This go until issue reaches Supreme Court again; court's decision 2006, Rapanos vs. States, opened door litigation matter. attempted permitting process issuing under National Policy Act. That attracted five lawsuits far. Since there effect, opportunity reconsider actions. Infrastructure spending often as tool boost economic growth people employed again. A big uncertainty length depth current downturn country experiencing coronavirus impacts. Congress feels need step again spring, infrastructure wielded American Recovery Reinvestment (ARRA) 2009. case, then question whether put federal money tools, such Finance Innovation program state revolving loan fund programs, create financial tools like ARRA did Build America Bonds. most course finance possibly grant removal remediation. decade kind forecasters political trends, prepared developments beyond described here. Tommy Holmes director affairs AWWA Government Affairs Office Washington, D.C. He can reached [email protected].