What's on Washington's water agenda for 2008?

摘要

Although it may be difficult to pinpoint what drinking water policy decisions will be made in 2008, trends in Congress, topical issues of national concern (i.e., security and global warming), and actual regulatory deadlines provide a guide. The increasing concerns over global warming and the state of the nation's infrastructure are being heard and will likely result in new legislation or administrative policies. Another tragic event, such as a major bridge or pipeline failure, could accelerate infrastructure-related action. The momentum for change in federal policy on chemical security is very strong. Even as DHS begins implementing scheduled rules, Congress is working to modify them in the near future. It is likely that drinking water utilities will face new regula- tions in 2008. However, it is difficult to forecast the extent of these regulations.