Federal regulation under the Clean Water Act (CWA) continues to evolve rapidly, creating ongoing uncertainty for project planning and permitting. Recent actions—from new executive directives aimed at expediting permits to updated guidance following the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision—are
Learning Resources v. Trump: Limited Relief for Water Infrastructure Costs
On July 7, 2026, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) completed its review of final rules to rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine
AI Lessons: What Eminent Domain Practitioners and Litigants Should Learn from Emerging Case Law
Several members of Nossaman’s team presented at the International Right of Way Association Chapter 1 Annual Valuation Seminar held on May 28, 2026, in Montebello, California. The seminar covered a wide range of valuation topics as specifically applied in an
California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is entering a critical phase as the focus shifts from planning to implementation and measurable outcomes. State agencies are taking a more assertive role, with the Department of Water Resources continuing to evaluate the
As public agencies increasingly turn to alternative delivery methods for water infrastructure projects, the application of California’s design immunity protections is becoming more complex. While design immunity traditionally shields public entities from liability when approved plans are reasonable and design
Filling the Federal Void: State-by-State PFAS Regulations in an Era of Deregulation – Part III
Water affordability in California is becoming an increasingly complex challenge as rising costs are driven by aging infrastructure, climate pressures and stricter water quality requirements. Investments in system upgrades, along with the need to address emerging contaminants like PFAS, are
