The US is one step closer to adding 1.2 gigawatts of pumped hydropower storage to its renewable energy profile.

Panelists recommended further study of alternate reporting or compliance pathways for specific production systems — including nursery/floral operations, alfalfa, legume-based pasture, vineyards and organic growers — and proposed a supporting appendix of presentations and literature for future work.

The commission approved Resolution 02-2026 to ask the city's congressional delegation to prioritize projects in the Water Resources Development Act, emphasizing muck removal and the C-23/24 reservoir for the Saint Lucie River and estuary; the motion passed unanimously.

Multiple residents told commissioners they oppose or want stronger scrutiny of proposed data centers, raising issues including high water use, noise, local wells and emissions; a researcher meeting was announced for Feb. 19.

Members urged the committee to include projects in the Water Resources Development Act and to protect investments in flood control and drinking‑water infrastructure, highlighting Metro East (IL) sewer projects, Cahokia Heights, Corpus Christi desalination and emergency responses in Connecticut.

A new, energy efficient desalination system leverages natural water pressure to make a 40% cut in energy consumption.

Deputy Commissioner Hannah Fries presented new strike‑team data showing different water‑use patterns across the Great Salt Lake subbasins, flagged Newfoundland Basin as a potential source (20,000–50,000 acre‑feet annually), and announced a $50,000,000 Great Salt Lake Water Delivery Program funded with the Bureau of Reclamation; applications were due Friday.

TDEC officials told the City of Columbia council that Columbia Power and Water is operating at about 93% capacity and must plan for expansion; CPWS outlined a funding package that relies heavily on federal and state loans and a model that could raise rates up to about 20% per year for five years (commonly cited as a 149% cumulative figure). Dozens of residents and county officials urged a pause and regional alternatives ahead of a scheduled Thursday vote.

After public testimony raising water, hydrology, odor and evacuation concerns, the Lake County Planning Commission approved Major Use Permit PL2513/UP2115 for Rancho Lake LLC (19.6 acres outdoor canopy) with conditions and a mitigated negative declaration; vote was 3-1-1.

The Planning Commission approved Major Use Permit PL25‑13 for Rancho Lake LLC's proposed 19.6‑acre outdoor cannabis cultivation and a Type 13 distributor, adopting the mitigated negative declaration and including a recommended Lake OES preparedness condition; the vote was 3–1, with one absence and a 7‑day appeal period.

The Cache County Planning Commission voted Jan. 8 to recommend changes to subdivision rules that would limit certain rural subdivisions to seven lots without municipal hookup and require either municipal water or an approved public water system for larger developments; the package will go to the county council for final action.

The committee deferred local zoning changes until sample ordinances tied to Senate Bill 25 are released by the Illinois Association of County Board Members; members also raised concerns about data-center water use, urging staff to gather expert studies and training resources.

Missoula County formally adopted the Y Infrastructure Plan as an official county policy document to guide infrastructure planning and funding for the Y growth area, and staff recommended a groundwater study to confirm physical water availability before major development proceeds.

At its Jan. 6 meeting the State Water Resources Control Board adopted the December 2 meeting minutes and unanimously approved an uncontested amendment to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan establishing site‑specific chloride objectives for Reach 6 of the Los Angeles River.

Officials are releasing water from the dam and restricting some boat access as Cachuma Lake has reached capacity.

The council approved the first reading of a repeal-and-replace of city code section 11.5 to better align Eden Prairie’s shoreland protections with the Minnesota DNR model ordinance, including new ordinary high water references, vegetation management plans, and revised impervious limits negotiated with DNR (30% for rural/R1; 70% elsewhere).

The board approved a revolving credit facility and three contract modifications to advance the 1 Water South wastewater conveyance and treatment program, authorizing short‑term borrowing and contract increases to move from design into construction.

The commissioners unanimously directed staff to develop a nonbinding data‑center best‑practices guide to address water and energy impacts, public‑safety coordination, fiscal effects and public engagement after multiple public commenters raised concerns about regional water supply and developer commitments.