Kentucky Senate passes bill reducing water pollution standards

The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill, Senate Bill 89, aimed at lowering water pollution standards to align with federal regulations, which are less stringent than current state laws. The bill, supported primarily by Republicans, seeks to ease permitting for the coal mining industry by reducing regulatory barriers, despite concerns over potential environmental impacts. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, state lawmakers are responding to a 2023 Supreme Court reinterpretation of the Clean Water Act that has left 95% of the state's waterways vulnerable to pollution. New Mexico is working on legislation to assert state control over water pollution, which would allow for a new permitting system and greater accountability for polluters. In California, Senator Jerry McNerney has introduced a bill to promote the use of recycled water, aiming to increase its usage significantly by 2040, as part of efforts to address ongoing water supply challenges. This legislation seeks to remove regulatory hurdles for businesses and municipalities using treated wastewater, thus aiming to enhance water conservation efforts.