If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

Over two dozen U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Centers are slated to close due to Department of Government Efficiency cuts, putting key water management resources at risk, reports Wyatt Myskow in Inside Climate News.
According to Myskow, “Staffers at targeted centers, speaking anonymously because they are not authorized to speak to the media, said they are in the dark as to what happens when the leases end and how their operations, vital to water management across the country, will be able to continue, though talks continue about renewing some of the affected leases.”
The centers monitor water quality and collect data crucial to states’ water management plans. “In a worst case scenario, workers said, the termination of the leases would result in employees being unable to get out in the field to make the necessary checkups and repairs, making the agency unable to produce the data.” The USGS manages stream gauges that dictate how water is appropriated and determine when drought conditions require cuts in water use, among other functions. Myskow points out that most of the work done by the Science Centers is actually funded by states, not federal dollars.
FULL STORY: USGS Water Data Centers May Soon Close, Threatening States’ Water Management

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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