NACo sends letter urging reauthorization of Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds – National Association of Counties

County Countdown Report: Federal Policy Advocacy and Sustainable Development Goals Focus

Every other week, NACo’s County Countdown reviews top federal policy advocacy items with an emphasis on counties and intergovernmental partnerships, aligning efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

1. Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations

Following the end of the government shutdown and the establishment of a continuing resolution through late January, Congress is now positioned to complete the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. While the continuing resolution maintains 2025 funding levels, the final appropriations bills will determine county funding changes impacting emergency management, broadband deployment, and other critical services.

• Advocacy Opportunity: Counties have renewed chances to advocate for essential programs supporting local services, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The continuing resolution included full-year appropriations for three of the 12 spending bills, with nine remaining.
• Stay Up to Date: NACo’s appropriations tracker highlights county priorities across remaining bills, including Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) supporting public lands counties, community development block grants, and rural infrastructure investments—advancing SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

2. NACo Secures a County Voice in Permitting Reform

On November 20, the House Natural Resources Committee advanced the SPEED Act, reforming the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with a key amendment from NACo enhancing county participation in the permitting process.

• NEPA’s Impact on Counties: NEPA requires federal environmental reviews for major projects involving federal funding or lands, affecting infrastructure development aligned with SDG 9 and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• NACo Advocacy: Sustained county engagement led to the bill explicitly recognizing “counties, boroughs, and parishes” as cooperating local agencies during federal environmental reviews, reinforcing intergovernmental partnerships and supporting SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
• Next Steps: The SPEED Act proceeds to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

3. House Passes Cybersecurity Grant Reauthorization

The House passed the PILLAR Act, reauthorizing the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program through 2033, a significant advancement for counties confronting increasing cyber threats.

• Key Support for Counties: The reauthorization mandates that 80% of state allocations flow to local governments and expands eligible uses to include artificial intelligence systems and operational technology, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Program Success: Since 2021, the program has funded 839 state and local cybersecurity projects, providing long-term stability for county IT security planning.
• Next Steps: The bill advances to the Senate for further action.

4. World Cup and Counter-Drone Grants Announced

The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA have announced funding opportunities for two homeland security grant programs established by H.R. 1.

• Grant Details: The FIFA World Cup program allocates $625 million to 11 U.S. host cities, while the Counter-UAS program provides $250 million in 2026 to nine states plus the National Capital Region hosting major events. These initiatives support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
• Important Note: Although not universal county programs, they represent substantial federal support for regions managing extraordinary security and operational demands.
• Actions for Counties: Counties in World Cup host regions should coordinate with state and federal public safety officials and engage with NACo and other stakeholders. Both programs have application deadlines on December 5.

5. EPA Proposes a New Definition for Waters of the United States (WOTUS)

The EPA and the Army Corps have released a proposed rule redefining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.

• Proposal Highlights: The proposal narrows federal jurisdiction and codifies the Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA, impacting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Need for Clarity: Counties managing essential water infrastructure require clear regulatory definitions to ensure effective local governance and environmental stewardship.
• NACo Advocacy Next Steps: The proposal includes a 45-day comment period ending January 5. NACo will collaborate with partners to provide feedback on county impacts, reinforcing SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Related to infrastructure projects, broadband deployment, and permitting reform impacting construction and land-use decisions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Connected through community development block grants, rural infrastructure investments, and homeland security grants supporting local safety and resilience.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Relevant due to cybersecurity grant programs enhancing local government security and governance.
   • Also related to intergovernmental partnerships and permitting process reforms.
4. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Linked to the EPA’s proposed new definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act affecting water infrastructure management.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Highlighted through federal, state, and local government cooperation and advocacy efforts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 9 – Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Implied through broadband deployment and infrastructure projects requiring permitting reform.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Community development block grants and rural infrastructure investments support this target.
3. SDG 16 – Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Cybersecurity grant programs and county involvement in permitting reform contribute to this target.
4. SDG 6 – Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
   • EPA’s WOTUS proposal aims to clarify jurisdiction and support water quality management.
5. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
   • Intergovernmental partnerships and advocacy efforts exemplify this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 9.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road; broadband access rates.
   • Implied through references to broadband deployment and infrastructure funding.
2. Indicator for SDG 11.3: Ratio of land consumption rate to population growth rate; percentage of urban population living in slums.
   • Community development block grants and rural infrastructure investments imply measurement of community development progress.
3. Indicator for SDG 16.6: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • Cybersecurity grant program success (e.g., number of funded projects: 839 since 2021) reflects progress in institutional effectiveness.
4. Indicator for SDG 6.3: Proportion of wastewater safely treated; water quality measures.
   • EPA’s WOTUS definition impacts regulatory clarity, which can be linked to water quality indicators.
5. Indicator for SDG 17.17: Amount of US$ committed to public-private partnerships.
   • Federal appropriations and grant programs supporting counties indicate partnership effectiveness.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: naco.org