On January 7, the US Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Program re-issued its streamlined Nationwide Permits (NWP) rules that are critical for oil pipelines, highways and other projects that affect wetlands and streams. The new rules also expand eligibility to data centers. These NWP rules will be effective on March 15, 2026 and remain in effect for five years. The goal is to allow infrastructure projects having minimal adverse effects on water quality to receive faster appro

On November 20, 2025 EPA published a proposed Rule defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS) with a final Rule changing the WOTUS definition likely in 2026. Based on EPA’s proposed Rule, proposed legislative NEPA changes, and implementation of recent Supreme Court decisions, 2026 will be a year of federal environmental policy uncertainty.  Our colleague Ed Fleming spoke about this at a seminar in September (prior to the proposed Rule being published) sponsored by Burns & M

On November 17,  the EPA  and Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule  to revise the definition of “waters of the United States" consistent with the Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA   decision. My colleagues and I at Dawson & Associates have analyzed the WOTUS issue extensively ( here , here  and here ).  In the coming weeks, we will address aspects of the Proposed Rule but what follows is an initial WOTUS analysis. Clean Water Act.  The Proposed Rule limits the reach of

We’re reminded once again on Veterans Day that service to the nation is not confined to one uniform, one battlefield or one generation. Honoring veterans unites us all by reminding Americans of shared values like duty, honor, and selfless service – principles that transcend differences. Recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans from all backgrounds fosters gratitude and mutual respect, while community efforts to support them strengthen social bonds and collective purpose. B

As the former head of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Office, an important question I’ve been hearing from permit applicants is, “Are there steps we can take after Permit Managers go on furlough to keep our permit moving forward?” There’s no “one size fits all” answer because of differences in project size and location. A small project proposed for the Arizona desert usually has an easier route to approval than a large project impacting wetlands in Florida. Nevert

Even a brief look at the professionals on the Dawson & Associates team pages show dozens of men and women who led the US Army Corps of Engineers at the highest levels. Our members commanded Corps districts, divisions and the entire Corps operations. Members on our team also headed Corps planning and regulatory offices. Still, there are some tributes from the Corps of Engineers that stand out and one of these is the Corps’ new book, History and Perspectives from Former Leader

Dawson & Associates is pleased to announce that Mark Pointon, an expert in federal coastal navigation, inland navigation and dredging...

On April 15, the Trump Administration issued Executive Order (EO) 14275 to “restore common sense to federal procurement.” As the EO...

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Richard (Dick) Sanderson, a founding member and former Senior Vice President of Dawson...

The US Army Corps of Engineers is under a legal deadline to issue new Nationwide Permits (NWP) rules to replace the current ones which...

Elvin Heiberg IV and cadet Tyler Semon, winner of the 2025 Heiberg Memorial Award Among the many great Army Corps of Engineers leaders...

The federal environmental permitting process can often be bureaucratic and frustrating requiring new studies, biological opinions (BO),...

On May 29, 2025, a unanimous US Supreme Court opinion authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh placed clear limits on agencies’ consideration...

I was born and raised in Indiana – and with that comes the “Hoosier” gene instinctively connecting Memorial Day with the Indianapolis...

On March 15, 2026, the system that accounts for about half the federal government’s environmental permits for possible impacts to streams...

It’s always gratifying when reporters call Dawson & Associates for insights on federal permitting and related issues. Collectively, our...

Our colleague Joe Doddridge passed away recently.  Joe joined Dawson & Associates in 2003 after a career that included nearly 15 years in...

On March 12, 2025, EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers issued a Guidance Memoranda to their field offices to clarify when impacts to...

Recently, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), which operates within the Executive Office of the President (EOP), sent guidance ...

Bloomberg recently contacted our colleague Larry Liebesman to ask about the Trump Administration’s energy emergency declaration  on...