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Federal Agencies

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The United States Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970 by President Nixon to protect the environment and human health from pollution. This federal agency is dedicated to ensuring clean air, land, and water by promulgating regulations, funding numerous organizations, promoting environmental education, and conducting research.

 

U.S. Department of Energy

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) was established by President Carter in 1977 to consolidate our nation's energy initiatives. Today, the DOE is focused on energy, environment, and nuclear efforts to ensure American "security and prosperity." Many forms of energy overlap with water quality and protection, which has led to research and education on the topic of groundwater.

 

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

The United States Bureau of Reclamation was created in 1902 by President Roosevelt to lead water projects in the Western States. Today, it defines itself as "a contemporary water management agency" committed to protecting and developing water resources in the West.

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Water

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established in 1862 by President Lincoln to improve food production and quality. This agency oversees farming, ranching, and forestry services, offers food assistance, and aids in natural disasters that impact agriculture, such as droughts, wildfires, and livestock disease. The USDA has some water quality and conservation involvement because the agricultural industry relies on groundwater for irrigation. However, it does not directly regulate groundwater.

 

U.S. Geological Survey - Water

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) was founded by Congress in 1879 as the research branch of the U.S. Department of the Interior. The USGS conducts comprehensive studies on the natural environment, including hydrological data and testing. 

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) was signed into existence by President Jefferson as a branch of the Army tasked to lead a military academy known as West Point. The Corps expanded to include civil construction and eventually became the water resource management entity we know today.

Federal Regulations

Groundwater Monitoring and Corrective Action

In 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the Final Rule Regulating the Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) into effect to protect and remedy contaminated groundwater caused by coal ash.

Ground Water Rule (GWR)

Issued by the EPA in 2006 to combat pollution in public water systems that rely on groundwater.

Underground Injection Control Program (UIC)

Promulgated by the EPA in 1980 in response to increased federal concern for protecting underground water following the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. See Class II for oil and gas.

State Water Research Institute Program & Water Resources Research Program, and the Water Resources Technology Development Program 

Both regulations were issued pursuant to the Water Resources Research Act of 1984, which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to promote national water-resources research and technology development programs in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey.

Resources

USAGov

This source is best for identifying government agencies and locating basic information.

US Government Manual

This source is useful for learning about specific federal agencies, including their purpose, authority, administration, organization, and enforcement.

Regulations.gov

Here, you will find proposed regulations, rules and notices, documents, and public commentary related to participating federal agencies.

Federal Register

The Federal Register (FR) is the official source for understanding the federal rule-making process. It contains all proposed, temporary, amended, and final regulations and legal notices issued by federal agencies and departments.

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations

The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) is a continuously updated online version of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which contains the codified rules issued by federal agencies and published in the Federal Register. It is not an official legal edition of the CFR.

Lexis and Westlaw

Lexis and Westlaw have a number of resources for federal regulatory research specific to energy and environmental law. Researchers can use the links below to search for groundwater regulations.

HeinOnline

These HeinOnline databases contain comprehensive coverage of the Federal Register since its inception in 1936 and the Code of Federal Regulations since its inception in 1938.