Input Stories

The federal government will help the oil industry find ways to recycle and reuse its wastewater (POLITICO’s ENERGYWIRE, subscription).

What’s going on: “The Bureau of Land Management is instructing employees in the field to help companies find uses for oil field wastewater, such as for agriculture, beyond injecting it underground permanently.”

• The directive, which came in the form of a memo late last month, arrives as the Environmental Protection Agency works on a rule to make it easier for companies to treat and reuse the water.

Why it’s important: The wastewater, often called “brine” or “salt water,” comes up with oil and gas in wells and can be hazardous. There’s also some concern it could contaminate groundwater.

• “Academics and industry officials say the recycled waste could be used in everything from irrigating crops to cooling data centers.”

What it will do: Under the new instructions, BLM state and field offices will work with the oil industry to identify recycling and reuse opportunities.

The NAM’s take: “Manufacturers across America are committed to being responsible stewards of our nation’s water resources,” said NAM Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.

• “As leading innovators of water recycling and reuse across industries, we commend the BLM for taking action to help manufacturers and communities achieve sustainable water use. The NAM’s Building to Win campaign prioritizes investments in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and water reuse and we look forward to working with the administration to deliver this critical infrastructure.”