During the 2025 Annual Convention, the Federal Policy Council (FPC) met to discuss the latest federal issues with representatives from the National League of Cities (NLC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). At the meeting, Chairman Jimmy Burnette, Mayor of Suwanee and GMA’s 2nd Vice President, opened with gratitude for members' continued engagement on federal matters amid a shifting political landscape in Washington, D.C. He introduced guest speakers Archana Sridhar of NLC and John Eunice from EPA.
Archana Sridhar provided an in-depth federal policy update, highlighting four key areas:
- H.R.1 – One Big Beautiful Bill Both chambers of Congress have passed versions of this significant bill. Key municipal concerns include clean energy tax credit provisions, safeguarding approved federal funds, a proposed 10-year moratorium on local AI regulations, and Medicaid reforms. The NLC has formally communicated these priorities to Congress.
- Rescissions Package While not directly impacting local governments, the package is being shaped by key legislators, particularly from Maine, Alaska, and Mississippi.
- FY2026 Appropriations The budget process is underway, with potential funding cuts and opportunities for Congressionally Directed Spending. NLC has submitted municipal priorities to appropriations leaders in the letter here.
- Regulatory & Legal Developments A major lawsuit filed by 26 Attorneys General challenges a U.S. Department of Transportation freeze on grant funds tied to immigration enforcement compliance. Municipalities are advised to consult legal counsel when navigating federal funding requirements.
Sridhar closed with a reminder that while federal-local collaboration on fiscal matters is vital, local governments need more time and clarity to effectively adapt to ongoing federal changes.
John Eunice, Principal Deputy Associate Administrator at the EPA, provided an overview of key federal environmental issues impacting local governments. He emphasized the EPA’s view that states should retain authority to manage environmental protection as long as they meet federal standards. He also referenced the new Region 4 Administrator Kevin McOmber, a former Suwanee city councilmember, now leading regulatory efforts with a strong local perspective.
Highlights from his update included:
- Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) The EPA is accepting public comments through the end of July on the WOTUS definition, which determines what wetlands are federally protected. Eunice noted the potential implications for economic development, as increased federal oversight can complicate planning and economic growth.
- Water Infrastructure Funding The FY25 federal budget includes $8.9 billion for the Drinking and Clean Water State Revolving Loan Funds, funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In Georgia, these funds are administered by GEFA and offer significant support for local water and sewer projects.
- PFAS Contamination Under the previous administration, the EPA lowered the acceptable thresholds for PFAS chemicals in water systems. While this poses compliance challenges, Eunice noted that technical assistance is available and that compliance deadlines have been extended to 2031 to give cities more flexibility. The EPA is also preparing a rulemaking process related to PFAS in biosolids from wastewater plants.
- FY26 Federal Budget Although the President’s proposed budget includes broad cuts, Eunice stressed that such proposals are rarely adopted as submitted. He cited historical precedent and noted that Congress will likely make substantial changes.
Eunice concluded by outlining three of the EPA’s five core pillars that directly affect municipalities: ensuring access to clean water and air, streamlining permitting processes, and supporting infrastructure upgrades for AI-readiness. He encouraged local officials to reach out to his office, which serves as the EPA’s primary liaison with local governments.