Oil and gas companies are running out of options for disposing of polluted water they generate every day, a problem for the Trump administration’s “energy dominance” agenda. EPA is offering the industry a hand by promoting reuse of that wastewater. The effort worries environmentalists, but it could draw crucial political allies in oil-producing states. The agency plans to update rules for what can be done with water that emerges from the ground during oil and gas extraction. The goal is to allow the chemical-laden, super-salty brine to be substantially cleaned and reused for power generation, water-guzzling data centers and irrigating rangeland. Reusing the water could address a major industry challenge and help ease crippling drought in parts of Texas and New Mexico, two of the nation’s most prolific oil-producing states. A growing body of research suggests that the water — which is three or more times saltier than seawater — can now be safely treated for certain applications, from industrial cooling to growing alfalfa and other non-food crops, proponents say.

Other energy and mining water news:

• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Gold mine approved on public land near Wickenburg despite concerns over water and wildlife
• Nevada Current: State orders lithium mine to stop unauthorized water pumping, citing rancher dispute​
• Arizona Republic (Phoenix): Opinion: Copper mine or future homes? In the battle for Arizona water, the mine wins​