On February 12, the Trump Administration released its formal program outline to secure $1.5 trillion in infrastructure assistance over the next decade.This document will inform congressional infrastructure efforts over the next several months. It serves as a starting point for negotiation of a final infrastructure package.
The proposal includes a number of CASA’s highest federal legislative priorities. Most notably, the administration calls for extending NPDES permit terms from five to 15 years and authorizing automatic renewals in some circumstances. CASA has advocated that Congress authorize 10 year permits. The proposal also calls for billions of dollars in new grant, loan and private investment related programs.
Now is the Time to Share Your Voice on Infrastructure
Join us in D.C. Next Week
This is an important time for Congress and the administration to hear from California’s wastewater community on infrastructure. The President’s proposal is a mixed bag of elements we strongly support and others on which we have concerns. Join CASA at our Washington D.C. Public Policy Forum next week. We will have an opportunity to present CASA’s perspectives on federal infrastructure policy and other priority issues such as regulatory reform. Review the program and register here.
Legislative & Regulatory Updates
Hundreds of Bills Introduced for 2018
Friday, February 16,marked the final deadline to introduce new legislation in the second year of the 2017-2018 legislative session. Over the next several weeks, CASA advocates will review hundreds of introduced bills for issues of interest to the wastewater community.
Register Early to Secure Your Spot at the Sacramento
Public Policy Forum
The CASA and WateReuse CA joint Public Policy Forum is right around the corner! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to advocate for your agency and help influence policymaking at a critical point in the legislative session. The one-day forum, set for Wednesday, April 11, begins with a morning speaker session followed by a policy briefing from CASA and WateReuse staff. After lunch, we will head to the State Capitol for pre-arranged meetings between agency representatives and their local legislators.
April is a busy month in Sacramento. Hotel space is filling up fast so book early. See this listof recommended hotels. Register here.
Other News & Updates
New White Paper on Salinity in Irrigation
WateReuse California and the Southern California Salinity Coalition recently announced the publication of a white paper titled, “Accounting for Salinity Leaching in the Application of Recycled Water for Landscape Irrigation.” The white paper offers the Department of Water Resources science-based guidance to determine how much recycled water should be used for landscape irrigation to reduce the negative effects of salinity on plant and soil health.
New Fact Sheet on Alternative Water Supplies
The Public Policy Institute of California just released a new fact sheet on alternative water supplies for California’s water portfolio. It explores the use of recycled wastewater, stormwater, and desalinated water as a drought reserve and hurdles to their wider adoption.
Scholarships Now Available for Future Water Leaders
The CASA Education Foundationis accepting applications for the 2018 scholarship year. The deadline to apply is April 28. Help us spread the word by sharing our announcement in your community.
Your Contributions at Work
The CASA Education Foundation presented $12,500 in scholarships to three worthy students in 2017, thanks to those who donated. Read this noteto see how your contributions matter.
Member News
Now Accepting 2018 Awards of Excellence Program
Here’s your chance to recognize your agency’s achievements. We are now accepting applications for our 2018 Awards of Excellence program. Application deadline is Friday, April 13. Apply here.
Eastern Municipal Water District Urges Customers to be Sewer Smart
The Eastern Municipal Water District recently issued an important customer call to action that aligns with our nonflushables campaign. As part of its Sewer Smart campaign, the district reminded customers to refrain from disposing of flushable wipes and unused medications in toilets. While we work toward legislation to change products to nonflushables, we are thrilled to see this type of behavior change outreach on the local level.
LVMWD Continues Transparency Excellence
Kudos to Las Virgenes Municipal Water District! California’s Special District Leadership Foundation renewed the District’s Transparency Certificate of Excellence for the third time. The District received the certificate due to its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance.
Picture: (From Left to Right) Board Director Jay Lewitt, Board Director Lee Renger, LVMWD Director of Finance & Administration Don Patterson, Board President Glen Peterson, Board Director Len Polan, Board Director Charlie Caspary, LVMWD General
East Bay Discharges Announce New GM
The East Bay Dischargers Authority recently announced the appointment of Jacqueline T. Zipkin as its new general manager. Zipkin replaces the long-tenured General Manager Michael S. Connor who is retiring. Zipkin previously served as East Bay Municipal Utility District’s Environmental Services Manager and is active in CASA, currently serving as our ACE workgroup chair. Congratulations, Jackie!
Mark Your Calendar
Update: SB 1383 Workshops Rescheduled from March to April
CalRecycle has rescheduled the next set of workshops on SB 1383 from March to April. The workshops will take place April 4 in Sacramento and April 6 in Carlsbad. The workshops provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share input and ask questions about the implementation of SB 1382.
