Get Ready for Our Winter Conference
CASA’s winter conference is upon us! Check out the program to get a jump start on your planning. Here are some tips to make the most out of your time this week.
 
  • Attend a committee meeting for the latest legislative, regulatory and communications updates. Learn how your agency can join.

  • Take a look at the attendee list and connect with your peers during the luncheon, networking breaks and receptions.

  • Support the CASA Education Foundation at the Associates Reception silent auction January 25. Bid on fun prizes while supporting the next generation of water professionals.
 
Contact Cheryl MacKelvie at cmackelvie@casaweb.org   or 916-446-0388 if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you in Palm Springs!
Legislative and Regulatory Updates
We Need Your Voice in Washington
Join us at our Washington D.C. Policy Forum February 26-28. We need your support, especially as Congress considers an infrastructure package that could impact how agencies finance future wastewater projects. 
Author Norm Ornstein to Keynote CASA Washington D.C. Policy Forum
Here’s another reason to join us in D.C. Norm Ornstein, well known author and resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, will be the keynote speaker. Mr. Ornstein’s latest book is One Nation after Trump. He is also a frequent contributor to the National Journal and Washington Post . 
Renewal of Key Federal Water Legislation Gains Speed
Efforts to renew the Water Resources Development Act are gaining momentum as both the House and Senate seek to renew the law by October. WRDA has become a vehicle in recent years to authorize new water infrastructure programs like WIFIA and WIIN’s water recycling program. If the national infrastructure plan policymaking breaks down late in the session over policy disputes, WRDA may become the de facto water infrastructure bill.
CASA Advocates for Biosolids Use in Disaster Relief Bill
CASA and our national partner NACWA sent a joint letter to Senator Dianne Feinstein to support the use of biosolids in disaster relief. We urged amendments to any final disaster assistance bills to allow the use of biosolids in post-wildfire activity. Biosolids help accelerate the recovery of burned areas.
Member News
Lystek Receives Prestigious Environmental Award
Congratulations to associate member Lystek! During a recent awards ceremony, Lystek was one of 13 California organizations to receive the state’s highest environmental honor, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award.
GEELA is awarded to individuals, organizations and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership. It recognizes notable, voluntary contributions to conserve California’s precious resources, protect and enhance the environment, build public-private partnerships and strengthen the state’s economy.
Jeff Moorhouse Steps in to Help Victims of Montecito Mudslides
The devastating mudslides in Southern California left many residents stranded and panicked. Kuddos to Jeff Moorhouse, former CASA president and licensed pilot, for stepping in to help. He flew a woman to her scheduled radiation therapy when she had no way to get through the massive debris. Watch the full story from ABC 7 Los Angeles.
Mark Your Calendar
SB 1383: Informal Rulemaking Workshops
CalRecycle will hold its next round of public workshops on the draft SB 1383 regulatory language. The informal public stakeholder workshops will take place March 21 in Sacramento and March 22 in Carlsbad . We will provide more information as it becomes available.
 
If you’re attending our winter conference, join us during our Thursday afternoon session . You can learn more from CalReycle’s Hank Brady and other panelists who will discuss implementation of SB 1383, California’s organics diversion law.
Wastewater Operator Exam Application Deadline: February 13
Mark your calendars! All applications for the wastewater operator exam must be received by February 13, 2018 to be eligible for the April 14, 2018 exam. The State Water Resources Board recently reduced the examination and re-exam fees. For more information, contact the Wastewater Operator Certification Unit at (916) 341-5741 or email . 
February 6-9
February 14
February 26-28
March 25-27
April 11
April 18-20
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