CASA Sets Advocacy Priorities for 2018
CASA’s State Legislative Committee met Friday to review and take positions on about 100 bills introduced in the 2018 legislative session. Here’s a highlight of the bills we support and oppose. We also took a “work with author” position on several bills. We will provide input and feedback on these bills as they move forward. 
Support
AB 2379 (Bloom) aims to curb the introduction of microfibers in the wastewater stream by encouraging hand washing of clothing with high microfiber content. CASA has long advocated for source control measures to eliminate pollutants at the front end of the waste stream as proposed by this bill. The Assembly Natural Resources Committee and the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee will hear AB 2379 in April. Read more.
Oppose
SB 831 (Wieckowski) would eliminate all fees for accessory dwelling units in all circumstances , including the limited application we negotiated in SB 1069 and SB 229. The first hearing on SB 831 is in early April in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. Following this hearing, the Senate Governance and Finance Committee will hear the bill. We’ll let you know how your agency can help our opposition. Read more .
Work with Author
SB 1215 (Hertzberg) establishes new authority for the State Water Resources Control Board to require septic to sewer consolidations in specified circumstances. The new authority is modeled after a 2015 bill (SB 88) that granted the Water Board the authority to consolidate drinking water systems.   Read more .
AB 2072 (Quirk) establishes a new program at the State Water Resources Control Board dedicated to researching contaminants of emerging concern. Read more .
The CASA State Legislative Committee took active positions on several other bills. Take a look at our bill list to see the legislation we will focus on in the 2018 legislative session. 
Interested in Influencing Legislation? Join us in Sacramento.
The CASA and WateReuse Joint Public Policy Forum is April 11 in Sacramento. This is your opportunity to participate in the policy making process on behalf of your agency. Following a morning program with featured speakers and panels, participants will meet their legislators in pre-arranged meetings to discuss
priority issues for the year.

We hope you can join us to make this forum as successful as our Washington D.C. Policy Forum. If you plan to arrive Tuesday, we invite you to our casual welcome reception at the Ten Ten Room at 5:30 p.m.
Regulatory Updates & Other News
CWEA Conference to Feature CASA’s Greg Kester
Our Director of Renewable Resources Greg Kester is again in demand for his expertise on biosolids issues. He’ll speak not once—but twice—at the California Water Environment Association’s Annual Conference April 17-20 in Sacramento. During a Tuesday workshop, Greg will present on co-digestion opportunities and challenges. Wednesday afternoon he will lead a dynamic panel discussion with other biosolids thought leaders on regulatory issues, land restoration, crop production and soil enhancement. 
CASA Comments on AB 901 Regulations
We continue to weigh in on the proposed regulations that will inform CalRecycle’s understanding about the movement of solid waste, including biosolids, across the state. While we support the effort, we have serious concerns about how the draft regulations address the wastewater sector and renewable resources we produce. We recently submitted comments to urge a separate section to address biosolids as they are distinctly different from typical solid waste streams. 
Biosolids Data Going Online
During our meeting with the USEPA at our Washington D.C. Policy Forum, we learned the agency will make the biosolids data publicly available later this month. This includes data reported via the biosolids electronic reporting tool for activity conducted in 2017. The access will be through the Enforcement and Compliance History Online . We recommend you review your data online to ensure it is accurate. To correct any errors, contact the USEPA Biosolids Center of Excellence .  
New Website for Emerging Water Pros
CWEA, in partnership with several California associations, launched a new job board to list internships, apprenticeships and operator-in-training opportunities. As the shortage of water professionals  continues to grow, you can help recruit the next generation of needed water pros. Encourage your agency to offer more entry level job openings and post them on the site.  
Reminder: Awards Applications due April 13
If you haven’t submitted your application for our 2018 Awards of Excellence Program, you still have time! We encourage you to nominate your agency for recent achievements in innovation and sustainability, public outreach, organizational excellence and/or outstanding capital projects. Applications are due April 13. Learn more and apply here .  
Member News
West Basin Board Announces New General Manager 
The West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors recently announced Patrick Sheilds will  serve as its new general manager. Sheilds previously served as the executive director of operations at the Irvine Ranch Water District. Read more.
OCSD Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting  
Congrats to Orange County Sanitation District. For the 25 th consecutive year, the district earned the   Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting . The Government Finance Officers Association presents this award to local governments that go beyond the minimum financial reporting requirements for transparency and full disclosure. Read more.
Mark Your Calendar
CFCC to Offer Infrastructure Funding Fairs
The California Financing Coordinating Committee will host six free funding fairs between April and August. The CFCC combines the resources of five state and two federal funding agencies to provide a one-stop shop for available grants, loans and bond financing for infrastructure projects. This is a great opportunity to meet with financial representatives from each agency and learn more about their available funding programs. Download the flier for the complete schedule and more information.  
Water Affordability Symposium Set for April 5
The State Water Resources Control Board will host a Water Affordability Symposium Thursday, April 5, in Sacramento. Webcasting is also available for this one-day symposium. There is no fee but  the board requests registration . 
Update: SB 1383 Workshops Rescheduled from April to May  
CalRecycle has rescheduled the next set of workshops on SB 1383 from April to May. The workshops will take place May 7 in Carlsbad and May 8 in Sacramento. The workshops provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share input and ask questions about the implementation of SB 1382. Visit CalRecycle’s   website   for more information.
March 25-27
April 11
April 16-20
April 18-20
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