A Note From The Editor: Welcome to the first edition of the Confluence E-News! The goal is to snapshot what's going on with TWCA in a more substantive and timely way. Get a closer look at the latest news, TWCA committees in action, and recognition of new members. Be on the lookout for the next issue in March. - Adeline
CONFLUENCE NEWS | FEBRUARY 2020
A Message From TWCA's New Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs: Sarah Kirkle
I’m excited to join TWCA and get to work developing sound water policy for Texas! Since water is such a local issue that varies throughout the state, my first order of business will be to get to know the TWCA members. It’s important to understand the issues you face to put them in context of the broader policy discussions at the capitol. As water becomes scarcer and population and water demands grow, I’m interested in thinking through how TWCA can best help its members develop a safe, secure, and sustainable water future for Texas.  Feel free to email me with any questions or comments you may have.
IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Welcome, Sarah!

  • News

  • Committee Sign Up

  • TWCA in Action

  • Events & Reminders

  • New Members
News
WOTUS: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Environmental Protection Agency have signed the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and finalized the repeal of the 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” definition. Find more information  here.
Water Supply Rule: The USACE has withdrawn this proposed rule, which would have infringed on state’s rights. TWCA staff, its members, and TCEQ worked hard for this result, visiting with USACE staff and the Office of Management and Budget at the White House. Find more information  here .
TWCA in Action

Sign Up for TWCA Standing Committees
TWCA is updating its standing committee distribution lists for 2020.  Please sign up for committees even if you are already actively involved and on the distribution list. We are updating our records for all current and new committee members. Sign up here .
In this issue of the Confluence News, we are highlighting the work of TWCA committees.
WATER LAWS
Chair: Howard Slobodin
  • Working on an amicus letter related to adjudicating water right ownership
  • Find recent efforts including previous amicus letters here
  • Look for up to six hours of CLE credit to be offered at the convention
TEXAS WATER DAY PLANNING
Chairs: Denis Qualls, Tom Ray, Amy Stelter
  • Working on issue papers for use in communicating with congress and staffers
  • Scheduling speakers for the keynote speaker series
  • Find more information here
MEMBERSHIP & SERVICES
Chair: Ty Embrey
  • Planning regional networking opportunities for TWCA members, including a special screening of Brave Blue World
  • Awarding the first-ever “M&S Volunteer of the Year” award at the convention
 
FLOOD RESPONSE - RULEMAKING
Chair: Howard Slobodin
  • Participating in rulemaking on SB 7 (flood funding) and SB 8 (flood planning) at TWDB
  • Learn more about the committee’s work here and at the convention
ENDANGERED SPECIES
Chair: Glenn Clingenpeel
  • Working on recent Endangered Species Act developments and facilitating discussions among stakeholders
  • Learn more at the convention
POLICY
Chair: Dan Buhman
  • Working on an overall update
  • Incorporating flood-related principles into the policy documents
  • Look for new appointments to be made at the convention
SURFACE WATER LEGISLATIVE & GROUNDWATER LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
Surface Water Chairs: Bob Brandes and Lyn Clancy
Groundwater Chairs: Brian Sledge and Hope Wells

  • Both committees are currently working with stakeholders and legislative staff to best understand priorities for the 87th session
  • Looking to start meetings early this summer, as necessary
Events & Reminders
March 4-6, 2020
The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel

March 24-26, 2020

April 21, 2020 | 7pm - 10:15pm
Moviehouse & Eatery - Austin-Lantana Place

Membership Dues: Don't forget to renew so you can utilize all of your TWCA benefits. Renew here.

Standing Committees: Sign up!
WELCOME TO TWCA!
A List of New Members since 2019.
AEI Engineering
Baker Products Ltd.
Hayden Consultants, Inc.
Hollaway Environmental & Communications
Jeff Davis County Underground Water Conservation District
John Chisholm
Poseidon Water
Schaumburg & Polk, Inc.
Texans for Clean Water
Texas Water Future
Van Ness Feldman
Wade Trim
WEST Consultants, Inc.
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The Extra (And Important) Info We Have In Every Issue