Please forward this newsletter to anyone who may be interested.
February 6
, 2017
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Two State Water Board Proposals Raise Concerns for CASA
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The State Water Board released two policies with the potential to significantly impact CASA member agencies in recent weeks. The first is an update to the Water Quality Enforcement Policy (policy). Proposed changes to the policy have the potential to fundamentally alter how enforcement and liability for dischargers occurs in the future. CASA and many other member agencies and associations sent
comment letters on the proposed changes in fall of last year. Unfortunately the revised policy, released less than two weeks ago, does not address any of CASA's concerns. During a hearing on February 7, CASA and the Clean Water Summit Partners will urge the Board to delay adoption of the policy and engage meaningfully with stakeholders on needed changes.
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Bloomberg Government Analyst to Address Upcoming D.C. Forum
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Adam Schank, a Legislative Analyst with Bloomberg Government, is among the lineup of strong speakers who will address the CASA Washington D.C. Policy Forum February 27 through March 1. Mr. Schank has analyzed federal regulatory proposals relating to pollution control, energy development and utilities. A self described "nerd from MN", with bachelors and masters degrees in political science from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Schank's twitter feed lets it be known that yes, he "actually reads the bills."
Check out the
preliminary program and
register today to join your colleagues in the nation's capitol for during this historic time in American politics. The conference hotel is already sold out but CASA staff can help you with alternate lodging and place you on the waiting list for rooms at the conference hotel as they become available.
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President Trump Orders "2 out, 1 in" for New Regulations
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The second full week of the Trump Administration began with the President's
Executive Order to rollback federal rules. Under the January 30 action, every new rule issued by a federal agency must be accompanied by the elimination of two existing rules. This "2 out and 1 in" follows a campaign pledge to rein in federal regulatory burdens on the public and private sectors.
The order also requires that a new rule that increases incremental costs of compliance must be offset through the elimination of existing regulatory costs. And in a final nod to reduce costs, the Office of Management and Budget must identify the total incremental regulatory costs allowed for each agency during the budget year. Costs above such an allocation would be prohibited unless required by law or approved by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Matters related to national security or specifically required by law are exempt from the mandate.
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Protect Tax Exempt Municipal Bonds: Reach Out to Your Representatives Today!
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The protection of tax-exempt municipal financing is one of CASA's highest federal legislative priorities for 2017 along with increased wastewater infrastructure funding. To help preserve this important tool, we encourage you to reach out to your local congressional representatives and urge them to sign on to the municipal bond "dear colleague" letter.
An action alert recently issued by the National Association of Counties calls on members of congress to sign a "Dear Colleague" letter to protect tax-exempt municipal bonds in any future tax reform or infrastructure measures. The action alert comes as a response to proposals circulating around Capitol Hill that could cap certain tax benefits, including the exemption for municipal bond interest, as a way to help address the federal debt and deficit.
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Shine a Spotlight on Your Success! Apply for a CASA Award of Excellence
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Nominations are now open for the 2017 CASA Award of Excellence. Information about
 award categories and eligibility as well as the nomination form can be found
here. We invite agency and associate members to submit applications, together or separately, in four categories by the April 14 deadline. Winners will be announced in August at the annual conference in San Diego.
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Spread the Word - CASA Education Foundation Scholarships are Available
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The CASA Education Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarships. The deadline to apply is April 29.
We encourage you to share the information about the scholarships with your community and help give bright and promising under-graduate students the support needed to become water quality professionals.
To make it easy for you, we've created some tools to help you communicate the scholarship to your public:
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Know Someone Who Would Be a Great Board Member?
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The 2017 Nominating Committee, Chaired by Past President Kevin Hardy, is seeking recommendations for candidates to serve on the Board of Directors beginning August 2017. The committee's
memo and a
recommendation form provide additional information.
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- The 2017 WateReuse California Annual Conference takes place in San Diego, March 19-21. The conference is designed for individuals, organizations, and agencies that are associated with or interested in recycled water policy, operations, technology and public perception.
- The conference will feature more than 60 technical sessions, poster presentations, a tour of Pure Water San Diego and the Claude "Bud" Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant, a reception at the House of Blues, an awards luncheon, the annual Gordon Cologne Breakfast, and a popular exhibit hall.
- The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) is seeking scientists and engineers with a doctoral degree or equivalent for a year of public service and government leadership training in Sacramento. Selected applicants use their scientific perspectives and expertise to help the California State Legislature make informed decisions and fact-based policies related to water, energy, and environmental issues. Applications are due by February 28, 2017. More information is available at http://fellows.ccst.us/apply.php.
Now Hiring!
CASA members have numerous opportunities
available. Visit our
Job Board
for details.
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2017 Dates
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Organization
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Event
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Location
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| Feb. 27 - March 1 |
CASA |
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Washington, D.C. |
| April 19 |
CASA/WateReuse |
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Sacramento |
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