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Register for the 2023 Technical and Operations Conference
Registration for the Technical & Operations Conference (T&O) is now open! The event will be held from December 5-7 at the Holiday Inn in St. Cloud.
The T&O Conference is designed to offer useful information to superintendents, general managers, supervisors, and crew leads about industry trends, workforce challenges, and fostering a culture of safety. The annual event is also intended to provide leadership development opportunities for professionals within the municipal utility industry.
The conference theme is "Lead to Succeed," focusing on helping your utility develop leaders from the frontline through all levels of the organization. There are employees ready to make a positive impact wherever they serve, and anyone can benefit by examining their personal style as a leader.
For best rates, register by November 10. The deadline for online registration is November 17. Associate members should consider becoming an exhibitor at the T&O trade show as well as sponsoring an event at the conference. Please reach out to Christian Glanville with any questions. We hope to see you in St. Cloud!
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EPA issues final water quality certification rule
On September 14, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the 2023 Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification Improvement Rule. This final rule replaces the 2020 regulatory requirements for water quality certification under the Clean Water Act Section 401. Notably, it doesn't apply retroactively to actions taken under the 2020 rule.
The 2023 rule, a response to Executive Order 13990, aims to create a clear and predictable certification process while empowering states and tribes to safeguard their water resources. Key changes include early coordination through pre-filing meetings, defined materials for certification requests, and a one-year statutory review timeframe, promoting collaboration between certifying authorities and federal agencies.
The rule clarifies the scope of review to focus on water quality impacts and limits unilateral modifications to certifications. Additionally, it offers details on the neighboring jurisdiction process and leaves decisions on withdrawing and resubmitting certification requests to project proponents, certifying authorities, and federal agencies. The rule becomes effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
To read more, click here.
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Statewide scavenger hunt for National Drive Electric Week
Drive Electric Minnesota is holding a statewide Scavenger Hunt Challenge, taking place September 22 through October 1 during National Drive Electric Week. Drive Electric Minnesota is a public-private partnership working to increase electric vehicle adoption in Minnesota.
The scavenger hunt will include a variety of photo challenges and trivia questions, each assigned with a different number of points. Test your electric vehicle knowledge, explore your state in a new way, and compete with fellow Minnesotans for your chance to win! You must live in Minnesota to participate in the challenge.
To sign up, download the Eventzee app on your phone and enter code DEMNNDEW2023 once downloaded. The first 500 people to sign up will be able to participate.
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DOE makes $400M available to improve energy efficiency of buildings
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is allocating $400 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to revolutionize building energy efficiency. Part of a $1 billion provision for updated building codes, this funding could save consumers up to $178 billion over 30 years. The focus is on collaboration with local communities, enhancing compliance, and increasing awareness. These codes could make modern homes nearly 40% more energy-efficient than those built 15 years ago.
Of the $400 million, $240 million will implement the latest energy codes including the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. Another $160 million will aid states in adopting zero-energy provisions.
States must submit letters of intent by November 21 for projects that may include things like code implementation, fuel studies, analysis, workforce training, education, and development. DOE also plans future competitive funding to promote energy efficiency and sustainability.
To read more, click here.
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Last chance to register for "Interacting on the Issues" sessions
This year, we have had excellent meetings with commissioners and utility leaders about the benefits of local control of municipal utilities and the challenges facing the industry. We've also taken a look at the outcome of the 2023 legislative session, discussed implications, and sought feedback on priorities for the coming year.
Please consider joining us for a session at one of our four locations around the state. We can't wait to hear from you and learn how we can help to enhance and promote the great work you do.
Join the MMUA government relations team and peers from your region to discuss the implications of new laws, explore solution opportunities, and network with others committed to protecting, promoting, and strengthening hometown utilities.
There is no cost to attend, however registration is required for planning purposes. Encourage your whole commission to attend and learn about how commissioners can help champion hometown utilities. You can learn more and register by clicking on the links below.
September 27—Grand Rapids
October 3—Detroit Lakes
October 4—Marshall
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2023 Energy Future Grants (EFG) Creating a Community-Led Energy Future
- DE-FOA-0002870
- Deadline: Full Application due 9.30.2023.
DOE's State and Community Energy Program issued a funding opportunity with $27 million in financial and technical assistance to support local, state, and tribal government-led partnership efforts advancing clean energy program innovation. Community-led EFG projects foster integrated clean energy solutions in and across the power, transportation, and building sectors. Approximately 50 multi-jurisdictional teams, with ideally 3-4 (or more) state, local, and tribal government partners on the team, are expected to receive awards of $500,000. Teams will also partner with community benefit organizations to turn innovative, novel or early action ideas into solutions that address barriers to clean energy deployment and provide measurable benefits to disadvantaged communities.
Letters of Support from MN Department of Commerce
The Minnesota Department of Commerce will gladly consider supplying a letter of support for funding proposals. Please send any requests for Commerce letters of support via email to fedquestions.commerce@state.mn.us, allowing at least 3 weeks for processing, if at all possible. Please include information on what funding opportunity is being applied to, and a short recap of the proposal project being submitted, the total project cost, and how much federal funding is being sought. In the Subject line of the email, please include “Letter of Support request for XXXXX, due date YYYYY” (where XXXXX is the title or section number of the funding request, and YYYYY is when the proposal is due).
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Cross Training School—Learn how to safely assist in electrical work. The school will be held at the MMUA Training Center in Marshall from October 10-12. Please click here to learn more. Register closes on Monday, September 25.
Tree Trimming Workshop—Registration is open. This workshop is intended for any municipal employee responsible for tree work; it’s not just for lineworkers. It will be held at Brainerd Public Utilities from October 17-19. Please click here to learn more and register.
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As always, thank you for your association with MMUA and your commitment to delivering excellent service through locally owned utility assets in your community. Have a great week!
Christian Glanville
Marketing and Member Relations Manager
Direct: 763.746.0727 / Cell: 612.655.0598
Fax: 763.551.0459
cglanville@mmua.org | www.mmua.org
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"To unify, support and serve as a common voice for municipal utilities." | | | | |
