With a new administration and the start of the 117th Congress, this complimentary virtual event will provide an opportunity to hear from key EPA and Capitol Hill representatives on what we can expect on the advocacy front in 2021. We will also explore the critical topics that are already front and center for utilities, such as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilities and plans for a return to normal with a vaccine rollout underway; continuing concerns over the impacts of PFAS contamination; addressing affordability concerns and a new federal assistance program; and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow utility executives from across the country as you engage in the discussion and network with your peers!
Wednesday, February 24
2:00 - 4:30PM ET
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Advocacy Outlook for 2021: 117th Congress and the New Administration
As 2021 kicks off with a new presidential administration and new Congress controlled by one political party, a new political dynamic will impact national clean water policy deliberations. Join us for this opening discussion on what the likely water priorities will be for the Biden Administration and the 117thCongress, including NACWA’s top advocacy issues and how the Association plans to advance them. We will hear from senior EPA and congressional staff and provide clean water utility leaders with critical insights on what to expect and how to best advocate during 2021.
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Concurrent Breakout Session Part 1
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PFAS – What the New Administration and Congress Mean for Your Utility
- Evaluating Climate Vulnerabilities and Resilience at Water and Wastewater Utilities
- The Pandemic’s Lasting Legacy – Improved Efficiency and Optimization
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Concurrent Breakout Session Part 2
- COVID-19 Response and Recovery – Vaccine Deployment and Plans for Returning to ‘Normal’
- The Latest Developments and Next Steps on the Affordability Front
- The Future of Wastewater Surveillance and Making it Work for Your Community
Thursday, February 25
1:00 - 4:30PM ET
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Women’s Water Network Event
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Virtual One-2-One Meetings
E-meet with your clean water colleagues for an informal 15-minute networking blitz and take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect and share ideas. This time has been set aside to facilitate connection and networking. The portal will be available the week before the virtual event to schedule your meetings in advance.
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Collaboration and Innovation Help the Water Sector Weather the Storm
The water sector has been through tough times before and the unprecedented events of the past year certainly put the sector’s resilience to the test. Tried and true strategies of collaboration and innovation combined with existing relationships and partnerships have reliably guided the sector in the past and continued to prove their worth during 2020. As the nation looks toward healing and an economic recovery, water sector representatives will share their perspectives on lessons learned, what worked and what didn’t, and where things are headed in 2021 and beyond in terms of infrastructure and much more.