Clean Water Current

NACWA representatives met with Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), Chairman of the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, on July 18 to discuss a number of NACWA’s legislative priorities.  Central to the discussion were integrated planning and affordability issues, including how to best advance integrated planning legislation this congressional session.  Chairman Graves reiterated his commitment to moving an integrated planning and affordability bill through the committee as soon as possible, preferably on a bipartisan basis, and noted that these issues were at the top of his priority list. 

NACWA also discussed infrastructure funding with Chairman Graves and emphasized the importance of including robust funding levels for clean water in any infrastructure package.  The Chairman noted that the House is beginning work on its infrastructure package and understands that there is a significant need for additional clean water infrastructure funding.  Although the timing on a release of an infrastructure bill is still unclear, NACWA will be working closely with Chairman Graves and his staff to ensure that the Association’s priorities are considered while the legislation is drafted.

Other issues discussed at the meeting included continued support for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), the potential for extending NPDES permit terms under certain circumstances, and regulatory reform. NACWA is grateful to Chairman Graves for his leadership on the subcommittee and commitment to key clean water issues, and looks forward to continued work with him.