The Farm Bill, a five-year bill authorizing federal programs, policy and spending regarding agriculture, nutrition and conservation, is up for reauthorization in 2018. The Bill presents an opportunity to advance collaboration between clean water utilities and the agricultural sector, and improve federal conservation programs that some clean water utilities are utilizing as a means to address water quality issues on a watershed basis.

The National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW NESHAP) was finalized by EPA on October 16, and the final rule reflects the advocacy efforts of NACWA and its members.

In a briefing hosted by the Congressional Clean Water Caucus on October 20 to discuss the importance of recycled water, Paul Sciuto, General Manager of NACWA Member Agency Monterey One Water, asked the audience to judge water by its quality, not history.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last week examining the use of water quality trading programs in the United States.

The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) held its Sustainable Energy Seminar on October 19, focusing on how clean water agencies are improving energy efficiency and energy recovery at their facilities.

NACWA has finalized a recent advocacy initiative, Incorporating Arid State and Water Quantity Priorities in NACWA’s Advocacy Agenda – a Concept Paper.

NACWA’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) Workgroup met last week to further discuss the Association’s engagement with EPA to provide suggestions on streamlining the SRF application and reporting process.

NACWA presented at the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources’ (SEER) 25th Annual Fall Conference on October 18, touching on several points of NACWA’s legal advocacy priorities.

NACWA held a private meeting with senior White House officials on October 12 to discuss the contours of the Administration’s planned infrastructure package, including opportunities for public clean water utilities. This followed a broader water sector meeting, hosted by the White House on October 10, in which a number of NACWA utility members participated.

The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSCC) held its quarterly meeting on October 11, focusing on the impacts to utilities of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.

NACWA will host a conference call with its members on Wednesday, October 18, at 2:00 pm ET to discuss the Association’s position on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rulemaking (those interested in participating should RSVP to Oliver Hamilton, NACWA Manager of Government Affairs).

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments October 12 in National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) v. EPA, the litigation over the 2015 Clean Water Rule.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held a hearing on October 12 in Hawaii Wildlife Fund v. County of Maui, a critical case addressing the “conduit” theory of liability under the Clean Water Act (CWA).

The Southeast Stormwater Association (SESWA) met last week in Louisville, KY for their 12th annual regional stormwater conference.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced Oct. 16 that the Agency would no longer engage in legal settlements with environmental activist groups that lead to new regulations or mandates.