The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) released a report April 15 highlighting how Michigan clean water utilities are pursuing “Utility of the Future (UOTF)” concepts.

EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center will host a series of webinars on stormwater finance to help communities across the country identify financial strategies to leverage and support their stormwater management programs.

In 2008, the Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District, now rebranded as “NEW Water,” was at a critical crossroads. Facing aging infrastructure, biosolid capacity limits and increasing regulations, the utility needed an innovative solution for these cross-cutting issues.

EPA published a request for comment in the Federal Register on April 13, in response to President Trump’s Executive Order 13777 on Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda, seeking input on federal regulations that may be appropriate for repeal, replacement or modification. The notice requests feedback from the public by May 15, and asks that comments be as specific as possible and include any supporting data or information, including cost impacts.

The NACWA Board recently approved the filing of a joint amicus curiae brief in cooperation with The Wet Weather Partnership, to provide an important national perspective for issues crucial to municipal separate stormwater systems (MS4s).

A bipartisan group of congressional representatives recently sent a letter to the House Interior & Environment Appropriations Subcommittee requesting a doubling of the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) in Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18), relative to FY16 enacted level.

NACWA Deputy General Counsel, Erica Spitzig co-authored an article for the American Bar Association (ABA) publication, Natural Resources & Environment, evaluating the future of “presumptive approach” as a tool for meeting combined sewer overflow (CSO) controls.

NACWA will be offering a free webinar to members on May 24 at 2:00 PM ET, providing an update on the status of key Association advocacy priorities under the new Trump Administration and the new Congress.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed litigation April 12 filed on behalf of wastewater treatment plants arguing that EPA exceeded its authority when it objected to draft NPDES permits issued by the state of California, finding no final agency action subject to judicial review.

NACWA updated and briefed water professionals on issues regarding the Trump Administration and new Congress on April 11 during the largest regional water conference in the United States.

NACWA participated in a roundtable discussion April 11 in Washington, DC, to analyze and advance solutions for issues regarding trenchless technology.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously reported out S. 692, the Water Infrastructure Flexibility Act (WIFA) on April 5.

Capitol Hill is a bit quieter, with the House and Senate on recess until April 24, but these weeks are still an important period for clean water advocacy.