The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) is pleased to provide you with the November/December 2021 Regulatory Update.

There is growing excitement for NACWA’s 2022 Winter Conference, January 31 – February 3, in Scottsdale, Arizona -- and the December 29 hotel reservation deadline is quickly approaching! If you haven’t already done so, please make your reservations today while rooms are still available!

NACWA submitted a letter to EPA earlier this week outlining the Associations’ initial thoughts and recommendations around how the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is implemented. The letter builds on conversations NACWA has had with senior EPA Office of Water leadership to date and the initial recommendations and concerns received from NACWA members.

State and local intergovernmental associations, including NACWA, have begun regular meetings with EPA’s intergovernmental office and key Agency senior leadership on implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and how these investments will be distributed

The U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina this week denied a motion by major wipes manufacturers and distributers to dismiss NACWA member Charleston Water Systems’ (CWS) class action lawsuit seeking to enjoin the companies from labeling as “flushable” wipes products that in fact cause significant damage to sewer systems. CWS is being represented by NACWA Legal Affiliate AquaLaw in the case.

While the White House and Senate Democrats continue to negotiate out final potential details of President Biden’s Build Back Better (BBB)/Reconciliation bill, in the hopes of securing passage prior to the holidays, several unresolved policy matters and procedural hurdles remain that may result in potential passage not occurring until early next year.