Join us Feb 28 – Mar 1 for CASA’s 2022 Washington D.C. Policy Forum
Time is running out! Make plans to join your clean water peers at the 2022 Washington D.C. Policy Forum on February 28-March 1. The D.C. Policy Forum provides an opportunity for you to discuss significant legislative priorities with federal leaders that directly impact your agency’s operations.

Key program topics will examine the Congressional landscape, recently adopted infrastructure package, upcoming mid-term elections, cybersecurity and other exciting developments of importance to California’s clean water professionals. We are also bringing our popular USEPA meetings to the program with updates on PFAS, biosolids and renewable resources programs.

Brand new this year, you are invited to an exclusive tour of the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority’s award-winning facility. Participants also have the flexibility to arrange their own Congressional visits on Capitol Hill. With the State of the Union scheduled for March 1, it will be an exciting time to be in Washington D.C. We urge you to join us!

The forum takes place at a new venue this year: the Hotel Washington directly across from the White House. As a reminder, the deadline for hotel reservations is next week, Monday, February 7! To see all of the D.C. Policy Forum details visit https://casaevents.memberclicks.net/dc-forum.

 

CASA Collaborates with Danish Delegation
Last month Greg Kester, CASA Director of Renewable Resource Programs, was invited to join a delegation from Denmark including Ms. Lea Wermelin, Danish Minister of the Environment, on a recent visit to Northern California. Denmark and the State of California re-signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combat climate change in a ceremony on December 1, 2021, which was attended by CalEPA Secretary Jared Blumenthal, Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, State Water Board member Nichole Morgan and others. Greg helped lead a workshop on SB 1383 following the MOU signing, focusing  on the role co-digestion and biosolids play in meeting its objectives. The delegation then toured Folsom Lake and gained insight into the effects of drought and water supply. Greg also attended a second workshop at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission on December 2nd and again helped lead a robust discussion on issues of importance to the clean water community. We thank the delegation for this unique opportunity and look forward to continuing a great collaborative partnership with our Danish colleagues!

 

Connecting Beyond CASA Connects: Join CASA’s LISTSERVs!
Is there a topic of interest particularly near and dear to you? Biosolids? Collection systems? Legislative advocacy? Along with this newsletter, CASA offers several other ways to connect and share on these topics and more. With several LISTSERVs available to our members for updates on Biosolids, Communications, Collection Systems, Federal Advocacy, Regulatory Issues, State Advocacy, Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy, and our NEWEST listserv, Professional Development, there really is something for everyone! These group email lists are interactive and the most immediate way to get up to date information about what’s going on in the world of clean water advocacy.

Members can subscribe employees to any (or all) of these LISTSERVs. If you are interested, please send Cheryl MacKelvie your email at cmackelvie@casaweb.org and identify the list you would like to subscribe to. We are proud to be your source for wastewater legislative, regulatory, and industry news! Below please find a brief description of each LISTSERV:

  • Air Quality, Climate Change, and Renewable Energy (ACE Workgroup)– Provides updates on variety of issues dealing with climate change, renewable energy, and air quality issues. Agendas and materials for the monthly meetings are distributed through this LISTSERV.
  • Biosolids– Frequent updates on legal, regulatory, and science issues related to biosolids management.
  • Communications – Provides a forum for updates and information exchange from public information and outreach professionals working on community affairs programs/projects. Includes periodic reports from the Communications Committee.
  • Collection Systems Workgroup– Provides updates and information on issues facing collection systems. Agendas and materials for the bimonthly meetings are distributed through this LISTSERV.
  • Federal Advocacy– Updates from our federal legislative advocates regarding the latest developments from Capitol Hill, including bill tracking and key legislation that impacts our member agencies. The LISTSERV is also a forum for Federal Legislative Committee members to communicate.
  • Regulatory Workgroup– Provides updates and information on important regulatory issues for both water quality and biosolids. Agendas and materials for the monthly meetings, including comment letters and important notices, are distributed through this LISTSERV.
  • State Advocacy– Updates from our State Legislative Committee regarding state legislative advocacy including bill tracking and sponsored legislation that impact our member agencies. The LISTSERV is also a forum for State Legislative Committee members to communicate.
  • Professional Development – A source to keep members informed of upcoming webinars, workshops, trainings, events, and general opportunities for professional development in all facets of the clean water industry including biosolids, communications, finance, human resources, regulatory, and more.

 

CASA Awards of Excellence
CASA seeks to recognize members who provide essential public services and go above and beyond to protect public health and the environment. All member agencies and associates are invited to submit an Award of Excellence application by Friday, April 29, 2022. Your organization works hard to do what’s right for California. Recognition from the leading clean water association honors your hard work and accomplishments. It’s a symbol of respect, credibility, and innovation. For more information about the award criteria and categories, please visit the Awards Program Webpage.

 

CASA Education Foundation Scholarship Applications
The CASA Education Foundation helps ensure clean water for Californians by awarding scholarships to promising students on a path to serving the environmental community. Does your local college or university know about CASA’s financial aid to students interested in a career in water? The Foundation is accepting scholarship applications through May 15, 2022. For information on how to apply, who is eligible and the scholarship guidelines, visit the website.