|
CASA’s 2023 Year–End Review
As 2023 draws to a close, we remain deeply grateful for all our members, and we thank you for your support throughout the year. Take a look at our Year in Review Summary and Graphic, both of which highlight many of our achievements in 2023. We truly appreciate your unwavering commitment to California’s clean water community and we look forward to seeing you next year in person at our Winter Conference in Palm Springs and our Washington D.C. Policy Forum.
| |
|
Welcome to CASA’s Newest Addition!
We are so pleased to share the wonderful news that CASA’s Legislative and Regulatory Analyst, Spencer Saks and his wife Kelly have welcomed a beautiful addition to their family! Join us in extending our warmest congratulations to the new parents on the arrival of their precious baby girl, Juliet! Spencer will be taking some well-deserved time off to spend with their new bundle of joy and will return next year. Congratulations to the Saks family!
| |
|
Join Us for the 2024 CASA Winter Conference
Kickoff the new year by joining us at the CASA Winter Conference in Palm Springs, January 24 – 26, 2024. Attending the winter conference is a great way to see impactful presentations and take advantage of enhanced opportunities to engage with peers and grow professionally. The conference will feature interactive panel discussions and roundtables to facilitate the open sharing of ideas, as well as plenty of networking opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to discover insights on complex challenges facing the wastewater community.
Our keynote speaker this year will be Jane Gajwani, Director of the New York City Office of Energy and Resource Recovery Programs (and Chief Decarbonization Officer), who will present on a topic that more and more agencies are integrating into their planning: the Circular Water Economy. Thursday’s program will also feature panel sessions on the Inflation Reduction Act, innovative permitting approaches, and employee engagement and recruiting. Check out the preliminary program to get a jump start on your planning. Have questions about registering? Please contact Cheryl MacKelvie or register here to join us in Palm Springs!
| |
|
Exciting News! Our New Welcome Video is Here
As we close out 2023, CASA is thrilled to unveil our brand-new welcome video! This short video is designed to capture the essence of CASA and allow viewers to meet our team and get a sense of what we do day-to-day. Viewers will get a sneak peek into the heart of CASA, from our mission and values to the various engagement opportunities we offer. We encourage you to take a few moments to watch the video. Whether you're a seasoned member or a recent addition, it's a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our shared vision and purpose. Your engagement is what makes our sector thrive, and we're incredibly grateful for each member who contributes to the richness of our discussions and advocacy.
Feel free to share the video with colleagues who might be interested in joining CASA! Thank you for being an essential part of CASA, we can't wait to continue growing and connecting with each and every one of you.
| |
|
Webinar Recording Now Available: Inflation Reduction Act and SB 1440 Opportunities
We are pleased to share that the recorded version of our recent webinar on the Inflation Reduction Act and SB 1440 Opportunities is now available for viewing! Whether you missed the live session or wish to revisit the insightful content, this recorded webinar provides a comprehensive overview on how agencies can take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act, opportunities in SB 1440 biomethane procurement, and the availability of private funding to advance Environmental & Social Governance (ESG). Access the recorded webinar here. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact Greg Kester gkester@casaweb.org.
| |
Innovative Technology Seminars: Presentations Now Available
We are pleased to share that the presentations from our recent Innovative Technology Seminars co-hosted by CWEA are now available! Whether you attended the seminars in person or couldn't make it, this is your chance to delve into the cutting-edge insights and advancements discussed by our expert speakers. Discover opportunities related to managing food waste with the implementation of SB 1383, and learn about new technologies for biogas, biosolids, energy-recovery, and the game-changing technologies reshaping our profession. Presentations are available here. For questions, please contact Greg Kester at gkester@casaweb.org.
| |
|
CASA Washington D.C. Policy Forum Registration Now Open!
Registration is now open for the Washington D.C. Policy Forum. Hosted at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C., the event will feature an excellent program with speakers including Congressional staff, reporters, and other thought leaders providing their perspective on the upcoming election and other exciting developments of importance to California’s clean water professionals. Join us in our nation’s capital to strengthen our advocacy and promote our collective federal agenda on February 26 - 27, 2024. We hope to see you there!
| |
If you have questions related to federal legislative updates, please contact Sarah Sapirstein. | |
House Committee Reports Out “Do Not Flush” Labeling Legislation
On December 6, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce favorably reported out the WIPPES Act (H.R. 2964). The committee approved an amendment in the nature of the substitute (ANS) to the bill by voice vote and reported out the amended bill on a bipartisan recorded vote of 42-0. The reporting out of the amended bill allows the legislation to move to the House floor for a debate and vote. A date for House consideration has yet to be determined.
Over the past weeks, CASA, along with the wipes industry and clean water stakeholders, worked with majority and minority committee staff to resolve questions about the legislation that were raised during the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce markup in November. The result of this effort was securing a bipartisan ANS that addressed committee staff concerns, while maintaining the underlying bill's policy intent and reflection of California’s state labeling law. The successful markup reflects CASA's continued leadership on this issue and continued positive collaboration with fellow stakeholders and congressional staff.
| |
|
State Water Board Extends Water and Wastewater Arrearage Program
On November 1, The State Water Resources Control Board opened the application period for water and wastewater systems to apply for its Extended Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program. The application period runs through Dec. 31, 2023, and fund disbursement should begin in February 2024. This is a continuation of last year’s program that paid wastewater agencies directly to cover debt from residential and commercial customers who experienced financial hardships related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is not a customer facing program, agencies must apply on behalf of their customers. This is a unique opportunity that expires soon, so please do not hesitate to reach out to CASA or the State Water Board with any questions about the program!
| |
|
Water Leadership Institute Program 2024
The 2024 application period for the Water Leadership Institute program is now open! Gain a supportive community of water professionals and mentors, sharpen your leadership skills, and grow professionally. The Water Leadership Institute program educates, trains, and provides opportunities that enable developing and emerging leaders to build strong, lasting relationships within the water sector. Participants engage in management training and leadership development through a blended learning approach that includes the examination of complex challenges facing the water and wastewater sectors and networking with public and private sector practitioners. The 2024 Application Period is Now Open through 11:59 pm PT on January 17th! Learn More About the Water Leadership Institute Program.
| |
CASA represents more than 130 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of Wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources. | | | | |
