Member Alert: Call to Action |
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“Do Not Flush” Wipes Labeling Legislation Introduced in Congress: Send Letters of Support Today!
We are pleased to report that on July 21, Representatives Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) and Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced bipartisan legislation to require comprehensive “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for all non-flushable wipes products sold in the United States. The Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act, which mirrors California’s pending bill, AB 818 (Bloom), would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in coordination with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to issue guidance to wipes manufacturers to clearly and conspicuously label all wipes packages with “Do Not Flush” warning notices and symbols. Manufacturers would also be required to conduct mandatory consumer education and outreach campaigns to explain the symbol and label notices, and report those activities to FTC and EPA. CASA has been working with Representative Lowenthal for nearly two years on the labeling provisions and we are thrilled to see it introduced as a standalone bill for consideration as future infrastructure and water packages are considered. We also anticipate a companion bill will be introduced in the Senate in the coming weeks.
CASA is urging agencies to reach out to their local Congressional representatives to express support for the legislation. A template letter and fact sheet are available here, and CASA would be happy to assist in connecting your agency with your local representative if needed. Letters should be directed to Representatives Lowenthal and McClain (contact info is in the template letter), and copies should also be sent to your local Representatives as well with the request that they support the WIPPES Act. Please contact Sarah Sapirstien or Jessica Gauger with any questions.
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Networking at CASA’s Annual Conference
CASA’s Annual Conference is almost here, and we can hardly contain our excitement! CASA staff is looking forward to seeing you again in-person in San Diego August 11-13, as we hear from experts on topics we’re all concerned about, including the impending drought, California’s push for electrification, the changing nature of work, gender diversity and pay equity in the workforce, and much more! The best part? Networking face to face is finally back! Join us for one of many networking opportunities including the Thursday luncheon, two receptions, and the Women’s Networking Breakfast/Coffee! Reconnect with fellow women of wastewater (WOW) during this informal networking event on day two of CASA’s Annual Conference. Female leaders will be gathering to get to know each other and share ideas and experiences. Join us as we identify ways to lift each other up!
The Women’s Networking Breakfast/Coffee will be held on Thursday, August 12, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Bring your colleagues as we build a better future together!
Check out our preliminary program to see the other great speakers, panels, and presentations available during CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference and register today! We hope to see you there!
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Professional Development Listserv Launches in August
As a part of the broader CASA LEAD (Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development) program, we have developed a specialized LISTSERV to keep members informed of webinars, workshops, trainings, events, and general opportunities for professional development. This LISTSERV will be populated bimonthly starting at the beginning of August with upcoming engagement opportunities in all facets of the clean water industry including biosolids, communications, finance, human resources, regulatory, and more!
Do you know a shining star in your agency that might benefit from continued growth and professional development opportunities? Be sure to share this resource with them! To get signed up for the newest CASA LISTSERV, please email Cheryl MacKelvie with your name, preferred email, and affiliated agency or association.
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Calling All Mentors and Mentees!
Ready to take that next step in your wastewater career? Not sure where to start? CASA is here to support you! We are pleased to introduce our latest and greatest member benefit, the CASA Mentoring Program, which is a new offering under our broader CASA LEAD strategic initiative. This 11-month comprehensive program, kicking off in October and concluding in August 2022, serves to connect clean water professionals from across the state of California. Working with Core Consulting, which has a depth of experience developing mentoring and training programs working with public agencies, CASA will match 12 mentor/mentee pairs based on their professional goals, preferences, and experience. The program is open to both CASA agencies and associates. Be a part of the inaugural class!
*Registration Closes on August 27*
We anticipate spots to fill quickly, so be sure to apply for the mentoring program today!
For questions, contact CASA’s Executive Director, Adam Link.
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Only One Complimentary Pass Left to CASA’s Annual Conference
In support of our new CASA LEAD programming, CASA would like to celebrate those who continue to show commitment and dedication to the important work the wastewater community performs. Is there someone from your organization showing signs of future leadership, or who could be a future leader in the clean water community? CASA is honoring those emerging leaders by offering complimentary registration to our Annual Conference on August 11-13 in San Diego.
Hurry, there is only 1 complimentary pass left! To register an emerging leader from your organization, email Cheryl MacKelvie with the employee’s name, title, and email address by Friday, July 23.
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House Passes Comprehensive PFAS Legislation
This week, the House of Representatives passed the PFAS Action Act of 2021 (H.R. 2467). The bill was approved on a bipartisan basis 242-183 with 23 Republicans joining all Democrats to approve the legislation. The next step is for Senate consideration of the measure. Currently, the Senate has not indicated when it will consider H.R. 2467. However, Committee on Environment and Public Works Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) issued statements that they view PFAS as an important issue, but have yet to consider a Senate approach.
As passed by the House, H.R. 2467 maintains:
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White House Releases Interim Guidance For Environmental Justice Initiative
The White House released interim guidance for its Justice40 Initiative. The guidance outlines recommendations and required actions for agencies that manage funding programs covered by the Initiative. Such actions include identifying the benefits of covered programs, determining how covered programs distribute benefits, and calculating and reporting on reaching the Initiative's funding goals. The Justice40 Initiative is whole-of-government effort to have federal agencies work with states and local communities to deliver at least 40 percent of the overall benefits from Federal investments in climate and clean energy to disadvantaged communities.
The guidance identifies the following water infrastructure funding programs as covered under the Initiative include the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and Reducing Lead in Drinking Water.
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Utility Engagement Needed as Congress Ramps Up Infrastructure Work
NACWA released a call to action early this week on infrastructure that includes CASA member agencies. As the Senate focuses its work on turning the high-level bipartisan infrastructure framework released in late June into actual comprehensive legislation, NACWA is requesting that utilities nationwide weigh in with their Senators and Representatives on the infrastructure bill and advocate the importance of including the highest level of water funding possible, especially in the form of direct grants. CASA is similarly working to support an extensive infrastructure package for the water sector. NACWA has created a template letter for use when reaching out to your Members of Congress if your agency is interested.
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Central San Launches 75th Anniversary Experience
The Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) is celebrating 75 years of protecting public health and the environment with the launch of its 75th Anniversary Virtual Experience: centralsan.org/75th. The website features an interactive 360-degree tour of Central San’s treatment plant and facilities, videos, photo galleries, historical facts, drone flyovers, and a learning hub with hands-on science activities for kids. Customers can also find information on how to protect their pipes, safely dispose of household hazardous waste, and get free recycled water for their gardens. Central San began preparing for its anniversary celebration amid the pandemic, which made it too challenging to plan a big public event. The Virtual Experience provides a creative solution by allowing customers to engage with and learn more about Central San throughout its anniversary year and beyond.
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In Memoriam
Dick March, long time member of CASA and former General Counsel for the Los Angeles County Sanitation District (LASan), passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021. Dick actively participated on the CASA Attorney’s Committee and State Legislative Committee for decades and his presence will be missed. CASA extends their deepest condolences and sympathy to Dick’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched, especially within the CASA and LASan communities. Read more about Dick’s time and legacy in the obituary.
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Webinars, Workshops & Events |
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CASA Annual Conference 2021
Join us on August 11-13 for CASA’s 2021 Annual Conference at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel. Register today and please be sure to follow the safety guidelines, notices and waivers in place. We hope to see you soon in sunny San Diego!
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WELL UnTapped
The Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) recently announced the return of WELL UnTapped Fellowship, a selective program that creates an opportunity for local elected officials to engage with water issues through a comprehensive exploration of history, governance, public policy, geography, and economics and their relationship to human rights and climate change. UnTapped session content includes lectures given by water professionals and skill-based exercises that help participants ask better public policy questions and strengthen public speaking and relational skills.
WELL UnTapped 2022 includes a mix of in-person and virtual sessions. You can click here to access the application and schedule for 2022. The application is due August 27, 2021.
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ACT EXPO
CASA is proud to participate as an endorsing organization partner of the 2021 Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, ACT Expo is North America’s largest advanced transportation technology and clean fleet event. Bringing together more than 4,000 stakeholders across the industry for an expansive showcase of the technologies, fuels, policies, and organizations to drive innovation and sustainability on our roadways. The 2021 event will be held August 30 through September 2 at the Long Beach Convention Center. More information is available on the website.
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EPA Webinar on Developing and Maintaining Workforce and Equity Partnerships
The Office of Water at EPA invites you to register for their next Water Workforce Webinar on September 15th from 9:00am – 10:30am PT. This is part of an ongoing series of webinars to provide information across the water sector on ways utilities and others are addressing the challenges of building and maintaining a sustainable water workforce for the future. The September webinar will focus on building partnerships for effective state-wide workforce programs and efforts to attract talented individuals from disadvantaged communities into water utility jobs. To register, please follow this registration link. PDHs will be available for those who attend the webinar.
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CASA represents more than 125 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. |
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