In Memoriam
We are deeply saddened to inform the CASA membership of the passing of our Board Member and friend, David T. Cárdenas who passed unexpectedly on Friday, March 11 of a heart attack. Director Cárdenas’s presence, love for his community, and dedication to helping others will be greatly missed. David was a pillar not only on the CASA Board but within his own community of the City of Fowler where he served as Mayor for nearly 12 years, on the City Council where he served for 21 years and on the Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation District Board where he served since 2004. Those who were fortunate enough to know him could feel his passion for serving others instantly. He was a bright light in any room and was a continuous supporter of creating opportunity for those around him. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anna, children Joseph David, Josephine and Michael Cardenas, two grandsons and three granddaughters. CASA extends their deepest condolences and sympathy to David’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched, especially within the CASA and Fowler communities. David Cárdenas will be sincerely missed. See the obituary posted in the Fresno Bee.
|
|
CASA's Ask the Experts Webinar Series |
|
Insights on State and Federal Funding Opportunities for Wastewater Agencies
March 29, 2022, 10:00 – 11:30 am
Successfully obtaining infrastructure funding is consistently identified as one of the highest priorities for CASA member agencies. This workshop will explore a wide range of federal funding opportunities with Central Coast Regional Board Member and Dudek regional project manager, Jane Gray. This session will also delve into the contours of recent state funding opportunities such as the arrearages program, septic to sewer project funding, recycled water funding, updates to the State Revolving Fund program and Intended Use Plan, and much more from the State Water Board program leads. Finally, hear the latest from USEPA on implementation of Buy American mandates and other federal infrastructure developments.
|
|
2022 Legislative Session Heats Up
The CASA State Legislative Committee met on Friday, March 11 to discuss and take positions on high priority bills that are now moving through the 2022 Legislative Session. A bill list with CASA’s adopted positions is now available. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for opportunities for your agency to engage on key legislation being heard in policy committees later this Spring.
|
|
Congress Passes FY2022 Omnibus Package
After months of stalemate between congressional appropriators to agree to fiscal year (FY) 2022 appropriations, Congress passed an omnibus package (HR 2471) that combines all twelve spending bills. Totaling $1.5 trillion in discretionary spending, the package provides $730 billion in non-defense spending and $782 billion in defense spending. Summaries of all twelve appropriations bills can be found on the House Committee on Appropriation's press release. The omnibus package will fund the government for the remaining seven months of FY2022 before the next fiscal year, FY2023, begins on October 1, 2022.
|
|
USEPA Publishes Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) released its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL): State Revolving Loan Funds (SRF) Implementation Memorandum. Upon the release, USEPA published a press release on memorandum’s release, which included supportive quotes from various federal and state officials, NGO's, and water associations, including a quote from CASA’s Executive Director Adam Link: “The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) is encouraged by USEPA's approach to delivering assistance to local water and wastewater agencies, and we appreciate their support for investments that improve water quality and protect public health for all communities. The SRF program is the backbone of a strong federal, state and local partnership, and this funding is critical to meeting our future water infrastructure needs.”
|
|
CPUC Adopts Biomethane Procurement Program
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on February 24, unanimously voted to adopt a biomethane procurement requirement of 72.8 billion cubic feet of biomethane annually by 2030 for the Investor-Owned Utilities (IOU’s), with important interim goals to help meet the waste diversion requirements of SB 1383. This includes prioritization for anaerobic digestion at wastewater treatment plants that are accepting diverted organic waste for co-digestion and could be a major incentive for CASA agencies to pursue these projects going forward.
|
|
CASA 2022 “Ask the Experts” Webinar Series
Join us for a series of CASA-led “Ask the Experts” webinars! Every month from now until June 2022, we will host a new webinar to facilitate conversation on the hot topics all clean water agencies are concerned with, including infrastructure funding, climate resiliency, public messaging, PFAS, communications and career development, and much more! These virtual workshops are free and open to all CASA members. Check the CASA website and the Connects Newsletter as we will update them with additional details on each webinar as they are confirmed. We hope you will join us!
|
|
CASA Seeking Legislative & Regulatory Analyst
CASA recently initiated the recruitment process for a new Legislative and Regulatory Analyst. This position will assist in implementing the Association’s state legislative and regulatory program; research, monitor, and analyze legislation and regulatory issues affecting Association members; and provide staff support to the State Legislative Committee and Regulatory Work Group. More information about the new position, including a job description and requirements, is available here. Please send cover letters and resumes to HR@casaweb.org.
|
|
Excellence in Advocacy Achievement Awarded to CASA Board Member
The WateReuse Association has awarded CASA Board Member and Orange County Sanitation District General Manager, Jim Herberg the Excellence in Advocacy Achievement Award for his contributions to water reuse, the wastewater industry, and the environment. The award was announced at the 37th Annual WaterReuse Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. Congratulations Jim!
|
|
LWD and RTP Pollution Prevention Video
|
|
In Memoriam
Joseph A. Remley, P.E., long time member of CASA peacefully passed away on February 17, 2022, in Rohnert Park, CA. Joe was the original General Manager of the Central Marin Sanitation Agency (CMSA) overseeing original construction and subsequent operation of the regional wastewater treatment plant in Marin County to four tributary agencies. He was also a founding member and first president of the California Sanitation Risk Management Authority (CSRMA) in 1985, providing liability and risk management insurance services to wastewater agencies to the present day. Joe was an active CASA and CSRMA participant. After retiring from CMSA, Joe provided interim management services at the Delta Diablo Sanitation District and the Ross Valley Sanitary District. Joe was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church in the Diocese of San Diego. He enjoyed serving the parishioners in the parishes in which he resided throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Linda and two daughters. CASA extends their deepest condolences and sympathy to Joe’s family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched, especially within the CASA and CSRMA communities. View Joe’s obituary here.
|
|
LIHWAP Webinar Recording, Web Form Link & Enrollment Package
On February 15 and 16, the CA Department of Community Services and Development held an informational webinar regarding the disbursement of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) funds. For those unable to attend, we wanted to pass along several items of interest including the webinar recording, web form link, summary of the enrollment process and the enrollment package.
|
|
PFAS Impacts and Policy Solutions
Water agencies are faced with the costly responsibility to monitor, treat, and remove PFAS from their local water supplies. Pending legislation and regulations could also cause financial issues for water and wastewater agencies, and their ratepayers. Hear from impacted agencies and organizations and learn what they are doing to advocate for and protect ratepayers. Join the Orange County Water District on March 24, 2022, from 12pm-1pm for this free webinar on PFAS Impacts and Policy Solutions. We are pleased to share that Adam Link, CASA’s Executive Director and Eric Sapirstein, CASA’s Federal Legislative Advocate will both be participating on this panel!
Registration Information:
|
|
Innovate Today to Prepare for Tomorrow
Join us on April 11, 2022, for a one-day event, co-hosted by CASA and CWEA, as we bring together wastewater leaders, project managers, researchers, manufacturers, and plant operators to work together on accelerating innovation within our sector. This event will give participants an opportunity to seek to understand each other’s needs, establish objectives that have a meaningful impact, and build partnerships to successfully meet project goals. Whether you’re a leader or an emerging leader — you’re invited to join the discussion. Register today!
|
|
ACT Expo
CASA is proud to endorse the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on May 9-12, 2022, in Long Beach, CA. The advanced clean transportation sector continues to grow at a breakneck pace, rapidly rising to the occasion through ongoing innovation. Every year, ACT Expo attendees receive unmatched educational opportunities on the latest trends, policies, technologies, and opportunities in clean tech transportation. The 2022 agenda will enable attendees to:
|
|
Careers and Opportunities |
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
