I just returned from the 2009 National Clean Water Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. The conference, co-sponsored by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Water Environment Federation, was attended by more than 250 water professionals and provided insights as to priorities and approaches to water issues under the Obama administration and the 111th Congress.
Speakers included Lisa Jackson, the new EPA administrator; several directors from EPA’s Office of Water; Nancy Sutley, chair of CEQ; Congressman Earl Blumenauer; key congressional staff; U.S. Conference of Mayors; representatives from several environmental activist organizations; and leaders from clean water utilities.
Here are some important takeaways on water infrastructure funding and other important issues:
-
The “Buy American” provisions in ARRA are continuing to create complications and cause confusion. Jim Hanlon, director of EPA’s Office of Wastewater Management, said EPA is gearing up to handle the many expected waiver requests and is committed to a two-week turnaround on requests.
-
Senators Voinovich and Brown have re-introduced their bill (
S.854) that would provide $1.8 billion for sewer overflow control grants and would require EPA to update its affordability guidance.
- In her remarks, Jackson focused on water quality and said that new approaches are needed to address nonpoint sources. She said that the spirit among EPA staff is high and that EPA is prepared to provide leadership on critical environmental issues.
American Recovery 
USMayors.org: MainStreet Economic Recovery Report
ACS report: GlobalChallenges, Chemistry Solutions
Water Infrastructure 
Year of Water 
