Our 62nd annual conference features top speakers such as State Controller Betty Yee and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. We’re also hosting an impressive line-up of panelists who will address hot topics from Proposition 218 to public private partnerships.
This is a great opportunity to hear from industry leaders and experts plus network with colleagues from around the state.
On Monday, July 17, the Legislature voted to pass AB 398 (E. Garcia) which extends California’s Cap and Trade program through 2030. Governor Brown’s primary legislative objective for the year was to extend this program. Through hard fought negotiations, the Governor persuaded the Legislature to pass the program extension with a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Legislature.
Senate Fast Tracks Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017
The U.S. Senate is fast-tracking last year’s failed effort to authorize the EPA WaterSense program to certify water-efficient home products and services. CASA supports the creation of a WaterSense program but urges Congress to ensure that any technology promoted or certified does not degrade water quality.
Clean Water State Revolving Fund: We’re Urging More Funding and Improvements
This fund for water quality infrastructure projects may be slashed in the FY 2018 federal budget. We’ve urged congressional delegation members to not only restore the funding but to increase it. At the state level, we’re also participating in workshops to help streamline the process.
CASA Represents Wastewater Stakeholders Before Expert Panel
The Science Advisory Panel for Constituents of Emerging Concern reconvened to update their recommendations for recycled water monitoring. We addressed the panel on July 19 in Orange County to provide input on the updates.
Member Spotlight: Bob Whitley, West Yost Associates
Congratulations to Bob Whitley of West Yost Associates! Bob was recently elected to the Academy of Distinguished Alumni in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
A long time and active associate member of CASA, Bob served as senior vice president and chairman of the board for Whitley Burchett for 32 years before joining West Yost.
Pat Sinicropi to Join WateReuse Association in September
The WateReuse Association has appointed Pat Sinicropi to serve as its new Executive Director. Many CASA members know Pat well from her prior roles with the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Water Environment Federation.
She succeeds Melissa Meeker who now heads the Water Research and Recycling Foundation.
Grant Davis Appointed as Director of the Department of Water Resources
Governor Brown has appointed Grant Davis, Sonoma County Water Agency General Manager, as Director of the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) effective August 1st, 2017. Davis has been with the Sonoma County Water Agency since 2007 and has served as General Manager since 2010. Davis will replace acting DWR Director William R. Croyle.
Monterey Agency Name Change Reflects Sign of Times
If you haven’t heard, the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency is now Monterey One Water. “The agency is beginning a new era of total water management and updating the name reinforces the commitment of the Board of Directors to participating in cooperative regional water solutions,” says General Manager Paul Sciuto.
CASA Members Picked for WIFIA Loans
The EPA just announced its pick of 12 projects to apply for Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans. CASA members San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the City of San Diego were among those chosen.
SB 1383 Implementation Workshops
Do you have questions about SB 1383 or want to provide input? CalRecycle will introduce regulatory concepts related to reporting and enforcement at two upcoming workshops:
Important Dates for Wastewater Operator Examination
Deadlines are approaching for the final Waste Water Operator Exam of the year.
Application deadline: August 15, 2017
Examination: October 14, 2017
The Water Board Office of Operator Certification will only accept official or copies of official college or university transcripts with your application. The transcript must display the institution’s official seal, signature and/or watermark. Questions? Email: wwwopcerprogram@waterboards.ca.gov.
