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Government Affairs & Public Policy

WEF's Government Affairs and Public Policy Program provides scientifically sound input on pending legislation and rulemaking through testimony to Congress and comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on important topics affecting the water sector. At WEF’s annual conference, WEFTEC, the group presents sessions related to wastewater regulations and legislative issues. Please visit the pages below for more information.
 

 

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» Government Affairs Spotlight

Plans Under Way for April WEF-AWWA Fly In

Plans are continuing for the third joint WEF-AWWA Congressional Fly In which will be held April 17-18 in Washington. The Fly-In provides an opportunity for water professionals to carry a united message about the Value of Water and the benefits of investment directly to their elected federal representatives. The Fly In will commence at 8:30 am on Wednesday, April 17 and conclude at 1:30 pm on Thursday, April 18. 

WEF members and Member Associations should be working with their AWWA Section counterparts to organize state delegations and make appointments with their state’s Senators and Representatives.  WEF and AWWA will provide advice on appointment-setting, and a webcast for all delegates will be held in advance to provide training on effective office visits and briefing materials on key clean and safe drinking water issues.  Don’t be intimidated by the prospect of talking to Members of Congress or their staff about clean water—remember, you are the experts, and they are depending upon you for the information they need to make the right decisions!

Participation in the Fly In is offered free as a member service for all WEF members and Member Associations.  All training, meals and refreshments as well as local transit assistance will be provided.  Delegates or their sponsoring associations are responsible for transportation to Washington and overnight hotel accommodations. The Headquarters Hotel is the Arlington Hilton, 950 N. Stafford Street, which is a short subway ride from Washington National Airport, as well as Capitol Hill and the House and Senate office buildings.

To register or obtain more information about participants and Fly In plans for your state, contact Tommy Holmes at AWWA, (202) 326-6128, or Tim Williams at WEF, (703) 684-2437. To reserve a hotel room, contact the Arlington Hilton at (703) 528-6000 or use this link.

» Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

WEF tracks legislation and regulation that has direct impacts on the water sector and works through the Government Affairs Committee to disseminate timely and topical developments at the Federal level to the WEF membership.  The Government Affairs / Public Policy group and GAC works together to comment on regulations critical to the water sector and also engage with Congressional staff on pending water-related legislation.  Other activities include Congressional briefings and testimony, engagement with regulatory staff, and information dissemination to the WEF membership.  For more information, please visit the links below.

Legislative Affairs page » 

Regulatory Affairs page » 

Water for Jobs Webpage
Water Puts America to Work:  Investment in Water Infrastructure Creates Jobs, Drives Innovation, and Safeguards Public Health – campaign to send a clear message to our elected officials and political candidates that investment in water infrastructure is an investment in America.

 

 

» Policy and Position Statements

Statements articulating the stance on a variety of issues by WEF's membership are regularly developed in conjunction with the Government Affairs Committee along with other technical committees within WEF.  These policy and position statements provide insights on topical concerns within the clean water community.

» This Week in Washington 

TWIW masthead

This Week in Washington is a weekly publication of the Water Environment Federation’s Government Affairs department. It provides updates on the latest legislative and regulatory developments that affect the water and wastewater communities.

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State and Regional Issues

Canadian Government Affairs 
The Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) and WEF have partnered to increase public understanding of water quality issues and to promote sound public policy.

 

Conferences & Events

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Government Affairs Committee

The Committee shall provide direction and leadership on the formation of government environmental policies, interaction with WEF members and MAs on these policies, and implementation of sound environmental policies. 


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