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.

EPA Report Demonstrates Cost Savings from Low Impact Development Practices
EPA released a new report on Jan. 8 that demonstrates the economic viability of low impact development (LID) practices. The report, Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices, covers 17 case studies from across North America and highlights the cost savings that were realized as the result of using LID practices.  According to EPA, total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with a few exceptions in which LID project costs were higher than conventional stormwater management costs.  EPA expects that as LID practices become more common they will become cheaper to use.  Some common LID practices include rain gardens, grassed swales, cisterns, rain barrels, permeable pavements and green roofs.  A copy of the report is available at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/costs07/.

Water Organizations Urge EPA to Release Office of Water Climate Strategy
In a Jan. 8 letter to EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, Benjamin Grumbles, water and wastewater organizations urged the agency to issue its national strategy on climate change.  The strategy has been under development since March 2007 when Grumbles established the National Water Program Climate Change Workgroup, and is currently undergoing internal review.  “Water utility organizations recognize the importance of collaboration when facing this global issue.  We urge you to release the National Water Program Strategy on Climate Change as soon as possible so that we can better coordinate with and support your efforts,” the letter stated.  The letter was signed by WEF, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and the Western Coalition of Arid States.  These organizations gathered together at a forum in December to discuss their activities related to climate change, current national policy and emerging legislation, and how national water organizations can work together. 

EPA Honors Landfill Methane Outreach Program Partners
At the 11th Annual Landfill Methane Outreach Program Conference & Project Expo on Wednesday, EPA recognized the accomplishments of several organizations that are generating renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gasses.  Methane is a primary component of landfill gas and is over 20 times more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.  Currently 435 projects nationwide are producing renewable energy by harnessing methane gas.  In 2007, these projects produced over 10.5 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, the equivalent of powering roughly 810,000 homes.  “By turning methane waste into wealth, EPA and our partners are helping build a clean and plentiful energy supply for our country,” said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson.  This year’s awards were presented to projects that demonstrated creativity, persistence, and leadership.  A list of the recipients is available at www.epa.gov/lmop/res/2007_awards.htm.