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.

House Subcommittee Approves Comprehensive OCEANS Bill
On April 23, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans passed H.R. 21 and sent it to full committee despite several attempts by Republicans to block the legislation.  Approved 11-3, the bill would strengthen the role of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce, establish a national oceans advisor to the president, coordinate federal and state agencies, and offer guidelines for regional coordination and ecosystem planning. H.R. 21, also known as Ocean Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (OCEANS 21), was developed three years ago to implement recommendations from the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, the Joint Oceans Commission Initiative, and the Pew Oceans Commission.  Advocates say it will provide better structure, improve regional ocean governance, and prioritize marine ecosystems.  Detractors say the bill goes too far and could create further confusion and regulatory hurdles that could interfere with aquaculture, offshore natural gas development and wind farms, and dredging projects.  The version of the bill that passed included an amendment from subcommittee Chairwoman Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) intended to address some of the concerns raised about H.R. 21.  The amendment changes a requirement that agencies review each project for its potential effects on ocean health. Instead, the bill requires federal agencies revise their existing regulations as necessary to ensure that they are carried out in a way that is consistent with oceans conservation policy, and NOAA would not be responsible for certifying or approving projects. 

EPA Releases Asset Management Tool for Small Systems
On April 21, EPA announced the availability of a new computer-based asset management tool for small drinking water and wastewater systems.  The Check Up Program for Small Systems (CUPSS) uses information provided on the system’s assets, operation and maintenance activities, and financial status to produce a prioritized asset inventory, financial reports, and a tailored asset management plan.  The primary user community for CUPSS is utilities with fewer than 1,000 connections or 3,300 individuals.  According to EPA, CUPSS will help bridge the growing financial gap faced by small drinking water and wastewater systems as they repair and replace infrastructure.  CUPSS was developed by EPA's Office of Water with input from state representatives, the National Rural Water Association, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and Environmental Finance Centers.  The free program is available at www.epa.gov/cupss.

Congress Passes Farm Bill Extension
On Thursday, a one-week extension of the 2002 Farm Bill passed by voice vote in the House and Senate. The previous extension expires today.  President Bush called for a one-year extension, which would leave wrapping up the legislation to the next Congress and the next president.  Lawmakers say they are getting closer to reaching an agreement and that Bush's yearlong extension would wipe out the progress they have made.  Congress has now extended the law two times in two weeks, and this is the fifth extension since the law originally expired in September.

EPA Provides $5 Million for Water Security
EPA announced April 21 that it is making nearly $5 million available to state and territorial agencies to support water infrastructure protection efforts.  Each state will receive a minimum of $50,000, and each territory will receive at least $16,700, the agency said.  According to the announcement, states and territories are encouraged to use grant funds to help implement security enhancements, such as improving the readiness of first responders for drinking water systems, providing training on emergency response and recovery plans, and promoting the development of mutual aid compacts among state water utilities. More information about the grants is available at http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/watersecurity/financeassist.cfm.

2008 Great Lakes LaMPs Released
In 1987, the governments of the United States and Canada made a commitment, as part of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, to develop a Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP) for each of the five Great Lakes.  On April 24, EPA and Environment Canada and their partners issued the 2008 LaMPs for Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.  Designed to ensure coordination of protection, restoration, and maintenance efforts in the Great Lakes ecosystem, the LaMPs outline the environmental status of each lake, highlight successes, identify problems, and propose solutions.  The 2008 LaMPs are available at www.epa.gov/glnpo/lamp/index.html.

EPA Releases Watershed Plan Handbook
On April 21, EPA announced the availability of a new document designed to help communities; watershed organizations; and local, state, tribal, and Federal agencies design and implement watershed plans.  According to EPA, the Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters contains in-depth guidance on quantifying existing pollutant loads, developing estimates of the load reductions required to meet water quality standards, developing effective management measures, and tracking progress once the plan is implemented.  The Handbook is intended to supplement existing watershed planning guides and contains an appendix listing these resources.  The Handbook is available at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/watershed_handbook/pdf/handbook.pdf. 

EPA Photo Contest Winners Announced
EPA announced the winners of the 2008 Earth Day Photo Contest.  Each year, EPA holds the contest to find the best photos showing the EPA mission to protect human health and the environment.  Photos are submitted in three categories: Enjoying the Environment, Protecting the Environment, and Nature and Wildlife.  View winning photos at www.epa.gov/earthday/photocontest/winners.html#enjoying.  

Quote of the Week:
And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. 
~William Shakespeare

To receive This Week in Washington via e-mail, contact Martha Ravenhill at mravenhill@wef.org.