Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:­
Nathan Gardner-Andrews | Chief Advocacy & Policy Officer
(202) 833-3692, ngardner-andrews@nacwa.org                                            

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) testified before the United States Senate’s Environment & Public Works Committee on March 15 as part of a hearing entitled Implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act (IIJA): Perspectives on the Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act.

NACWA’s testimony focused on how the nation’s public clean water utilities are helping to implement the wastewater components of the IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), and what additional action Congress and EPA can take to ensure the legislation’s success. 

Thomas Sigmund, NACWA President and Executive Director of NEW Water in Green Bay, Wisconsin, provided NACWA’s testimony and noted the following:

“Deployed fully and strategically, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) will lead to more resilient infrastructure and help ensure clean, safe water for all. But rising costs, unappropriated funds and the threat of massive new regulatory liabilities could also blunt the impact this transformative legislation would have. We need to work together to ensure BIL does not simply patch holes or fill gaps but truly sets us on a path toward a more sustainable clean water future for all. Clean water utilities are eager to leverage these federal investments as BIL implementation continues in earnest. NACWA has been engaged with EPA during this process and we are encouraged by the efforts being led by EPA Administrator Regan and Assistant Administrator Fox on this major undertaking to implement the statute expeditiously and ensure it achieves the goals set forth by Congress.”

Other elements of NACWA’s testimony focused on the need for additional flexibility in how funds allocated under BIL for PFAS remediation can be spent; the importance of Congress fully funding programs authorized under BIL such as increased annual appropriations for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the establishment of a pilot low-income water assistance program at EPA; ensuring the 49% of BIL clean water funds earmarked as grants for disadvantaged and low-income communities reach their targets; and providing necessary flexibility under the Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements to ensure clean water projects can be successfully implemented.

NACWA thanks the Committee for the opportunity to testify and looks forward to additional collaboration with EPA and Congress to ensure the BIL is implemented as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

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About NACWA

For over 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized legislative, regulatory, legal and communications advocacy leader and nonpartisan technical expert on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide that are environmental, economic and public health anchor institutions within their communities. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for the public clean water sector and helps advance policies to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.  Our vision is to advance sustainable and responsible policy initiatives that help to shape a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at nacwa.org.