NWRA – The go-to resource on Western water issues

    

Our policy and advocacy program is built on a strong foundation of Committees, Task Forces, and Caucuses working independently and jointly to evaluate challenges, develop solutions, and pursue appropriate outcomes through timely and accurate communication, non-partisan relationship development, and most importantly an unyielding dedication to a sustainable, safe and abundant water supply.

These are the underlying principles that guide all our policy endeavors which are developed by our Policy Development Committee, advocated by our Federal Affairs Committee and Task Forces, along with our Caucuses. And their actions are guided and underpinned by our Litigation Review Committee.

Applying these principles on a daily basis has led to the evolution of the association's reputation as a “go to” resource for information and thoughtful and informed analysis of proposed Western water-related policies.  

Policy Development Committee | Co-Chair - Wade Noble, Co-Chair - Meghan Scott

Prepares and presents resolutions or policies to the state caucuses and the Board for approval. The Executive Vice President/Secretary, in consultation with the Vice President and the Chair of the Federal Affairs Committee, assign resolutions and policies to appropriate committees or task forces for action.

Position Statements of the Policy Development Committee

Federal Affairs Committee | Chair - Christine Arbogast, Vice Chair - Paul Arrington

Develops and monitors emerging federal legislative and regulatory policy initiatives that may impact Western water, association members and/or their respective customers. In addition the committee oversees and coordinates the efforts of the task forces, committees, and caucuses noted below and ensures their efforts are consistent with the directives and actions of the association's board and other operational committees.

Litigation Review Committee | Chair - Patrick Sigl, Vice Chairs - Norm Semanko & Larry Martin

While much of the association's advocacy focuses on legislative and administrative proposals, the judicial branch and its rulings can have a major impact on the development and management of Western water resources.  The Litigation Review Committee, made up of talented Western water legal experts committed to the association's goals, monitors legal cases on endangered species, environmental compliance, water quality and more.

Army Corps Task Force | Chair - Vacant, Vice Chair - Andrea Travnicek

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has a vast mission of delivering vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with partners, to secure the United States, energize its economy, and reduce disaster risk. Water resource management is a major part of this mission and thus it is the responsibility of this task force to coordinate with the Army Corps to ensure the public and private sectors are working together in fulfilling their respective commitments to this endeavor.

Environmental Task Force | Chair - Jordan Smith, Vice Chair - Andy Colosimo

The Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act are primary policy areas for the Environment Task Force.  Both of these environmental laws, and regulatory implementation of them, influence the development, management, delivery and conservation of Western water resources.  

Groundwater Task Force | Chair - Mark Rude, Vice Chair - Aron Balok

In today's environment effective groundwater management is critically important. This complex undertaking mandates knowledge of hydrogeology, geology, metering and a host of other elements that are necessary to ensure groundwater quality, quantity, and subsidence. The task force focuses on these issues as well as the joint management of surface and ground water to ensure the preservation of groundwater resources for future generations.

Waterpower Task Force | Chair - Leslie James, Vice Chair - Darvin Fales

Preserving and expanding clean, reliable, affordable hydropower and marine energy is a major objective of our Western water community and along with this comes the benefits of water resource management and sustainability as well as recreational benefits. This task force follows these issues and collaborates to champion water power as a valuable and essential renewable energy resource and water sustainability tool.

Water Quality Task Force | Chair - David Filippi, Vice Chair - Ana Schwab

Defining “waters of the United States” is a decades-long challenge.  And an emerging issue — “forever chemicals” — keeps this task force busy.  There is much focus on both issues legislatively, and of course Clean Water Act regulatory action continually adds to the work of this task force. 

Watershed Health Task Force | Chair - David Reynolds, Vice Chair - Vacant

In the last decade, the West has increased awareness of the impact of wildfires on water supply and delivery.  The Watershed Health Task Force focuses on forest management from healthy forest practices to effective suppression resources to post-fire mitigation.  When the fires are out, the greatest threat is to water supply.

Water Supply Task Force | Chair - Don Kraus, Vice Chair - Vacant

An abundant and sustainable water supply for diverse Western water users is a top priority for the association.  While supply is linked to environment and climate conditions, like prolonged drought, it is also linked to a strong backbone of infrastructure.  NWRA was a key player in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provisions which included significant investment in new and aging infrastructure.

Ground Water Caucus | Co-Chair - Aron Balok, Co-Chair - Mark Rude

Industry Caucus | Chair - Sandy Fabritz, Vice Chair - Vacant

Irrigation Caucus | President - John O'Callaghan, 1st Vice President - Meghan Scott, 2nd Vice President - Bobby Bischoff, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer - Shane Leonard

Municipal Caucus | Chair - Scott Paxman, Vice Chair - Vacant