Washington D.C. – March 19, 2024 – The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA’s) highly anticipated 2024 Water Policy Conference commences in the nation’s capital today, where esteemed water executives will address critical federal water policy issues impacting their systems.
Renowned journalist and CBS Evening News anchor Noah O’Donnell kicks off the conference to analyze the pressing issues, key stakeholders, and political dynamics shaping water policy in the nation’s capital. Against the backdrop of Congress and the Biden Administration’s evolving agendas for 2024, O’Donnell's insights promise to illuminate the implications for water system operations.
Following O’Donnell’s address, Bruno Pigott, Acting Assistant Administrator of the EPA’s Office of Water, will delve into the Biden Administration’s water agenda for 2024. Highlights include updates on crucial drinking water rules concerning PFAS, the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), and developments related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. The day will conclude with interactive panels focusing on climate change action and lead service line removal.
The program’s second day will feature policymakers’ perspectives on drinking water in 2024, with insights from congressional officials, a noted historian, and communications professionals offering insights on effectively communicating policy priorities to lawmakers. The day will culminate in a dynamic discussion between conference participants and AMWA staff, exploring pertinent takeaways from the sessions and their potential impacts on drinking water systems.
The conference’s final day offers attendees the choice between congressional visits or participation in a closed roundtable discussion on Environmental Justice, hosted by AMWA member DC Water, on integrating environmental justice and equity into water management.
"The 2024 Water Policy Conference is the foremost forum for water executives, policymakers, and stakeholders to convene and address critical policy challenges facing our nation's water systems. As we gather this week, we are poised to explore innovative solutions towards ensuring access to safe and affordable water for all communities,” said AMWA CEO Tom Dobbins. “AMWA remains committed to advancing dialogue, fostering partnerships, and driving impactful change within the water sector on issues such as PFAS, lead service line removal, climate resilience, environmental justice, and affordability. I look forward to the insightful outcomes emerging from this conference."
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The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA) has been the unified and definitive voice for the nation's largest publicly owned water systems for over 40 years. AMWA's membership serves more than 160 million people with safe drinking water.
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