Government Affairs

Standing Committee

Overall Charge

1. To keep abreast, comment, and testify on existing and proposed legislation, guidelines, policy
concept papers, regulations, and other issues related to the water environment and conduct
activities to promote better understanding of regional water quality problems and solutions.

Membership 

1. The committee shall consist of at least six members with the chair appointed by the
President. There shall be one member serving as Liaison from RIDEM. There shall be a Vice Chair.
Consideration for membership shall be given to various disciplines and perspectives.

Specific Duties 

1. To keep abreast of and inform the members of the latest developments and proposed changes in state and federal water pollution laws, guidelines, regulations, and programs.

2. To review and comment on proposed changes to water pollution laws, to serve as a clearinghouse for preparation of position papers, comment letters, model legislation, and technical information.

3. To ensure that comments, suggestions, and recommendations developed in the subject area are consistent with any standing Association policies and coordinate as necessary with other
committees, NEWEA, and the Water Environment Federation.

4. To communicate with EPA officials, the New England congressional delegation and individual state legislators when appropriate.

5. To make arrangements for the annual Congressional Briefing, in Washington, DC, for the Rhode Island Delegation and Association Membership.

6. To organize an annual state legislative event to discuss current and future issues affecting water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure in Rhode Island and to inform and educate legislators about
clean water issues important to Rhode Island communities.

7. To provide assistance, when appropriate, to the Program Committee in developing topics of special interest in the above subject area for presentation at meetings of the Association.

8. To meet with the Director of the RI Department of Environmental Management and the EPA Regional
Administrator and/or his/her representatives on a mutually agreeable schedule and agenda items. The Chair shall set dates of meetings and prepare tentative agendas to be sent to EPA prior to meeting.

9. To prepare or solicit position papers from other committees and the Board for presentation to EPA and legislative bodies. Position papers shall be approved in advance by the Board.