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May 4, 2001

Whitman Budget Testimony Supports AMSA Priorities
On May 2 EPA Administrator Whitman testified on EPA’s 2002 budget before the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Whitman highlighted the AMSA-supported CSO and SSO grant program created by the Wet Weather Water Quality Act of 2000. However, she indicated that Act’s requirement that the SRF be funded at $1.35 billion to trigger the grants should be changed "to meet our priorities while exercising fiscal restraint". The President’s budget funds "water infrastructure" at a total of $1.3 billion–$850 million for the SRF and $450 million for wet weather grants. Congress intended the grants be funded at $750 million. Whitman also noted that "[e]nsuring that our water infrastructure needs are addressed will require a shared commitment on the part of the Federal, State, tribal, and local governments, private business and consumers. I pledge that EPA will continue to participate in such a partnership to better understand the water infrastructure challenges we face . . ." AMSA will pursue full funding of both the SRF and the grant program, and continue our infrastructure funding efforts in coming months. See Whitman’s statement at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legreg/outreach/5-3-01fy2002whitmanstatement.pdf.

EPA Requests More Time to Complete Round II Biosolids Rule
AMSA soon will meet with EPA on the status of the Round II regulations for pollutants in biosolids. EPA must complete these regulations by December 15, 2001 under a Consent Decree in Gearhart v. Browner, a 1989 citizen suit in the Oregon District Court which sought to require EPA to identify toxic pollutants in sewage sludge and set limits and conditions on such pollutants. In an April 23 letter, EPA notified parties to the case–including AMSA–that the Agency expects to need time beyond December 15 to complete and evaluate additional dioxin sampling and risk modeling and analysis. EPA notes that AMSA’s dioxin survey is important data that EPA needs to evaluate before making final decisions on Round II standards. See EPA’s letter at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legreg/litigation/5-4-01gerhart.pdf.

Schedule a Meeting with Your Representatives Today
The afternoon of Tuesday, May 22 during the 2001 National Environmental Policy Forum and 31^st Annual Meeting has been set aside for AMSA members to visit their Congressional delegations and/or key EPA headquarters staff. Nothing has greater impact than a constituent making an in-person visit to raise their issues first hand. See Legislative Alerts 01-03 and LA01-04 for help making appointments. If you have not yet set up these important meetings, contact Robin Davis at 202/833-3280 or rdavis@amsa-cleanwater.org for assistance.

Due Date for AMSA CSO Survey Changed to May 9
AMSA is conducting a national survey of its combined sewer overflow (CSO) communities in support of EPA’s Report to Congress. The surveys are due to AMSA by Wednesday, May 9. All CSO members are encouraged to take the time to complete the survey to facilitate an accurate report of the challenges and concerns facing POTWs across the country. Access to the survey form on AMSA’s website at http://www.amsa-cleanwater.org/private/legreg/outreach/4-18-01csosurvey.pdf or by calling Greg Schaner at 202/296-9836.

> Policy Forum Registration Deadline May 11 . . . Register today for AMSA’s 2001 National Environmental Policy Forum & 31^st Annual Meeting to be held May 19-23, 2001 at the Marriott at Metro Center in Washington, DC. Visit AMSA’s web site for the most up-to-date conference agenda and online registration, www.amsa-cleanwater.org.