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June 9, 2000
AMSA Urges Support for Finalizing New TMDL Rule
This week, AMSA urged six environmental advocacy groups to support the finalization of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed changes to the total maximum daily loads (TMDL) program. In late May, several groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, and the Sierra Club called on EPA Administrator Carol Browner to withdraw the TMDL proposal, citing the delays involved in EPA's proposed15-year schedule for the development of TMDLs as their chief concern. In response, AMSA Executive Director Ken Kirk urged the groups “to reconsider [their] position on the TMDL proposal and to join with AMSA in supporting fair-share water pollution controls on all sources of water quality impairment.” AMSA's letter outlined major concerns with the advocacy groups' position and the possible ramifications of a TMDL proposal withdrawal including providing “cover to those who support allowing nonpoint sources of water pollution to continue impairing water quality.” Based on AMSA's letter and indications from EPA that some of the environmentalists' concerns could be addressed in the final rule, the groups may support the rule's finalization. In other TMDL activity this week, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Chuck Fox agreed to drop entirely the silvicultural provisions from the current TMDL proposal to address the concerns of key senators on the Environment & Public Works Committee. At the same time, Fox reaffirmed EPA's commitment to finalize the rule “early this summer.” Fox said the forestry provisions would be re-proposed as a separate rulemaking next year. From this latest move, is clear that the rule remains in flux. AMSA will remain engaged in discussions with all sides of the TMDL issue and will report any significant developments.House Committee Approves EPA Funding Bill
The House Appropriations Committee approved by voice vote a $7.2 billion FY 2001 funding bill for EPA, which included report language prohibiting the expenditure of EPA funds to implement its revised TMDL program. The same bill would fund the State Revolving Loan Fund at $1.2 billion, $400 million above the administration's budget request. The VA, HUD & Independent Agencies funding bill will next be considered by the full House, while the Senate Appropriations Committee develops their version of EPA funding bill.AMSA Members Will Soon Receive 1999 Financial Survey
As a benefit of membership, every AMSA member will soon receive a complimentary copy of The AMSA 1999 Financial Survey via Member Update 00-04. Additional copies are $45 for AMSA members, $65 for non-members. Contact the National Office to order more or purchase the survey online at https://www.netstrategies.com/amsa/order.cfm. The form may also be printed out and faxed to the National Office, 202/833-4657.AMSA TMDL Conference Hotel Deadline June 15 . . .
Register now for AMSA's summer conference, TMDL . . . Opportunities or Obstacles? The deadline to receive AMSA's special hotel conference rate is Thursday, June 15. To make reservations contact the Camberley Brown Hotel, 335 West Broadway, Louisville, Ky. at 800/555-8000.