Washington Forum

WWEMA 49th WASHINGTON FORUM

April 26-28, 2023
Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall

Washington, DC

You are invited to join us this year for WWEMA’s 49^th Washington Forum that will be held April 26-28, 2023 in conjunction with Water Week 2023 in Washington, DC. This year’s theme is Moving Water and Business Forward – Diverse Approaches, Inclusive Solutions. This is WWEMA’s annual legislative, regulatory, and policy meeting that directly connects our members, attendees, and invited guests to leaders in the water industry and government including Congress, the Department of Commerce, and EPA. We have a terrific line-up of speakers who will address everything from EPA’s priorities, to Buy America requirements, the economy, water research needs, the outlook for legislation and tackling tough issues like inflation and the debt ceiling, as well as information on helping businesses grow through exports. Everyone, WWEMA members and non-members alike, is invited to join us for this year’s WWEMA 49^th Washington Forum. Come join your colleagues in the water community and learn about changes that are impacting us today and how we can effectively engage and respond to them.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM AGENDA AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, April 26^th

Thursday, April 27^th

Friday, April 28^th

PRELIMINARY LIST OF SPEAKERS

USEPA Water Priorities Discussion
Wynne Miller, Deputy Director, EPA Office of Wastewater Management 
Jennifer McLain, Director, EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water 
Deborah Nagle, Director, EPA Office of Science and Technology
Brian Frazer, Acting Director, EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds

Our panel of U.S. EPA office directors will provide insights on the priorities for each of their offices and the regulatory issues they are tackling in 2023 and beyond. We know that lead, PFOA/PFOS, nutrients, MDBP regulatory revisions, water quality criteria, infrastructure funding, and assisting disadvantaged communities are current priorities. They will share information on these and other issues that will frame the Agency’s regulatory and policy agenda.

Build America, Buy America Update and Roundtable
Kiri Anderer, P.E.; Branch Supervisor, USEPA Water Infrastructure Technical Support Branch
Tim Connor, Senior Chemical Engineer, USEPA Water Infrastructure Division

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was signed by President Biden in November of 2021. The law requires that iron and steel, manufactured products, and construction materials comply with new Buy America requirements. Kiri and Tim will present the latest information on the status of the Build America, Buy America efforts at EPA and update us on the status of waivers and SRF funding as well as discuss the OMB proposed definition of cost of components for manufactured products. Join us for this interactive session where you can ask your questions and we can discuss with Kiri and Tim the ins and outs of compliance with these new requirements.

Water Research Priorities
Peter Grevatt, PhD, Chief Executive Officer, The Water Research Foundation

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public. Peter will present information on the latest research projects and priorities being funded by WRF.

PFAS in Reuse and Beyond – Regulations, Technologies, and Lessons Learned
Eva Steinle-Darling, PhD, PE, Water Reuse Practice Director, Vice President, Carollo Engineers

As various regions of the country struggle with drought and water quality issues, water reuse is gaining importance as a valid option for non-potable as well as potable water uses. Eva will provide information on occurrence of PFAS in water reuse and discuss the types of technologies in use today as well as emerging technologies and discuss their efficacy and challenges including disposal. 

Growing Your Business Abroad
Megan Hyndman, Designated Federal Officer, ETTAC, I&A Office of Energy & Environmental Industries, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce

The U.S. Department of Commerce has a wide range of tools and resources that can help manufacturers sell their products abroad. Megan will present information on the tools and resources available and talk about some of the new initiatives they are supporting in the environment and clean tech space.

Congressional Outlook for the Next Two Years
Jon Pawlow Esq., Partner, Earth and Water Law

The current political landscape is challenging at best – a divided Congress, a looming debt ceiling crisis, inflation, and conflicting priorities for each party and the Administration. Jon will provide an overview of the issues that Congress and the Administration are dealing with and the outlook for getting anything done over the next two years.

FTC Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements  and Changes to Severance Agreements – What Might this Mean for Your Business?
Trey Baker, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg 

The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule to ban non-compete agreements for all employees and independent contractors. In addition, the National Labor Relations Board issued a recent decision on clauses typically contained in severance agreements. Trey will present information on the proposed rule, the legal implications, and the options that may still be available to businesses to address the purpose of non-compete agreements as well as proposed changes to severance agreements. 

EVENT REGISTRATION

SPONSORSHIPS

WWEMA offers the opportunity to sponsor our events to help create dynamic programming and networking opportunities. A number of sponsorship opportunities are available to help support the WWEMA 48th Washington Forum. These include Aquamarine ($3,000), Emerald ($2,500), Diamond ($2,000), Platinum ($1,500), Gold ($1,000), Silver ($750), and Bronze ($500). Manufacturer Representatives can also help sponsor the Thursday Night Welcome Reception ($200). Sponsors are recognized in the promotional materials, the on-site program, from the podium, on the meeting video screens, on the WWEMA website, in the Member Bulletin newsletter, on social media platforms, and in post-meeting reports.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS 

The WWEMA 49th Washington Forum will be held at Hilton Washington D.C. National Mall, 480 L’Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC 20024. Unfortunately the WWEMA block of rooms at the event property is now full, and the hotel is at capacity. A list of nearby properties can be found HERE.

Please contact Susi Ricker at susi@wwema.org if you encounter any issues with reserving your room.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

The Hilton Washington DC National Mall is located 4.0 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The hotel can be reached via car, taxi, Uber, or Lyft. The hotel also sits above the L’Enfant D.C. Metro stop that connects directly to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport via the yellow line. The hotel is steps from the best D.C. has to offer: the National Mall, The Warf, the Spy Museum, the Jefferson Memorial, the Air & Space Museum, the Lincoln Memorial and more.