Washington Report – December 2, 2024

It is vital Congress hears from you about legislation impacting water infrastructure;
Take a minute to contact your members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act;
The legislation is consistent with APWA’s policy priorities to engage “passive receivers” of PFAS like water systems to protect them from being subject to unfair litigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA);
Text PWX to 52886 if you aren’t receiving APWA action alerts; if you have already participated, thank you and please share this information with others.

EPA has launched the Water Infrastructure and Capacity Assessment Tool (Water ICAT), an interactive map that helps users – such as technical assistance providers – identify drinking water and wastewater utilities that may benefit from water infrastructure technical assistance or capacity development assistance;
- Water ICAT combines water utility information with compliance, community, and water infrastructure funding data allowing users to efficiently screen for utilities that may benefit from additional federal, state, or local support
- Additionally, there will be an informational webinar scheduled for January 14th
EPA also launched its Tackling Emerging Contaminants initiative, which will help eligible public drinking-water systems evaluate emerging contaminant issues, conduct initial water quality testing, and identify next steps in 200 small or disadvantaged communities over the next three years;
- EPA will also share best practices and amplify successes through case studies, fact sheets, webinars, and other resources regarding addressing emerging contaminants, including PFAS.

The latest Public Works Research product from Government Affairs provides a brief visual overview of the recently finalized rule along with context and potential challenges with implementation.

The Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) has released its Venue Guide for Security Considerations;
This guide will help venue operators enhance safety, protect assets, and create secure environments through effective security measures and best practices;
- It also outlines physical security considerations at venues and special events
The information is designed to help conduct risk assessment analysis to identify and address site-specific security vulnerabilities.

All times ET.

Dec. 5 at 9:30 a.m., the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has scheduled a hearing, Examining the Public Health Impacts of PFAS Exposures;
Dec. 5 at 10 a.m., the House Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing, Design vs. Default-Analyzing Shifts in Cybersecurity;
Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., EPA will have a Tools & Resources Webinar on the Ecotoxicology Knowledgebase (ECOTOX) and PFAS Updates.