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The House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment will hold a hearing tomorrow, July 24, to examine the status of EPA’s Integrated Planning Framework and legislative efforts being made to supplement the approach and promote clean water affordability issues. Stephen Meyer, Director of Environmental Services for the City of Springfield, Missouri, and Member of NACWA’s Board of Directors will be testifying on NACWA’s behalf. Mr. Meyer will be speaking about Springfield’s affordability challenges and the City’s efforts to develop an integrated plan in order to more affordably manage their wastewater and stormwater requirements under the Clean Water Act. Springfield hopes to eventually incorporate their requirements under the Clean Air Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act into their integrated plan as well.

The hearing, entitled “Integrated Planning and Permitting Framework: An Opportunity for EPA to Provide Communities with Flexibility to Make Smart Investments in Water Quality,” will also examine two pieces of legislation that NACWA has worked on to promote Integrated Planning and address affordability issues. The first is H.R. 3862, The Clean Water Affordability Act, which is co-sponsored by Representatives Bob Latta (R-OH) and Tim Walz (D-MN) and would codify EPA’s Integrated Planning approach, extend permit terms for communities with an approved integrated plan, and require EPA to revise its guidance on financial capability. The second bill is H.R. 2707, The Clean Water Compliance and Ratepayer Affordability Act, which is co-sponsored by Representatives Steven Chabot (R-OH) and Marcia Fudge (R-OH) and would create a new pilot program for 15 communities across the country to develop integrated plans and extend permit terms for pilot communities with an approved integrated plan.

Tomorrow’s hearing is scheduled for 10:00 am EST in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing will also be live streamed from the T&I Committee website.