In response to increasing concerns about climate change impacts, NACWA has released a white paper, Climate Change:  Emerging Issues for Clean Water Agencies.  This white paper arrives at a time when Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as state legislatures across the country, are wrestling with how to assess the impacts of, and address, climate change issues.  This document provides information about how clean water agencies may be affected by climate change and describes national policies that are taking shape to address climate change concerns.  As these efforts ramp up, it is increasingly critical for the Association and its member agencies to participate in the national climate change dialogue and to advocate on behalf of the interests of the clean water community.  This white paper provides the essential background information for NACWA members to engage in the ongoing policy efforts.  

Legislation Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions Likely

Clean water agencies may be affected in the future by legislation requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or increased use of renewable energy sources.  The white paper presents information about how greenhouse gas emissions are estimated by EPA and outlines the concerns NACWA has with the current emissions estimates for wastewater treatment.  State and local governments have already begun to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, and similar measures are under consideration by the federal government, with cap-and-trade systems the most commonly proposed regulation method.  With a cap-and-trade system, greenhouse gas emissions are limited and companies or other entities must purchase or trade credits to exceed their allowable emissions.  The white paper discusses the different options possible in establishing a cap-and-trade system and the implications of each for clean water agencies.  

EPA, Congress Evaluate Impacts on Water Resources

Although the human contributions to climate change and the impacts of climate change are still uncertain, EPA and Congress are already considering the possible impacts on water resources.  Many scientists predict altered weathered patterns varying by geographic region, including changes in the amount of precipitation, storm intensity, and temperature.  The white paper describes the coordinated efforts between EPA’s Office of Water Climate Change Workgroup, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Air and Radiation on climate change research and adaptation plans for water resources.  Congress is also addressing the climate change impacts on water resources through hearings and in proposed legislation.

Climate Change Forum to Offer Insights into Municipal Concerns, Priorities

NACWA members will be discussing the regulatory, legislative, and legal issues relating to climate change and their effects on clean water agencies at the upcoming 2007 Water Sector Forum on Climate Change.  The white paper will serve as a background document at the Forum, which is being held in Albuquerque on December 3-4 and is being sponsored jointly by NACWA, the Water Environment Federation (WEF), the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), and the Western Coalition of Arid States (WESTCAS).  NACWA will provide information to members about the discussions after the Forum.  

If you have comments or questions about the climate change issues discussed in the white paper, please contact Cynthia Finley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 202/296-9636.