Katherine Boyle, E&E reporter

Water utilities expressed support this week for draft House legislation that would establish a national cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions.

"We strongly support comprehensive legislation to mitigate and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," the National Association of Clean Water Agencies' executive director, Ken Kirk, said in a letter to the bill's sponsors, Democrats Henry Waxman of California and Ed Markey of Massachusetts. "The most critical impacts of global climate change will appear through the hydrological system."

Utilities will have to increasingly utilize wastewater reuse and recycling in areas plagued by drought or where saltwater intrusion threatens water supplies, Kirk wrote. Extreme storms also could spur overflows from sewer plants not designed for climate change-induced conditions.

Coastal wastewater treatment could be threatened by rising seas and will need help to strengthen its infrastructure or relocate, he wrote.

Kirk praised provisions that would require NOAA to assess the potential effects of climate change on infrastructure. The bill also would authorize funding for adaptation projects.

The association would like the bill to clarify that publicly owned treatment works and community water systems are included in the definition of "local governments" and would thus be eligible for funding.

The group is also urging the inclusion of a separate provision providing money for water reuse and recycling projects and water infrastructure enhancement and relocation.

Kirk also said the legislation should boost funding for research to help water managers and communities prepare for climate change.