Trade Associations
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from national and international trade associations influencing the debate on federal policies.
Featured Stories
WILDFIRE PREVENTION PARTNERS ANNOUNCE 2024 SMOKEY BEAR AWARDEES
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The National Association of State Foresters posted the following news release on May 9, 2024:
The partners behind the wildfire prevention legend Smokey Bear and his public service advertisement campaign--the longest running in United States history--are pleased to announce the 2024 national Smokey Bear Award awardees. The Smokey Bear Awards are reserved for individuals, teams, and organizations that provide outstanding service with significant and sustained program impact in the wildfire prevention arena.
In the world of wildfire prevention, there is no greater honor than
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The National Association of State Foresters posted the following news release on May 9, 2024:
The partners behind the wildfire prevention legend Smokey Bear and his public service advertisement campaign--the longest running in United States history--are pleased to announce the 2024 national Smokey Bear Award awardees. The Smokey Bear Awards are reserved for individuals, teams, and organizations that provide outstanding service with significant and sustained program impact in the wildfire prevention arena.
In the world of wildfire prevention, there is no greater honor thanreceiving a Smokey Bear Award. From the 1950s to today, the Smokey Bear Awards program has been managed by the National Association of State Foresters (NASF), the Ad Council, and the USDA Forest Service.
"We are continually impressed by the public servants dedicated to preventing human-caused wildfires," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "They bring not only their passion of helping Smokey Bear, but also a deep knowledge of education that passes the practice of fire prevention on to the next generation of natural resource stewards."
This year, three individuals and one team have earned prestigious recognition for fire prevention work in their communities.
CERTIFICATE
Linda Austin
Linda Austin began her firefighting career in 1988 and eventually retired in 2022 as an Engine Captain on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (ARP). She tragically passed away on August 25th, 2023. Linda demonstrated a real passion for wildfire prevention by spearheading activities and pioneering programming before a formal prevention program was established on the ARP. Over her 34-year career, she embodied Smokey's positive attitude and found ways to turn ordinary interactions into crucial teaching moments.
BRONZE
Michelle Moore
Michelle Moore is a Staff Forester (II) with the Texas A&M Forest Service, yet she dedicated additional time outside of her regular responsibilities to follow her personal passion for fire prevention. Seeing a need to help prepare non-fire personnel in fire prevention efforts, Michelle created a virtual training that transformed Texas A&M Forest Service's approach to fire prevention and now serves as a model for other states and agencies. Michelle also brought fire prevention education to major league baseball games, primary schools, and pet adoption centers. The virtual training and other fire prevention education efforts helped increase the capacity of partner organizations to help spread Smokey's message.
SILVER
Spark Safety Campaign Team
A group of BLM Fire Mitigation and Education Specialists in Nevada, Utah, and Idaho partnered with regional gas station chain Maverik--Adventure's First Stop to create creative and memorable PSA videos that celebrate the culture of the western United States. Over the course of three years, this public-private partnership aired 6 original fire prevention PSAs for over 100 million views and sold 391,521 firewood bundles with "Drown, Stir, Feel" messaging. The Spark Safety Team showed tremendous leadership, inspiring similar spin-off campaigns among other fire agencies and National Fire Prevention Education Teams.
LEGACY
Maureen Brooks
Maureen Brooks retired in 2023 as Branch Chief for Wildfire Prevention and Community Mitigation. Prior to joining the USDA Forest Service, Maureen worked in fire prevention for the Maryland Forest Service for 20 years. In 2010, Maureen was honored with a silver Smokey Bear award for her long-term strategic planning in Region 9 (Northeast/Midwest). As Branch Chief, Maureen provided invaluable expertise to the national Smokey Bear campaign and led licensing operations. In 2020, Maureen led the 75th birthday national planning team who earned a gold Smokey Bear Award. Her tenure as Branch Chief was marked by her foresight, constant consideration about the next generation, and preparing for Smokey's 80th birthday and beyond.
"This year's awardees provide us with exemplary models for developing wildfire prevention programming," said NASF president Scott Phillips. "These individuals and organizations show that wildfire prevention is so much more than what we typically think of, and these innovative ideas are absolutely critical as we combat the wildfire crisis."
"This year's winners of the Smokey Bear Award all share an outstanding commitment to education" said Michelle Hillman, Ad Council Chief Campaign Development Officer. "Whether it's baseball games or bundles of firewood, their work to teach the public about accidental, human-caused wildfire has been remarkable and we congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition."
The 2024 Smokey Bear Awards will be presented at Smokey Bear's 80th birthday celebration and poster contest award ceremony at the USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. on August 9th, 2024. You can get to know this year's awardees, as well as past winners, with a visit to SmokeyBear.com. The nominations period for the 2025 Smokey Bear Awards is now open and will close in December 2024.
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USDA Forest Service
The Forest Service is the agency responsible for overseeing the use of Smokey Bear in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the Ad Council. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands for the American Public. Its mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
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National Association of State Foresters
Since its start in 1920, the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) has served as a leading authority on forest management in the United States. NASF's members are the primary delivery system for forest management activities nationwide. They conserve, enhance, and protect state and private forests, which encompass nearly two-thirds of the nation's forests, and are responsible for wildfire protection on more than 1.5 billion acres. Learn more at http://www.stateforesters.org.
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Ad Council
The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change around the most pressing issues in America. Since the non-profit's founding, the organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country's most iconic social impact campaigns - Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun safety, the opioid epidemic, skill-based hiring and other critical issues, the Ad Council's national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, and employer programs, among other innovative strategies to move the needle on the most important issues of the day.
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Original text here: https://www.stateforesters.org/newsroom/wildfire-prevention-partners-announce-2024-smokey-bear-awardees/
[Category: Agriculture]
USTelecom-The Broadband Association: Statement on the Facilitating Optimal and Rapid Expansion and Siting of Telecommunications Act
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- USTelecom-The Broadband Association issued the following statement dated May 2, 2024, by Brandon Heiner, senior vice president of government affairs:
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Today, Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), introduced the Facilitating Optimal and Rapid Expansion and Siting of Telecommunications (FOREST) Act. The FOREST Act remedies the timely and costly permitting process for broadband infrastructure on United States Forest Service ("USFS") lands. The FOREST Act would require the USFS to waive burdensome permitting requirements for permits that have already undergone necessary
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- USTelecom-The Broadband Association issued the following statement dated May 2, 2024, by Brandon Heiner, senior vice president of government affairs:
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Today, Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), introduced the Facilitating Optimal and Rapid Expansion and Siting of Telecommunications (FOREST) Act. The FOREST Act remedies the timely and costly permitting process for broadband infrastructure on United States Forest Service ("USFS") lands. The FOREST Act would require the USFS to waive burdensome permitting requirements for permits that have already undergone necessaryenvironmental and historical preservation reviews from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and National Historical Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements.
The following statement can be attributed to Brandon Heiner, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.
"Permitting approval on federal lands is one of the biggest obstacles for broadband deployment. It is a major roadblock for achieving universal connectivity and could compromise the success of federal and state broadband funding programs like BEAD and ReConnect. We appreciate Representative Johnson's leadership on this bill to ensure broadband providers can complete projects on USFS lands efficiently and responsibly. It serves as an important step toward closing the digital divide for many communities in South Dakota and across the country."
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Original text here: https://www.ustelecom.org/statement-on-the-facilitating-optimal-and-rapid-expansion-and-siting-of-telecommunications-forest-act/
[Category: Telecommunications]
SFAA Members Elect New Board, Honor Outgoing Chair at Annual Meeting
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The Surety and Fidelity Association of America issued the following news release:
The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its annual meeting this past week with more than 185 members and guests attending. Robert Murray, SFAA Chair, Executive Committee Member, Head of Surety, Zurich North America, and Ryan Work, SFAA president and CEO, presided over the event, providing updates on SFAA's accomplishments and ongoing initiatives.
SFAA members were on hand
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The Surety and Fidelity Association of America issued the following news release:
The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA), a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all segments of the surety and fidelity industry, held its annual meeting this past week with more than 185 members and guests attending. Robert Murray, SFAA Chair, Executive Committee Member, Head of Surety, Zurich North America, and Ryan Work, SFAA president and CEO, presided over the event, providing updates on SFAA's accomplishments and ongoing initiatives.
SFAA members were on handto celebrate outgoing SFAA Chair Robert Murray after his two-year term, in addition to congratulating him on his upcoming retirement. Murray will be succeeded as chair by Michael Keimig, president and CEO of Markel Surety Corporation. Keimig has been an active participant in the SFAA for over a decade, most recently as a Board and Executive Committee member.
Videos celebrating SFAA's accomplishments throughout 2023 and honoring the 2023 Surety Industry Awards winners were also shared.
The SFAA Membership elected the following Board of Directors and Executive Committee in a unanimous vote.
Officers and Executive Committee Members
* Michael Keimig, President & CEO, Markel Surety Corporation
* Stephen Ruschak, Executive Vice President Surety, Arch Insurance Group
* John F. Welch, President & CEO, CNA Surety Group
* Rick Ciullo, Chief Operating Officer, The Hartford Insurance Group
* Timothy Mikolajewski, President, Global Surety, Liberty Mutual Group
* Antonio C. Albanese, Head of Surety, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company
* Bryce Grissom, Senior Vice President, Travelers
Other Elected Board Members
* Ken Bearley, President, Bond Division, Great American Insurance Companies
* John Guglielmo, Head of Surety, North America at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions
* Stephen M. Haney, Division President, North America Surety & CUO, Global Surety, Chubb Surety
* James Kawiecki, President of Surety, Hanover Insurance Group
* Matt Lubin, President, Surety Division Crum & Forster
* Robert Murray, Head of Surety, Zurich North America
* Alan Pavlic, President/COO, Old Republic Surety Group
* Sharon Sims, Senior Vice President, Sompo International
* Gary Stumper, National Surety Leader, Westfield Group
* Larry Taylor, President, Merchants Bonding Company Group
* Mike Zurcher, Executive Vice President, IAT Insurance Group
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The Surety & Fidelity Association of America (SFAA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan trade association representing all surety and fidelity industry segments. We promote the value of surety and fidelity bonding and its vital protections through advocacy, outreach, promotion, and education. The more than 425 member companies write 98 percent of surety and fidelity bonds in the U.S. SFAA is licensed as a rating or advisory organization in all states, and state insurance departments have designated it as a statistical agent for the reporting of fidelity and surety experience.
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Original text here: https://surety.org/news/sfaa-members-elect-new-board-honor-outgoing-chair-at-annual-meeting/
[Category: Insurance]
New Biosecure Bill "Reinforces the National Security Imperative of the Biotechnology Industry"
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following statement on May 9, 2024:
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House lawmakers today unveiled a new draft of the BIOSECURE Act. Shortly after, BIO President and CEO, John F. Crowley, made the following statement:
"The BIOSECURE bill released in the House today reinforces the national security imperative of the biotechnology industry as a critical strategic asset of the United States of America. It highlights a key vulnerability in our global supply chain and importantly provides a reasonable timeframe for companies to decouple their reliance
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The Biotechnology Innovation Organization issued the following statement on May 9, 2024:
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House lawmakers today unveiled a new draft of the BIOSECURE Act. Shortly after, BIO President and CEO, John F. Crowley, made the following statement:
"The BIOSECURE bill released in the House today reinforces the national security imperative of the biotechnology industry as a critical strategic asset of the United States of America. It highlights a key vulnerability in our global supply chain and importantly provides a reasonable timeframe for companies to decouple their relianceon China-based biomanufacturing. It ensures during this transition that important biomedical research will not be slowed and that patients will have unimpeded access to life saving medicines.
"BIO applauds this work and supports this BIOSECURE legislation. On behalf of our member companies and the patients we represent and serve, BIO thanks the bill sponsors and the Committees for taking into consideration the findings of our recently released survey on key elements of the global supply chain.
"We will continue work with lawmakers on future policies that promote the U.S. as the global leader in biotechnology and as the medicine chest of the world. We look forward to advancing the extraordinary and coordinated policies and programs necessary to redomicile all key parts of the global biopharmaceutical supply chain here in the U.S. for the benefit of the American public and for the entire world."
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Original text here: https://www.bio.org/press-release/new-biosecure-bill-reinforces-national-security-imperative-biotechnology-industry
[Category: Biology]
Composers for Spider-Man - Across the Spider-Verse, The Last of Us, Only Murders in the Building, American Symphony and Star Wars Jedi - Survivor Honored With ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards
NEW YORK, May 10 -- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers issued the following news on May 9, 2024:
Honoring the composers whose music enriches the art of visual storytelling, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announces today the recipients of the 2024 ASCAP Screen Music Awards, including the highly-anticipated winners of the ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards.
The ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards, chosen by the ASCAP composer and songwriter community, stand out as a distinctive recognition among US performing rights organizations. The 2024 winners
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NEW YORK, May 10 -- The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers issued the following news on May 9, 2024:
Honoring the composers whose music enriches the art of visual storytelling, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announces today the recipients of the 2024 ASCAP Screen Music Awards, including the highly-anticipated winners of the ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards.
The ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards, chosen by the ASCAP composer and songwriter community, stand out as a distinctive recognition among US performing rights organizations. The 2024 winnerscrafted the music for a critically acclaimed animated film, a hit post-apocalyptic drama, a binge-worthy whodunnit series, a poignant musical documentary and a popular Star Wars franchise video game:
* Film Score of the Year: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - Daniel Pemberton
* Television Score of the Year: The Last of Us - David Fleming
* Television Theme of the Year: Only Murders in the Building - Siddhartha Khosla
* Documentary Score of the Year: American Symphony - Jon Batiste
* Video Game Score of the Year: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor - Gordy Haab
In addition, the ASCAP Screen Music Awards recognize some of the top composers of the past year's hit streaming series and films. The Top Rated Streaming Series winners include Robert Duncan for his work on one of 2023's most-watched shows, The Night Agent, Natalie Holt for her musical storytelling in hit show Loki, Bear McCreary for his music in the streaming remake of beloved book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians and dynamic duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for their work on the popular dramedy Unprisoned. Among the Top Rated Streaming Films winners, Germaine Franco is honored for her score in action-thriller The Mother, Marcus Miller receives recognition for his music in the holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, and Lorne Balfe is celebrated for his work on both historical thriller Tetris and action-romance Ghosted.
In other categories, Daniel Pemberton also takes home Top Box Office Film of the Year for his exhilarating score to the blockbuster animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and industry giant David Vanacore is named the top Most Performed Themes and Underscore winner for his work on shows including Survivor, The Kardashians and The Daily Show. Composers Matthew Hawkins, the late Maurice "m.0." Jackson and the late Neil Martin (collectively known as Numeriklab) win Top Network Television Series for their main theme for NCIS, while John Sereda is recognized with Top Cable Television Series for his music in the historical drama When Calls the Heart.
ASCAP celebrates the award-winning composers tonight at an exclusive party in Los Angeles, where the 2024 ASCAP Composers' Choice Awards winners will be unveiled live among an audience of peers.
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About ASCAP
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) is a membership association of more than 975,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers, and represents some of the world's most talented music creators. In 2023, ASCAP reported record-high financial results of $1.737 billion in revenues and $1.592 billion available in royalty distribution monies to its members. Over the last eight years, ASCAP has delivered a 7% compound annual growth rate for total revenues, and an 8% compound annual growth rate for total royalty distributions to members. Founded and governed by songwriters, composers and publishers, it is the only performing rights organization in the U.S. that operates on a not-for-profit basis. ASCAP licenses a repertory of over 19 million musical works to hundreds of thousands of businesses that use music, including streaming services, cable television, radio and satellite radio and brick and mortar businesses such as retail stores, hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars. ASCAP collects the licensing fees; identifies, matches and processes trillions of performances every year; and returns nearly 90 cents of every dollar back to its members as royalties. The ASCAP blanket license offers an efficient solution for businesses to legally perform ASCAP music while respecting the right of songwriters and composers to be paid fairly. ASCAP puts music creators first, advocating for their rights and the value of music on Capitol Hill, driving innovation that moves the industry forward, building community and providing the resources and support that creators need to succeed in their careers.
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Original text here: https://www.ascap.com/press/2024/05/05-09-screen-award-winners
[Category: Arts/Cultural]
AGA Presents Natural Gas Industry Awards
WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The American Gas Association issued the following news release:
The American Gas Association presented a slate of awards, recognizing outstanding effort on behalf of the industry at the recent AGA Operations Conference, the natural gas industry's largest annual gathering of utilities, distribution, and transmission operators.
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Gild of Ancient Supplers Award:
Joe Hampton, President, Alabama, Gulf Coast, and Mississippi for Spire, Inc., was awarded the Gild of Ancient Supplers Award for his leadership as chair of AGA's Operations Section Managing Committee. The Gild
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WASHINGTON, May 10 -- The American Gas Association issued the following news release:
The American Gas Association presented a slate of awards, recognizing outstanding effort on behalf of the industry at the recent AGA Operations Conference, the natural gas industry's largest annual gathering of utilities, distribution, and transmission operators.
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Gild of Ancient Supplers Award:
Joe Hampton, President, Alabama, Gulf Coast, and Mississippi for Spire, Inc., was awarded the Gild of Ancient Supplers Award for his leadership as chair of AGA's Operations Section Managing Committee. The Gildof Ancient Supplers is a nonprofit association of natural gas suppliers who work to promote goodwill and good fellowship among its members and the industry.
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AGA Distribution Achievement Award:
Kevin Nishimura, Vice President, Operations for Hawai'i Gas has been selected to receive the 2024 AGA Distribution Achievement Award in recognition of his skillful management of Hawai'i Gas' extensive network, as well as his pioneering leadership in integrating innovative energy solutions like hydrogen fuel blends and renewable natural gas (RNG). Kevin's leadership on decarbonization is a shining example of the natural gas industry's commitment to lead on climate change in action.
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AGA Meritorious Service Award:
Otto McMillan of Piedmont Natural Gas was presented the 2024 AGA Meritorious Service Award for his repeated heroic actions. The Meritorious Service Award is presented to individuals who saved a human life in the course of their duties. McMillan's response to a potentially tragic house fire and immediate intervention after multiple serious car accidents sets a new standard in serving our communities.
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AGA Research and Innovation Award:
Scott Hixson, Scott Lithgow and Jeff Berry of Ameren, Illinois have been selected to receive the 2024 AGA Research and Innovation Award. This award is presented to individuals or companies that have made an outstanding contribution to improving the natural gas delivery system through their efforts. Hixon, Lithgow and Berry have been recognized for their contributions to the AMI Analytics Process Improvement initiative meant to improve customer safety at Ameren Illinois, which identified new methods of proactively identifying potential hazards. The process their team developed advances safety across the industry through helping identify potential leaks. In addition to the safety improvements made possible by this process, Ameren has been able to inform customers of anomalous usage, preventing further emissions while saving customers money.
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Original text here: https://www.aga.org/news/news-releases/aga-presents-natural-gas-industry-awards-2/
[Category: Energy]
ACWA HONORS EAST VALLEY WATER DISTRICT FOR ITS INNOVATIVE, MULTI-BENEFICIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
SACRAMENTO, California, May 10 -- The Association of California Water Agencies issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented the prestigious Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence to East Valley Water District (EVWD) for its Sterling Natural Resource Center.
The 20-acre state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and community facility integrates advanced wastewater treatment technologies, on-site renewable energy generation, new community green spaces and facility aesthetics that enhance the neighborhood. The center is
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 10 -- The Association of California Water Agencies issued the following news release on May 9, 2024:
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented the prestigious Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence to East Valley Water District (EVWD) for its Sterling Natural Resource Center.
The 20-acre state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and community facility integrates advanced wastewater treatment technologies, on-site renewable energy generation, new community green spaces and facility aesthetics that enhance the neighborhood. The center iscapable of recycling up to 8 million gallons of wastewater per day to replenish the local groundwater basin that is at historically low levels. The center also converts up to 130,000 gallons per day of imported organic waste streams into 3 megawatts of renewable energy to power the facility.
"The Sterling Natural Resource Center is a wonderful and necessary example of a local water agency using innovation and technology to not only ensure a groundwater supply for approximately 650,000 people but to also deliver tangible benefits to the community including a picnic area, walking paths and demonstration garden," said ACWA President Cathy Green.
ACWA's Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence is an annual award program that recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies. The winning agency has the honor of helping select a deserving student for a $5,000 scholarship sponsored by Jacobs in the name of Clair A. Hill, founder of Jacobs.
The award was presented during ACWA's 2024 Spring Conference and Expo in Sacramento where approximately 1,500 water industry professionals in California gathered for programs and panel discussions on a variety of key water issues.
The other finalists for this year's award were:
* Eastern Municipal Water District for its Grants and Loans Program;
* Nevada Irrigation District for its Plan for Water; and
* Turlock Irrigation District for its Upper Dawson Hydroelectric Facility.
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Original text here: https://www.acwa.com/news/acwa-honors-east-valley-water-district-for-its-innovative-multi-beneficial-wastewater-treatment-facility/
[Category: Water]
