Senator Padilla Delivers Keynote Address at ACWA D.C. Conference by ACWA Staff Jul 13, 2022 Water News WASHINGTON D.C. – ACWA hosted U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) as a keynote speaker today as part of the association’s July 12-14 DC2022 conference in the nation’s capital. Padilla spoke about the importance of implementing new and innovative strategies for water conservation and drought resilience to better meet the realities of our climate and water needs. He also highlighted his legislative priorities and the historic investments he helped secure in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support water recycling, stormwater reuse, groundwater recharge, and desalination. “While California is blessed with many natural advantages, it is our water infrastructure that fuels some of the most fertile agricultural land and the most vibrant communities in the world,” Padilla said during his keynote. “But I think we can all acknowledge that what has worked in the past is simply no longer sufficient to meet the challenges we currently we face.” A member of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, Padilla has introduced the Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act to incentivize water-efficiency upgrades and establish programs to identify and repair leaks, especially in areas experiencing severe drought. He also introduced the Water Reuse and Resiliency Act with U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) to authorize $1 billion over five years for the EPA’s Pilot Program for Alternative Water Source Projects grants program. In the last few months, Padilla has also announced over $600 million for clean water infrastructure and $870 million in funding for California water projects. “I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working closely with all of you to address the difficult, complex, and politically-fraught challenges that we all need to confront if we’re going to be good stewards of California’s water, for our children and for future generations,” Padilla said, in concluding his address. A release with Padilla’s prepared remarks is available on his Senate website. ACWA’s annual conference in Washington D.C. gives members a special opportunity to connect with fellow water agencies and show the importance of California water in the nation’s capital. Attendees are hearing about implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as well as insights and opportunities for the second session of the 117th Congress.