Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)

New Senate Climate Bill Contains Water Provisions

An 821-page bill “[t]o create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution, and transition to a clean energy economy” was introduced on Sept. 30 by Senators Kerry (D-Mass.) and Boxer (D-Calif.). By creating an administrative framework for the cap-and-trade of greenhouse gas emissions, it attempts to achieve a 20 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction from 2005 levels by 2020. The bill is very fluid and its path forward is uncertain.

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Prichard, Ala., Renews Public-Private Partnership with Severn Trent Services

Severn Trent Services announced it has renewed its public-private partnership with the Water Works and Sewer Board (the Board) of the City of Prichard, Ala., through a competitive bid process. Severn Trent will be responsible for the complete operation, maintenance and management of the city’s water and wastewater facilities, collection and distribution systems, meter reading, billing, and customer service functions.

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Registration Open for NARUC Annual Convention

Registration for the 121st NARUC Annual Convention is now open. The convention will be held Nov. 15–18, 2009, in Chicago.

Registration is available online until Oct. 30.

For more information, including registration and hotel reservations, please click here.

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House Holds Hearing on Chemical Security

On Oct. 1, the House Energy and Environment Subcommittee held a hearing on HR 3258, which focuses on security at drinking water utilities, and HR 2868, which focuses on security at chemical plants and includes wastewater facilities..

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NARUC Prepares to Hold 37th Annual Eastern Utility Rate School

The 37th Annual Eastern Utility Rate School will be held Nov. 1–6, 2009, in Clearwater, Fla.

The NARUC Utility Rate School is presented by the Committee on Water of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). Michigan State University, through the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU), is the host University for the Rate School, and provides program support and continuing education credits. For the public sector, the Utility Rate School complements the IPU's "Camp NARUC" program. Registration for the Utility Rate School is open to anyone in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.

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