Welcome to Todd Chenoweth who is with the Texas Natural Resources ASDF Commission.  The Commission is working with policy issues and coordinating a feasibility study that may lead toward an effluent trading program.  A consultant is currently preparing a draft report of the study.  The group mentioned several names of USDA and other contacts in Texas who may be helpful to the Commission.  Todd’s e-mail address is <tchenowe@tnrcc.state.tx.us>.

Conference Committee Draft Agenda and Plans

The committee is proposing a two-day conference in May 2000 in Chicago.  The expected audience is Regional and HQ level EPA staff, state agency staff, and representatives of environmental, agricultural, municipal, and industrial sectors.  Presenters will provide national state and various stakeholder perspectives, highlight individual projects/programs, and perform a crosscut analysis of the projects/programs.  Proposed keynote speakers include Chuck Fox (U.S. EPA) and Mark VanPutten (National Wildlife Federation).  Speakers providing a state’s perspective and the perspective of agriculture have yet to be selected.

An important function of the conference will be to integrate feedback from participants and identify components of a transferable water trading framework.  Plans are to have, on the second day, an extended lunch hour during which participants will comment on the crosscut analysis.  A facilitator and scribe will be assigned to each table.  Comments will be tabulated and presented in a short presentation at the conclusion the conference.  This tabulation will be made available in printed form to conference participants, as will a copy of proceeding of the conference.  

Meeting with Chuck Fox and U.S. EPA HQ

The group will meet informally the night before and hear a brief discussion of case law from Ken Markowitz.  Will then meet at WRI office at 9:00 to organize presentation.  Will then meet from 1-3 p.m. at U.S. EPA HQ in 1026 East Tower (Chuck Fox’s conference room).  There may be an opportunity to meet with staff after the meeting.

September Conference Call

The next conference call is scheduled for Tuesday, September 14, 1999 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.  Agenda will be the Idiots Guide, feedback on the meeting with Chuck Fox, and breakdown of U.S. EPA proposed rule.