As the likelihood of a congressionally-mandated scheme to control greenhouse gas emissions and implement a comprehensive energy policy comes closer to reality, the need to recognize and understand the interrelationship of climate change, energy, and water becomes all the more urgent. While the potential impacts of climate change, such as the anticipated rise in sea levels, diminished drinking water and industrial process water supplies, and reduced river flows, already are well-known, potential solutions to improve water quality and meet the supply requirements of the 21st century are not.
Such solutions are coming from all players in the water sector. Last September, the Environmental Protection Agency released a strategy for responding to the likely effects of climate change on U.S. water resources and the nations clean water and safe drinking water programs. In Congress, the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing in early February to gather information on sustainable wastewater management, and the primary climate change legislation currently working its way through various House committees includes provisions that speak to water issues. Manufacturers using large volumes of water for their products and processes are establishing proactive water stewardship programs. And policy advocates, industry associations, and nongovernmental organizations are suggesting ideas and new programs to ensure the continued quality of drinking water and adequate water supplies.
To help understand and sort through the issues, BNA invites you to join a distinguished panel of experts:
Tom Curtis, G. Tracy Mehan III, Kathy Robb, and David Struhs