NWC FEDERAL SPOTLIGHT (Feb. 26, 2024)

Dear NWC members,

As Congress returns to legislative work this week, they’re facing tight deadlines for approving spending in the coming weeks. The first round of budget decisions needs to happen this week, with the rest coming next week. The risk of a partial or full government shutdown adds stress to an already complex situation. Read more about it in the Congressional Spotlight.

On the federal agency front, agencies have several meetings, regulations, and other things coming down the pike. Read about it in our Federal Agency Spotlight.

Curious about what our members are focusing on? Check it out in our NWC Spotlight. Hint: we have a new work group to work on NWC comments for the recently released Principles, Requirements and Guidelines proposed rule. Want to help? Our first meeting is this Friday. Check out our high-level PR&G document on the proposed rule (and USACE questions) here. Plus, be sure to check out NWC’s Legislative Summit page for the latest information on our Summit on March 11-13, 2024, in Washington, DC. We just were notified that the MARAD Administrator plans to speak at the Summit. Once we have a date/time, this will be added to the agenda.

Finally, a shout-out to one of our newest members, UES. Read more about them under our NWC New Member Spotlight and be sure to say “hi.”

As always, if you have questions, comments, suggestions or a good (clean) joke, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

Julie Ufner, NWC

 NWC NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

NWC WELCOMES NEW MEMBER UES! At UES, we are experts in the areas of environmental and earth sciences, sustainable infrastructure solutions, and geophysical technologies. Our nationwide network of nearly 4,000 engineers and technical professionals identifies and solves complex engineering and construction challenges by providing personalized engineering, environmental, testing, and inspection services. We strive to serve as trusted partners, providing our clients with innovative, technology-based solutions.

CONGRESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

 Overview. After a week-long break for President’s Day, Congress is back this week facing a multitude of challenges, notably the looming FY2024 appropriations deadlines. The 118th Congress is in a race against time, as an election year adds urgency to their agenda. With only 60 legislative days left in the House and 66 in the Senate before the month-long August recess, the pressure is on. Post-recess, there are 13 House and 15 Senate days available before the election, and the possibility of a “lame duck” session awaits, contingent on election outcomes.

Furthermore, there are increasing disagreements on how to handle a variety of funding and policy issues, creating a precarious situation with a very narrow margin of error for the Republicans in the House. The dynamics surrounding these disputes add layers of complexity to the already challenging legislative landscape.

GOP margins narrow further in the House this week. After assuming control of the House in January 2023 with a narrow 222-213 majority, the House Republicans have faced a diminishing advantage due to expulsions, retirements, and elections. The delicate balance will be further impacted as Rep. Santos’ Democratic replacement is set to be sworn in on Wednesday, shifting the majority to 219-213 with three vacancies. This leaves House Republicans with a scant margin of error, allowing only a slight handful of votes on any bill within a caucus marked by increasing philosophical differences.

Upcoming elections will also influence Congress’s actions. In the context of upcoming elections, a concerning trend emerges as a growing number of high-profile House Republicans and Democrats announce retirements, citing the perceived toxicity of Capitol Hill. As of Feb. 14, 23 Democrats and 21 Republicans have declared they will not seek reelection in November. Notably, the retiree list includes younger and influential lawmakers, raising concerns about a potential brain drain from Congress. According to the Cook Political Report, the Republicans are currently favored to regain the Senate, while 22 toss-up races in the House will determine its fate. The post-election landscape will play a crucial role in shaping the course of congressional proceedings in the lame-duck session and beyond.

These dynamics add a layer of complexity to the legislative landscape, influencing the trajectory of the 118th Congress.

 Congress faces multiple deadlines on FY2024 appropriations.  The federal government’s 2024 fiscal year began on October 1, 2023, with no enacted funding bills. Multiple Continuing Resolutions (CRs) have sustained operations due to disagreements on funding levels and policy riders, extending the current 2023 fiscal year without initiating new projects. A two-tier strategy, highlighted by the most recent CR approved on January 18, extends deliberations until March. This approach sets a March 1 deadline for four uncontroversial bills and a March 8 deadline for the remaining eight. Considering the limited legislative days—less than 3 for the first deadline (Senate comes back todays/House on Wednesday)—Congress faces a time crunch. Added complexity arises as the House passed impeachment articles for the Department of Homeland Security head, expected to reach the Senate on Feb. 28. Senate rules prohibit any other business until the impeachment trial concludes. While the trial is expected to be short, it leaves little time to finish FY2024 business, which will likely be pushed into the weekend. The looming question is whether an agreement will be reached within the specified legislative days. Failure could result in a partial to full shutdown, an unpopular scenario in an election year. The options include an unsupported short-term CR, an unpopular year-long CR triggering a 1% cut from the debt ceiling agreement last year, or vote on a final agreement with unspecified policy riders. The challenge lies in agreeing to language that can pass both the House and Senate, presenting a complex scenario.

Biden to release FY2025 budget request on March 11. Under existing legislation, the president is required to present a budget request to Congress by the first Monday in February. However, this did not occur, which is not an unusual occurrence. The president’s budget serves as a comprehensive outline of their financial and policy priorities for the upcoming year. Although the law mandates its release by the first Monday in February, in recent decades, there has been a consistent delay. As of the current moment, the president’s FY2025 request is scheduled for release on March 11. There is a possibility of further delay if Congress enacts another short-term CR (Continuing Resolution) or if a government shutdown takes place.

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).  The WRDA (Water Resources Development Act) is a bipartisan, biennial bill that authorizes studies, projects, and policies within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) civil work program. This legislative process involves two crucial steps, with the first being WRDA authorization and the second being appropriations for funding. Both the House and the Senate, in a bipartisan fashion, have initiated their respective processes, inviting proposals from members through an online portal. The House received over 1100 proposals, and the Senate received 1800 proposals, showcasing a broad spectrum of ideas. Committee staff are now going through the ideas to assess which ones can move forward. For the ideas that do move forward, they will be sent to USACE for review and feedback. One of the issues likely to be in play includes Rep. Grace Napolitano’s bill, “Priority for Water Supply and Conservation Act of 2023,” which would make water supply a key USACE mission alongside navigation, flood control and ecosystem restoration. Knowing this issue is controversial within NWC membership, Ryan Seiger (House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee, has offered to work with members on legislative tweaks to the language. There is expected committee action on the House and Senate respective WRDA bills later this spring.

Congressional Hearings and Markups of Interest:

 

JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT

 Court of Appeals Overturns Florida’s Oversight of Section 404 permit program.  On February 16, 2024, Judge Randolph Moss overturned the U.S. Environment Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2020 decision to give Florida oversight of dredge and fill permits.  Allegations from the plaintiffs suggested that the EPA breached both the Administrative Procedures Act and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by entrusting the state with the oversight, contending that Florida lacks the ability to adequately assess the cumulative impact of multiple Section 404 permits on its wildlife, given its status as the habitat for 139 ESA species. In recent times, several states have sought to manage Section 404 at the state level, with Florida becoming the third state, following Michigan and New Jersey, to assume control of Section 404 dredge-and-fill permits from the Trump Administration. While the court ruling does not impact already issued permits, it significantly influences pending and future permits. The case is now under EPA review, and the implications of this decision will be closely observed as more states take on Section 404 permitting authorities.

 

FEDERAL AGENCY SPOTLIGHT

COAST GUARD

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System. (Comments due by April 22, 2024).

The Coast Guard proposes to update its maritime security regulations by adding regulations specifically focused on establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf facilities, and U.S. facilities subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 regulations. This proposed rule would help to address current and emerging cybersecurity threats in the marine transportation system.  The Coast Guard is looking for comments to see if they should use and define the term reportable cyber incident to limit cyber incidents that trigger reporting requirements, use alternative methods of reporting such incidents, and amend the definition of hazardous condition. Comments are due on or before April 22, 2024, and can be submitted to www.regulations.gov under Docket ID: USCG-2022-0802.

Availability Notice.  Issuance of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 105-4, Risk Management Actions for Ship-to-Shore Cranes Manufactured by People’s Republic of China Companies.

The Coast Guard announces the availability of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Directive 105-4, which provides cyber risk management actions for owners or operators of ship-to-shore (STS) cranes
manufactured by People’s Republic of China (PRC) companies (PRC-manufactured STS cranes). The directive contains securely sensitive information and, therefore, cannot be made available to the general public. Owners or operators of PRC-manufactured STS cranes should immediately contact their local Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) or District Commander for a copy of MARSEC Directive 105-4.

CYBERSECURITY & INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY AGENCY

Updated Factsheet. Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems.

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have updated the fact sheet, Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems.  The update includes resources from the American Water Works Association, the Water ISAC, and MS-ISACE to protect water systems from cyber activity.  The fact sheet outlines the actions Water and Wastewater system sector entities can take to protect water systems from cyber activity.  Advice includes reduced public internet, regular cybersecurity assessments, changing default passwords, the development of cybersecurity response and recovery, awareness training, conducting an inventory of operational technology and information assets, and more.  Those looking for more information can go to: https://www.cisa.gov/water

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Comment Request.  Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation for Natural Resources Conservation Science (Comments due March 4, 2024)

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is giving notice that it intends to issue a series of revised conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP).  NRCS is also allowing for public comment on the specified conservation practice standards in the NHCP.  The comments must be received by Monday, March 4, 2024, and can be submitted to www.regulations.gov under the Docket ID NRCS-2023-0022.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Final Rule.  Final Rule on Permits for Incidental Take of Eagles and Eagle Nests (Effective April 12, 2024).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are revising the regulations for the issuance of permits for eagle incidental take and eagle nest take. These revisions increase the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting, improve clarity for the regulated community, and increase the conservation benefit for eagles. In addition to continuing to authorize specific permits, the FWS created general permits for certain activities under prescribed conditions, including general permit options for qualifying wind-energy generation projects, power line infrastructure, activities that may disturb breeding bald eagles, and bald eagle nest take. They also made improvements to the specific permit requirements and process. The FSW also revised permit fees and clarified definitions.  The rule will take effect on April 12, 2024.

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Report.  DOT Releases List the Top 25 Ports for the Annual 2024 Report

The Department of Transportation released its Annual 2024 Report Port Performance Freight Statistics and released its list of the Top 25 Ports for Dry Bulk Tonnage.  Ports that deal with dry bulk tonnage and ship essential commodities around the country. A list of the Top 25 Ports can be found on page 11 and includes several NWC members. Kudos!

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Draft Rule. EPA proposed two PFAS regulations (comments due in March/April)

On Jan. 31, the EPA administrator signed two proposed rules on Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). The first, “Listing of Specific PFAS as Hazardous Constituents,” would list nine PFAS chemicals to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) hazardous substances list. Comments are due April 8, 2024. The second proposed rule, “Definition of Hazardous Waste Applicable to Corrective Action for Releases from Solid Waste Management Units” would require facilities that treat, store or dispose of hazardous waste (TSDFs) undertake corrective action. Comments are due on March 11. RCRA is a federal law that regulates the management of hazardous waste.

Comment Request. Guidance on NPDES Permitting of Combined Sewer Systems (Comments due March 21, 2024)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comment on the draft Guidance to clarify and inform future National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting actions for communities with combined sewer systems.  This draft Guidance highlights the available approaches for permitting combined sewer overflow (CSO) communities nearing completion of the projects and activities identified in their Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP).   The draft Guidance summarizes options under the Clean Water Act (CWA) that are articulated in the 1994 Combined Sewer Overflow Control Policy and the option to use the EPA’s 2012 Integrated Planning Framework to look holistically at future investments in controlling wastewater and stormwater discharges and improving water quality.  Comments are due on or before March 21, 2024.  Comments can be received on www.regulations.gov under the Federal Docket ID: EPA–HQ–OW–2023–0475.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Mitigation Update. FEMA Updates the Mitigation Action Portfolio

FEMA updated the Mitigation Action Portfolio to include new, innovative hazard mitigation project examples and case studies categorized by hazard type that could potentially be funded under one of the Hazard Mitigation Assistance programs.  The portfolio showcases successful mitigation projects, ad is intended to inspire new mitigation projects that could help applicants and sub-applicants apply for grants under the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.  Case study additions to the 2023 portfolio include the USACE Research and Development Center Levee, Breach Facility repair using Engineered Earth Amoring System, the Cedar Heights Hazardous Fuels Reduction, and more.  Those looking to access the FEMA Mitigation Action Portfolio can do so at FEMA.gov.

WEBINAR PROGRAM. Nonprofit Security Grant Program Webinar Series

FEMA is inviting all interested organizations to attend upcoming webinars on the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP). The program uses a competitive process to award grants for facility hardening and other security enhancements to nonprofit organizations at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.

The webinars will be held on:

All who are interested in attending must register in advance for the meeting, which will be recorded.  For questions regarding the webinars, please contact FEMA-NSGP@fema.dhs.gov.

Position Vacancy. Technical Mapping Council position open. (Applications due April 19, 2024).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is requesting qualified individuals interested in serving on the Technical Mapping Advisory Council (TMAC) to apply for appointment. The TMAC, as established in the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, makes recommendations to the FEMA Administrator on how to improve, in a cost-effective manner, the accuracy, general quality, ease of use, distribution, and dissemination of Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and risk data; and to define performance metrics and milestones required to map flood risk areas effectively and efficiently in the United States. The appointments are for 3 years each, the terms of which start in spring/summer 2024. Applicants will be considered for any of the seven vacancies on the TMAC for which they are deemed to be qualified. Applications can be submitted by email to FEMA-TMAC@fema.dhs.gov.

Policy Change. FERC grants Native American tribes new power to stop hydropower projects.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has given Native American Tribes power to block hydropower projects on native land. Before the policy change last week, FERC had granted developers the approval to go forward with projects on native land, even with tribal opposition.  The new policy states that FERC “will not issue preliminary permits for projects proposing to use Tribal lands if the Tribe on whose lands the project is to be located opposes the permit. To avoid permit denials, potential applicants should work closely with Tribal stakeholders prior to filing…”

NATIONAL ACADEMIES FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, AND MEDICINE

Meeting Announcement. Review of the Central Valley Project and State Water Project (Hybrid, Feb. 28-29).

The National Academies Water Science and Technology Board and the Oceans Studies Board are hosting a second meeting on the review of the Central Valley Project, which moves millions of acres of water across Northern California to a wide variety of individuals throughout the state. This information-gathering meeting will feature presentations on the operations, monitoring, and modeling relevant to the Delta smelt summer/fall habitat action and Old and Middle River management, a panel of interested stakeholders, and an open mic session. Registrants can join virtually or in-person. To learn more about attending in person, visit the event webpage. The meeting agenda can be found at the website.

MARITIME ADMINISTRATION (MARAD)

Membership Nominations. Opening for the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (Nominations due March 15, 2024, 5:00 PM ET)

The Maritime Administration is looking for membership nominations for the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee.  The committee is currently looking to fill 6-8 seats for the 2024- 2026 Charter Term.  Those looking to be nominated must submit their applications by March 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET to be considered.  After this date, the committee will continue to accept applications under this notice for the next two years if a vacancy arises.  Those interested in nominating themselves can send an email to MTSNAC@dot.gov, with the subject line: MTSNAC Application.  Those looking for more information can contact Capt. Jeffrey Flumignan at Jeffrey.Flumignan@dot.gov  and can visit https://www.maritime.dot.gov/outreach/maritime-transportation-system-mts/maritime-transportation-system-national-advisory-0.

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BOARD

Vacancy. Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council Vacancy (Due March 7, 2024)

The Railroad-Shipper Transportation Advisory Council (RSTAC) has a vacancy and is looking for a large railroad representative.  The board is currently looking for candidate nominations.  Nominations are due on March 7, 2024.  Nominations can be submitted via e-filing on the Board’s website at https://www.stb.gov/ .  Submissions will be posted to the Board’s website under Ducket Number EP 526.

U.S. CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Announcement.  National Wetland Plant List Announced (Effective on February 13, 2024)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as part of an interagency effort with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is announcing the availability of the final 2022 National Wetland Plant List (NWPL). The NWPL provides plant species wetland indicator status rating, which is used in determining whether the hydrophytic vegetation factor is met when conducting wetland delineations under the Clean Water Act and wetland determinations under the Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act.  Other applications of the NWPL include wetland restoration, establishment, and enhancement projects. Those interested can find the plants listed at: https://nwpl.sec.usace.army.mil/species/

Proposed Rule. Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources (Comments due April 15, 2024).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened comments on the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for Federal Investments in Water Resources.  The proposed rule establishes Agency Specific Procedures (ASPs) for the Corps’ implementation of the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines for water resources investments. It provides a framework to govern how the Corps would evaluate proposed water resource investments, including identification of which Corps programs and activities are subject to the Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines. The Corps is proposing this rule in response to congressional direction provided in authorizing language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2020.  Comments can be submitted to the Docket ID: COE-2023-0005 at www.regulations.gov by April 15, 2024.

Meeting. Principles, Requirements and Guidelines Virtual Meetings (Feb. 26, 2pm—4pm ET and March 12, 1pm—3pm ET).  Refer above for specifics on the proposed rule. Virtual meetings will also be held to provide an overview of the proposed rule and gather additional input. Information on these virtual meetings can be found below. Slides for the webinar are here.

  • Public Virtual Meeting on February 26, 2024 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST

Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1606139658

Call-in Information:

Phone Number: 669-254-5252

Meeting ID:       160 613 9658

Passcode: 856200

  • Public Virtual Meeting on March 12, 2024 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1613971427

Call-in Information:

Phone Number: 669-254-5252

Meeting ID:       161 397 1427

Passcode: 436255

  • Tribal Virtual Meeting on March 19, 2024 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

Webinar Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/s/1618160815

Call-in Information:

Phone Number: 669-254-5252

Meeting ID:       161 816 0815

Passcode: 417088

Proposed Rule. Procedures for the Protection of Historic Properties (Comments due April 9, 2024)

To demonstrate the closest consistency between the procedures used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) Regulatory Program to comply with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations, “Protection of Historic Properties” when processing permit applications, the Corps is proposing to amend its Regulatory Program’s permitting regulations on historic properties. The Corps will instead follow the NHPA’s implementing regulations, developed and interpreted by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), relying on the flexibility in those regulations for Federal agency compliance with the steps of review. The Corps will consider, among other factors, the degree and scope of the Federal involvement in the undertaking and the relationship of Federal actions to the overall proposed activities. Further, the Corps is also proposing to make conforming changes to its nationwide permit program regulations to eliminate references in the regulations.

Meeting. Board on Coastal Engineering Research (In person, March 19-20, 2024)

The Department of the Army is publishing this notice to announce the following Federal advisory committee meeting of the Board on Coastal Engineering Research (BCER). This meeting is open to the public. The BCER will meet from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 19, 2024, EST. The Executive Session of the Board will convene from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 20, 2024. All sessions are open to the public and are held in EST. The meeting will take place at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, 425 Water Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704. For more meeting information, contact Dr. Julie Dean Rosati, the Board’s Designated Federal Officer at Julie.D.Rosati@usace.army.mil.  Those who are looking to see the meeting agenda and scheduling changes can do so at the CERB website.

Meeting. Inland Waterways Users Board Public Meeting (Hybrid in person, online, and telephone, April 11, 9:00-2:00 PM ET)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is announcing a public meeting with the Inland Waterways Users Board on Thursday, April 11, 2024.  The meeting will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST.  At this meeting, the Board will receive briefings and presentations regarding the investments, projects, and status of the inland waterways system of the United States and conduct discussions and deliberations on those matters. The Board is interested in written and verbal comments from the public relevant to these purposes.  The meeting agenda consists of updates on the Users Board Annual Report for 2023, the status of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, FY24 funding for Navigation, the 2025 Presidential Budget for Navigation, updates on different inland waterways projects and more. All materials will be posted to the committee’s website. Those who are looking to attend virtually can do so at: https://usace1.webex.com/ meet/ ndc.nav. Others who are looking to attend the Public Call-In can do so at USA Toll-Free 844–800–2712, USA Caller Paid/International Toll: 1–669–234–1177 Access Code: 199 117 3596, Security Code 1234.

Database Update. USACE Announces Updates to the National Levee Database.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has redesigned and updated the National Levee Database (NLD).  The redesigned website includes a new homepage, streamlined levee summary pages, and new informational pages about flooding, levees, and the NLD.   For more information about the changes, USACE created a summary fact sheet.   The updates were completed based on feedback from the stakeholder engagement for the National Levee Safety Program.  For additional feedback or recommendations, users can email the National Levee Database Help Desk at nld@usace.army.mil or can call 1-(877)-LEVEEUS.

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT

Press Release. Dominion Energy sells 50% of its shares in Offshore Wind Investments

On February 22, Dominion Energy sold 50% of its share of the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) to Stonepeak, to create a new additional offshore wind partnership.  Dominion Energy will still be in full operational control of CVOW, as agreed to by the terms and conditions of the partnership.  Dominion Energy is operational in over 15 states and powers over 7 million customers.  The CVOW project is one of the largest offshore wind projects in the U.S. and is expected to energize 660,000 homes with the project’s completion in 2026. Dominion Energy is currently pending approval from Virginia’s State Corporation Commission to create a subsidiary called Dominion Energy Virginia, of which Stonepeak is expected to invest.

NWC SPOTLIGHT

NEW. NWC PR&G WORKING GROUP (first meeting, March 1, 11am ET). NWC has convened a work group on the proposed Principles, Requirements and Guidelines rule to pull together comments for NWC. The first meeting is scheduled for this Friday, March 1 at 11am ET. NWC created a high-level document that contains the proposed rule language with snippets of the intent (from the preamble of the rule) with the questions that USACE wants answered. However, keep in mind that this would be a completely new section of regulatory text, of which all would be open for comments. If you would like to be a part of this meeting, please reach out to Julie Ufner for the MS Teams invite.

INTERESTED IN FEDERAL POLICY ISSUES? Next NWC Legislative Policy Committee Monthly Meeting (Thursday, March 7 at 4pm ET). During these monthly meetings, someone (usually Julie) will give a 60,000 overview on what’s going on in DC that may impact the movement of water/waterways issues before diving into specific issues and having a member roundtable on issues they are following/working on. This call is open to all NWC members.

REMINDER. 2024 Legislative Summit Dates Set (March 11-13, 2024; Washington, D.C.). NWC members, we will be holding the 2024 Legislative Summit on March 11-13, 2024, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC from Monday, March 11 through Wednesday, March 13, 2024. More information, including an agenda, is available on our 2024 Legislative Summit page. Please be aware that several sessions have moved. Additionally, we have received confirmation that the MARAD Administrator plans to speak—once we have a confirmed time, we will let you know. Finally, a quick reminder that NWC caucuses will be meeting on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 13 at the Summit.

SAVE THE DATE. NWC Announces 2024 Annual Meeting location and date (New Orleans, September 18-20, 2024). Get ready, NWC will be holding their Annual Meeting in New Orleans on September 18-20, 2024. Registration will open after the Legislative Summit and more details to come soon.

NWC FEDERAL POLICY/ISSUE REQUEST FORM. Submit policy position requests to NWC.

With the invaluable assistance of NWC members Brad Pickel from the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways Association and Kristin Meira from American Cruise Lines (also the chair of the Navigation Caucus), NWC has developed a form for members to submit federal policy requests. This streamlined process aims to help us better track issues of interest to the membership, enhance the quality of programming during caucus calls and NWC meetings, and allows us to weigh in more accurately and efficiently on federal legislation, regulations, and policies.