SDWA.docx

July 29, 1996
The Honorable Dirk Kempthorne
U.S. Senate
367 Dirkson
Washington, DC  20510
Dear Senator Kempthorne:
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission exhorts you and other Senate conferees of the Environment and Public Works Committee to reach a resolution on the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Reauthorization by August 1, 1996.  Based on the extensive similarities between S. 1316 and H.R. 3604, we support swift passage of either bill or a hybrid.  Such passage is essential to the investor owned utilities which we economically regulate and to those utilities’ Idaho customers.
While in general we prefer H.R. 3604, we find either version to be acceptable with some relatively minor comments.  Specifically, we prefer the H.R. 3604 language on standard setting, selection of contaminants, operator training and certification, risk assessment, capacity development and variances, exemptions and small system technical assistance.  As to the consumer confidence reports required in the House bill, we support the concept, but want to ensure that the contents of these reports are both understandable and relevant to consumers.  Additionally, the conference language should make it clear that State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan funds are available to investor-owned public community water systems.  Further, we support reasonable requirements for the training and certification of water system operators.  Finally, we support the capacity development provisions of either bill, except we believe sanctions in the form of the reduced SRF funding are inappropriate and counterproductive.
We hope and expect rapid conference action because of unanimous approval by both houses of these two very similar bills and the urgency of SWDA reauthorization.
We appreciate your time and effort in advancing drinking water reform and urge your swift action to bring this reform to fruition.  If we can provide any additional information, or help in any way, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Ralph NelsonMarsha H. SmithDennis S. Hansen
PresidentCommissionerCommissioner
July 29, 1996
The Honorable Mike Crapo
U.S. House of Representatives
437 Cannon Bldg.
Washington, DC  20515
Dear Representative Crapo:
The Idaho Public Utilities Commission exhorts you and other House conferees of the Commerce Committee to reach a resolution on the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Reauthorization by August 1, 1996.  Based on the extensive similarities between S. 1316 and H.R. 3604, we support swift passage of either bill or a hybrid.  Such passage is essential to the investor owned utilities which we economically regulate and to those utilities’ Idaho customers.
While in general we prefer H.R. 3604, we find either version to be acceptable with some relatively minor comments.  Specifically, we prefer the H.R. 3604 language on standard setting, selection of contaminants, operator training and certification, risk assessment, capacity development and variances, exemptions and small system technical assistance.  As to the consumer confidence reports required in the House bill, we support the concept, but want to ensure that the contents of these reports are both understandable and relevant to consumers.  Additionally, the conference language should make it clear that State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan funds are available to investor-owned public community water systems.  Further, we support reasonable requirements for the training and certification of water system operators.  Finally, we support the capacity development provisions of either bill, except we believe sanctions in the form of the reduced SRF funding are inappropriate and counterproductive.
We hope and expect rapid conference action because of unanimous approval by both houses of these two very similar bills and the urgency of SWDA reauthorization.
We appreciate your time and effort in advancing drinking water reform and urge your swift action to bring this reform to fruition.  If we can provide any additional information, or help in any way, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Ralph NelsonMarsha H. SmithDennis S. Hansen
PresidentCommissionerCommission