AWWA Hosts ETTAC Meeting

American Water Works Association (AWWA) recently hosted the quarterly meeting of the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee (ETTAC), which discusses evolving issues in environmental trade policies and programs and makes recommendations to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

"Environmental technologies are of critical importance to the economy and sustainable development of the U.S., as well as our international partners," said Jon Runge, director of communication and marketing for AWWA and a member of the committee. "Safe drinking water is an important issue worldwide, and the U.S. continues to produce products and services valuable to the global industry."

ETTAC was created in 1994 to advise the U.S. government on policies and programs to expand U.S. exports of environmental products and services. The committee is composed of high-level officers of U.S. environmental technology companies and associations.

As part of the meeting, AWWA updated ETTAC of its capabilities in developing and distributing industry standards, technology, products and services to improve the quality of drinking water and promote public health, both domestically and abroad.

A Senior Executive Roundtable also was held Thursday, May 13. The roundtable, put together by the U.S. Department of Commerce in cooperation with CH2M HILL, provided ETTAC members with information regarding the status and future of the U.S. environmental industry.

"Water is part of the international agenda," stated Bud Ahern, vice chair of the board of directors for CH2M Hill. "Opportunity is huge, but many hurdles exist for U.S. firms."

Source: AWWA