The Water Policy Working Group provides an important dialogue to address water policy issues throughout the Pacific Northwest region. By connecting with legislators, private-sector and universities, we work to identify best practices to improve water security, adaptation of climate change, and storage options. We also provide updates to the region on the Columbia River Treaty and explore linkages with other working groups, including Invasive Species.
Working Group Co-Chairs:Senator Bill Hansell, Oregon State Legislature
David Hill, Director, Centres & Institutes & Research Advocacy, University of Lethbridge
Welcome, Introductions and Opening RemarksInnovation in Water ManagementMike Nemeth, WaterSMART Solutions Ltd., Director, Environment and Sustainability
Changing Global Freshwater Availability as Viewed from SpaceDr. Jay Famiglietti, PhD, Professor, University of Saskatchewan School of Environment and Sustainability
Water Policy Legislative Roundtable A Round Robin panel of legislators from across PNWER will showcase water policy, legislative, regulatory, and finance issues from various PNWER jurisdictions. They will also explore how they are proposing to move forward and address these emerging challenges.
Herb Cox, MLA, Government of Saskatchewan
Rep. Mary Dye, Washington State Legislature
Rep. Terry Gestrin, Idaho State Legislature
Sen. Jon Sesso, Montana State Legislature
Sen. Bill Hansell, Oregon State Legislature
Discussion and Action ItemsAll participants
More details on the Working Group
here.