Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/668983
An array of organizations promoted the event—from fed- eral, state, and local government agencies to environmental organizations, educational institutions, associations, and news media. Critical Issues Discussed by NGWA Members in Washington, D.C. NGWA's 2016 Groundwater Fly-In, February 22-23 in Washington, D.C., was attended by 50 participants who attended more than 80 meetings with members of Congress and their staffs. Attendees spent a half-day on February 22 in a workshop hearing briefings on critical issues promoted at the Fly-In, as well as presentations from Capitol Hill staff on the legislative agenda for 2016. More than 100 public and private sector professionals at- tended several events February 22-23 as part of a "Making Groundwater Sustainable" workshop at the NGWA Fly-In. The workshop featured two panels: one focused on agri- culture and energy development's impact on groundwater, and the other on groundwater scarcity. District Meetings Urged as Follow-Up to NGWA Fly-In NGWA is urging its members to arrange meetings with congressional delegations when members of Congress are back in their districts. The "drive-in" will allow NGWA members to reinforce the four priorities that were promoted at the 2016 NGWA Groundwater Fly-In: 1. Support for funding the National Ground-Water Monitoring Network 2. Passage of the Water Systems Cost Savings Act 3. Extending tax credits for geothermal heat pumps 4. Support for comprehensive drought legislation. More information on what to do is available under the Advocacy/Awareness tab and choosing "2016 NGWA Groundwater Fly-In/Drive-In Information" at www.NGWA.org. With questions, contact Lauren Schapker, NGWA's government affairs director, at (202) 888-9151 or email lschapker@ngwa.org. Certification exams administered by the National Ground Water Association in February, with 20 of those passing. Also administered were 35 licensing exams, with 14 of those passing. Earned the Certified Pump Installer (CPI) designation in February. Thaeder is sales manager for Eagle Control Corp. in Yaphank, New York. New members NGWA registered in February. The total consisted of 105 scientists and engineers, 56 contractors, 19 government/academic professionals, 19 students, 4 suppliers, 2 manufacturers, 1 manufacturer representative, 1 public groundwater systems professional, and 1 associate. Frank R. Thaeder 37 208 NEWS FROM THE NATIONAL GROUND WATER ASSOCIATION Water well contractors from Minnesota take part in the 2016 NGWA Fly-In. From left to right: Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer Jr.; NGWA Past President Richard Thron, MGWC; NGWA Past President Roger Renner, MGWC; and NGWA Director David Henrich, CWD/PI, CVCLD. CPI-2016 national ground water association CERTIFIED ABILITY EXPERIENCE KNOWLEDGE Send in nominations for NGWA Awards of Excellence. Recipients are recognized for outstanding contributions through service, innovation, research, safety, and outstand- ing projects of scientific and technological importance affecting the growth and well- being of the groundwater in- dustry. The deadline is June 1. More information is available at www.NGWA.org. WWJ May 2016 13 Twitter @WaterWellJournl