Government Affairs
Whether it is the drought, protecting our waterways’ fragile ecosystems, reductions in pumped water from the Delta, or climate changes resulting in the depletion of water supplies in the State and Colorado River systems, water will always continue to be at the forefront of the political process. Water decisions, at every government level, can have profound impacts on our state’s economy, ultimately affecting the average citizen’s quality of life.
Because the policy making process can prove to be very complicated and cumbersome, OCWD is committed to working closely with local, State and Federal legislators to advocate on behalf of its 2.3 million residents. Forging and strengthening relationships with key community leaders and actively engaging in legislative forums and work groups, has allowed the District to protect and enhance Orange County’s water supplies for over 75 years.
The District’s legislative team includes a Legislative Affairs Liaison, the Communications and Legislative Affairs Committee, state advocates represented by Townsend Public Affairs, and federal consultants James F. McConnell and Eric Sapirstein. Together, the group brings countless years of experience and invaluable expertise in interfacing and partnering with leaders and government agencies, resulting in continued water quality and reliability in the District.
The legislative team works year round to: coordinate all activities relating to legislation and elected officials; prepare legislative analyses, summaries, and Board and executive staff reports; provide updates on OCWD’s legislative goals; direct the Board to support and oppose water-related legislation; provide tours for elected officials and representatives from government agencies; monitor legislative processes to keep abreast of legislation and policies affecting county, state and federal water supplies; and participate in various community and business events, including associations and city council meetings.
Recognizing the importance of public-private partnerships, the District has collaborated with regional water agencies and private industry stakeholders to successfully secure billions of dollars from local, state and federal funding sources. Government investments have been vital to implementing efficient, viable and fiscally sound technology and advancements in alternative water supplies that have allowed the District to be less dependent on imported water sources. Though the District has strategically placed itself in a better situation than many of the state’s stakeholders, it too is vulnerable to future water shortages. Recognizing the fragile future of water supplies, the District will continue to take its prominent place in the political arena.
CONTACTS:
Eleanor Torres
Director of Public Affairs
Phone: (714) 378-3268
E-mail: etorres@ocwd.com
Robert Ennis
Legislative Affairs Liaison
Phone: (714) 378-8232
E-mail: rennis@ocwd.com
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