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Get to Know the CASA Staff: Greg Kester
Greg serves as CASA’s Director of Renewable Resource Programs and has been CASA’s subject matter expert on all matters pertaining to renewable resources for nearly two decades. He manages emerging issues at the local, state and federal level and within the private sector on all biosolids, renewable energy, and related issues. Prior to joining CASA, he served as the state biosolids coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, where he represented all states in the nation, by their election, to the USEPA on biosolids issues. Greg holds a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and is a registered professional engineer.
Greg beyond the office:
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What's the most unusual or interesting thing you've ever eaten? Perhaps frog legs or escargot? I grew up in the shadow of New York City and while in early high school was in French Club. We had a field trip to New York which included eating at a French bistro. I decided to do as the French would and ordered both frog legs and escargot! To my surprise, I loved them both and continue to eat them whenever they are on the menu!
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What is something people would not know about you that is unique? As a 16-year-old, I attended the Woodstock Music and Arts festival and stayed for an entire week. I was working on the boardwalk on the shore in Seaside Heights New Jersey and wasn’t able to take off for the Newport Folk Festival in July which was my first intention. But I was aware of the annual Woodstock festival in August and sent for tickets to the 3-day festival. It was only after securing them that I saw it advertised in the NY Times and realized how many great performers would be there. It was a positive life changing event for which I have only great memories!
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Do you have a favorite musician? Why are they your favorite? Bob Dylan. My brother came home from college in 1965 with a copy of Highway 61 Revisited and upon listening I heard a voice that spoke directly to me and have been a devoted fan ever since. I think he is the best writer and singer from whom all my musical knowledge derives (past, present, and future). Even at 83, I look forward to seeing him at the Shoreline Amphitheater in August (with Willie Nelson).
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What's the best piece of advice you've ever received, and did you follow it? When I was 35 and had been driving an 18-wheel semi-truck for 10 years, hauling biosolids to agricultural fields for Madison MSD, I decided to use my mind and return to college. I was planning to major in creative writing because I always wanted to be a writer. My wife (of 50 years this October), questioned this since I had not written anything in the 15 years we had been together! Rather she said my memorization of all baseball statistics from the 1950’s on, was not normal and I should be in the math and science field. A lightbulb went off and I majored in civil and environmental engineering which proved to be the second-best choice of my life (after marrying her)!
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Excellence Unveiled: A Webinar Showcasing CASA Award-Winning Projects
Join us on June 25 from 11:00am – 12:15pm for an exclusive webinar as we delve into past CASA Awards of Excellence winning projects. This virtual event offers a unique opportunity to gain invaluable insights directly from the minds behind these exceptional projects. From harnessing biomethane as a renewable energy source to engaging the public through effective outreach and education programs, each project offers a unique perspective and important lessons for other CASA agencies. Our esteemed presenters, each a recipient of the CASA Awards of Excellence, will take you on a journey through their innovative projects, sharing the challenges and triumphs that defined their process.
For those of you who have seen our Awards of Excellence presented at the CASA Annual Conference and wanted to know more about the projects being honored, now is your opportunity! This webinar promises to be a rich source of knowledge and inspiration, with plenty of time to engage with the presenters during the Q&A period. Keep an eye out for registration information. You won’t want to miss it!
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Deadline Approaching: CASA Education Foundation Scholarships
Does your local college or university know about CASA’s financial aid to students interested in a career in water? The CASA Education Foundation helps energize the future of the clean water sector by awarding scholarships to promising students on a path to serving the environmental community. The Foundation is accepting scholarship applications through May 17, 2024. For information on how to apply, who is eligible and the scholarship guidelines, visit the website.
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CASA Annual Conference: Registration Open!
CASA is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2024 Annual Conference, set to take place from July 31 to August 2 at the Monterey Marriott. This year, our conference theme is “Empowering Through Collaboration,” highlighting the importance of working together to achieve our shared mission. Our program will feature an array of speakers and panels geared towards providing our agencies with the necessary tools and information to foster collaboration and achieve our common goals. We will also host three different tracks this year with opportunities for high-level policy discussions as well as deep technical dives, and some excellent networking opportunities as well! As always, our committee leaders and subject matter experts will be on hand to provide all the latest information on legislative and regulatory proposals that will impact your agency.
Also, new to this year's event will be an extended keynote session featuring the esteemed Mabel Miguel from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. Mabel will lead an interactive session with breakouts and small group engagement that will be sure to captivate and inspire. Additionally, we're offering an exclusive tour of Monterey One Water, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up early! Stay tuned for updates on speakers and the official program. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on what we have in store. Register early and make your reservations to lock in the best hotel rates. We hope to see you this summer in Monterey!
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In Memoriam: Wyatt L. Troxel
On April 18, 2024, with the passing of Wyatt L. Troxel, the CASA community lost a visionary leader, an inspirational “solutioneer,” a compassionate teacher, a talented musician, and a loyal friend. Wyatt passed suddenly and far too early, and is survived by his wife Kathy, two sons, Evan and Andrew, and four grandchildren, Leighton, Jackson, Landon, and Marlin. Wyatt will be remembered by his water and wastewater colleagues as a passionate, intelligent, caring, and giving man, committed to helping our industry “do better,” as he liked to say.
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If you have questions related to federal updates, please contact Sarah Sapirstein. | |
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Congressional Outreach Requested
CASA is requesting that our members take action in response to the recent USEPA PFOA and PFOS Hazardous Substances CERCLA Designation Final Rule. Unfortunately, the final rule lacks explicit liability protections for public water and wastewater utilities, as well as biosolids management. As a result, we urge all members to take a proactive stance by sending letters to your respective congressional House delegations, advocating for support of H.R. 7944, the Water Systems PFAS Liability Protection Act. You can access a template letter tailored for CASA members here. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to Sarah Sapirstein. We thank you in advance for your engagement!
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New Cybersecurity Memorandum for Wastewater and other Critical Infrastructure Sectors
Last week, the President released the Security Memorandum on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. The memorandum updates the federal government’s strategy on managing the cybersecurity of the nation’s critical infrastructure to ensure robust security standards are established that prevent, respond to, and mitigate against cybersecurity threats. In addition to strengthening U.S. critical infrastructure, the memorandum includes measures to address the increasing interdependencies among and between the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors. The memorandum’s directives and subsequent activities are effective immediately and governed by identified deadlines.
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Sign up for CASA’s Regulatory Updates
CASA’s Regulatory Workgroup regularly puts together a comprehensive e-newsletter to share all regulatory updates on key issues and workgroup initiatives with the CASA membership. If you are interested in receiving these regulatory updates, please contact Jared Voskuhl. The latest edition is available here.
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2024 Spring Recruitment Campaign
Last month, CASA, along with the California Water Environment Association, the Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Water Energy Education Alliance launched a new public outreach campaign "Your Future is Clear" aimed to increased recruitment and highlight careers available in the world of water. As you know well, many California water and wastewater agencies have seen significant turnover in recent years. More than half of our workforce is retiring in large waves, a trend some call the ‘silver tsunami.’ We’ve refilled our reservoirs but need to refill the water workforce pipeline! Please join the 2024 Spring Recruitment Campaign and spread the word about the stable, well-paid, high-quality, inclusive career opportunities. Let's share the news far and wide - water is hiring! Factsheet, logo, resources, social media artwork and more are available here.
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National Public Works Week
May 19 – 25 is National Public Works Week! This year, the American Public Works Association announced the theme "Advancing Quality of Life for All". Public works contributes to advancing and enhancing our quality of life, no matter where we live in the world. Public works professionals provide essential services that lead to healthier, happier, more vibrant communities. The "Advancing Quality of Life for All" theme shines a spotlight on the way public works professionals advance our quality of life!
We look forward to another opportunity to celebrate our CASA members who work hard to safeguard our quality of life every single day!
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Just Around the Corner: 2024 Special Districts Legislative Days
As the California State Legislature wrestles with a projected $73 billion budget deficit and the courts and voters contemplate major constitutional actions on funding for essential services and infrastructure, Special Districts Legislative Days will once again provide a venue for all types of special districts to come together to understand and influence our shared public policy challenges. Attendees on May 21 and 22, will be grouped with special districts from your region to advocate for special districts and the communities we collectively serve. CASA is a proud supporter of this event and we encourage our members to attend if possible. Register now!
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Save the Date - PFI Event
The CWEA and CASA Partnering for Impact (PFI) event is just around the corner! Happening on June 4, 2024, from 8:00am – 4:30pm in Irvine, CA, PFI is a one-day, highly focused, interactive meeting of thought-leaders, practitioners, academics, and regulators from throughout the wastewater sector. These sector leaders strive daily to advance technology and innovation through various local and regional partnerships. At PFI 2024, you will discuss innovation and collaboration as it applies to recycled water as a future potable water resource and explore new advancements in PFAS management. The workshop will include dynamic speakers, panel discussions, and roundtable interaction designed to foster input through facilitated idea sharing with fellow attendees.
PFI 2024 includes technological leaders from various research universities, as well as innovative State and Federal regulators, who are involved in utility partnerships that propel technology and innovation forward. Each participant is provided key take-away information, and our closing keynote speaker will facilitate a call-to-action for us all. Register today!
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CASA represents more than 135 local public agencies engaged in the collection, treatment and recycling of Wastewater and biosolids to protect public health and the environment. Our mission is to provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources. | | | | |
