EPA Releases Principles Addressing The Energy/Water Nexus
On April 24, 2012, EPA signaled its increased interest in the energy/water nexus with the release of a document titled Principles for an Energy Water Future . This document describes the nexus between energy and water as an increasingly important area of focus for EPA. In Principles for an Energy Water Future, EPA states that Government should take a leadership role in this relationship and lead by example. EPA is proposing these principles for “government, service providers and ratepayers to foster valuable collaboration in both the water and energy sectors to work together to meet water and energy needs both nationally and locally.” Specifically, EPA offers the following six principles:
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Efficiency in the use of energy and water should form the foundation of how we develop, distribute, recover, and use energy and water.
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The exploration, production, transmission and use of energy should have the smallest impact on water resources as possible, in terms of water quality and water quantity.
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The pumping, treating, distribution, use, collection, reuse and ultimate disposal of water should have the smallest impact on energy resources as possible.
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Wastewater treatment facilities which treat human and animal waste should be viewed as renewable resource recovery facilities that produce clean water, recover energy and generate nutrients.
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The water and energy sectors – governments, utilities, manufacturers and consumers – should move toward integrated energy and water management from source, production and generation to end user.
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Societal benefits should be maximized.
In a cover letter accompanying the Principles, Nancy Stoner, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, notes EPA’s recognition “that the energy-water nexus has a direct impact on water and air quality…, such as energy’s impact on water, and water’s energy footprint as it impacts air quality.” The letter further explains that, through the release of these Principles, it is EPA’s intention to “raise awareness, stimulate discussion and advance progress.”
For further information, please contact: Bonnie Suchman at (202) 274-2908 or bonnie.suchman@troutmansanders.com.
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