Ditchmen SEPT/ OCT 2024 | Page 27

Since the bill versions contained different priorities , the Senate ' s Environment and Public Works Committee and the House ' s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will begin the conference process to resolve the differences between the two bills . Their work is expected to conclude in September .
Senate Committee Passes Permitting Reform Bill The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee approved on July 31 the bipartisan Manchin- Barrasso " Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 " ( S . 4753 ). This NUCA-supported bill would take important steps to streamline and reform the federal permitting process . The reforms in this bill place important guardrails and timelines on legal challenges that often indefinitely delay projects , accelerate timelines for leasing and permitting of energy projects on federal lands , and backstops approval authority for vital electric transmission projects . While this bill will mainly affect oil and gas , renewable energy such as offshore wind , and electric infrastructure construction projects , it does demonstrate further intentions by Congress to address permitting reform . NUCA will be advocating for a full Senate vote on the bill by the end of the year , and supports expanding the scope of it reforms to include water infrastructure , broadband , and other underground utility projects .
Association News
Catie Amsden : Delivering A New Style To NUCA ’ s Events NUCA announced Aug . 13 that Catie Amsden has joined NUCA to lead the association ’ s marketing and event programs . Catie will be the primary manager of the association ’ s marketing , national partner program and execute the planning for various national meetings events throughout the year . She will spearhead creating marketing content for the association for NUCA ’ s various meetings and events . Catie will also manage NUCA ’ s national partner program including renewal of current sponsors and identify new business opportunities for the program .
“ With the Board ’ s emphasis on redeveloping the Annual Convention experience , Catie ' s detailed event coordination and premium content ideas will give our 2025 Annual Meeting attendees an exciting new experience in Orlando ," said Chris Barrett , NUCA ’ s chief operating officer . Catie can be reached via email at catie @ nuca . com or NUCA ' s main office at 703-358-9300 .
Save The Date : NUCA Safety Damage Prevention Conference , Jan . 24-25 , 2025 NUCA ' s annual Safety Damage Prevention Conference ( SDPC ) offers the unique opportunity for NUCA members involved in safety and damage prevention to hear from experts on a wide variety of topics that impact the industry , and network with others from across the country . This conference also provides an opportunity to address and strategize how members can better navigate complex damage prevention issues . If you ' re an industry safety professional , mark your calendars for January 24-25 , 2025 , and plan to attend the SDPC held at the Westin Riverwalk San Antonio , in San Antonio , Texas . Conference registration will open in September .
26 Ditchmen September / October