17414_Authority_April_2024

24 The Authority | APRIL 2024 g ovErNMENt r ElatioNs PMAA Testifies on Act 12 - Senate Democratic Policy Committee Public Hearing On January 22 nd , PMAA testified at a public hearing of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee on Reining in Water Rates: The Unintended Consequences of Act 12 of 2016. The hearing focused on water and wastewater privatization and how the provisions included in Act 12 have led to significant rate increases across the Commonwealth. Anthony J. Bellitto, Jr., PE, Executive Director of the North Penn Water Authority, testified on behalf of PMAA. During his testimony, Bellitto said Act 12 should be repealed but absent a repeal, he suggested several reforms including a voter referendum on any proposed sale and more public notification and participation in the process. This is the second legislative hearing at which PMAA testified in a little more than a month focusing on Act 12 flaws and consequences (Please see page 60 for PMAA’s testimony and page 26 for an article on the Committee hearing). To view the video of the hearing and the corresponding committee report, visit PMAA’s website at municipalauthorities. org/the-authorities-today (January 26, 2024 newsletter). In addition to PMAA, the groups Keep Water Affordable and Neighbors Against Privatization also testified, as well the Public Utility Commission, PA Municipal League, and Office of Consumer Advocate. PMAA Testifies on Cybersecurity Issues - Joint Senate Public Hearing The Senate Local Government Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee held a joint public hearing on Cybersecurity Issues for Local Governments and Municipal Authorities on January 31 st . John Berti, IT and Telecom Manager of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, testified on behalf of PMAA. Berti explained how PMAA works to educate its members on the potential of cyber threats, how to manage them and how to prepare and respond to the threats. He also described the steps the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority has taken to enhance cybersecurity in their operations. To view the video of the hearing, PMAA’s testimony, and the corresponding committee report, visit PMAA’s website at municipalauthorities.org/the-authorities-today (February 2, 2024 newsletter).  PA PUC Advances Reforms to Act 12 During its February 1 st meeting, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted to advance four specific revisions to future Act 12 acquisitions. The four revisions include: • Public Meeting and Hearing Requirements. Utilities would be required to hold at least two in-person public meetings Anthony J. Bellitto, Jr., PE, Executive Director, North Penn Water Authority testifying John Berti, IT and Telecom Manager, Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority testifying Cybersecurity Issues for Local Governments and Municipal Authorities hearing