2013 Legislative Conference Driving Tennessee Forward Recap Beth Hardiman, Event Planner & Member Services TAUD held its annual Legislative Rally and Luncheon at the Nashville Downtown Sheraton on February 19th. This year, we focused on the impact of water utilities on the automotive industry in our state, naming the campaign: “Utilities Driving Tennessee Forward”. Each legislator or legislative staff member was provided with a USB flash drive that contained a digital copy of TAUD’s “We ARE Water” Legislative Rally book, detailed automotive campaign information, and talking points on TAUD’s Operator Certification Bill (SB1232/HB1066). The automotive campaign was very well received and most of our state legislators were unaware of the amount of jobs, revenue, and products that Tennessee utilities provide to the automotive industry. The state of Tennessee is first in the country in automotive manufacturing, producing nine vehicles between Infinity, General Motors, Volkswagen, and Nissan. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) reports that the automotive industry in Tennessee provides 105,735 jobs in 902 manufacturing companies and is responsible for 31% of Tennessee’s revenue. TAUD is proud that Tennessee’s utilities sustain such an important industry. Prior to the luncheon, Association members attended a legislative update to inform them on hot button issues. Currently, the issue most important to our industry is SB1232/HB1066, otherwise known as the Operator Certification bill. We asked those attending to explain the importance of supporting this bill for the good
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of our operators and the water industry as a whole. TAUD’s Education Manager, Brent Ogles, presented the components of the bill in a very practical way, including the measures taken which led to the drafting of this bill. Additionally, detailed information on SB1232/HB1066 was sent to all TAUD members, as well as county and city mayors via e-mail. Updates on the Operator Certification bill are included in the weekly Legislative Update, which is provided to TAUD members that have opted to contribute to Activity Fees. We greatly appreciate those who have reached out to lawmakers in support of SB1232/HB1066. For more information on this and other legislative issues facing our industry, please contact our office at (615) 896-9022.
It takes more than 2,100 gallons of water to produce a single gallon of ethanol.
A TENNESSEE UTILITY NEWS