October 12, 2017 / Washington, DC

The ubiquitous growth of big data has revealed significant implications for better informed water resources decision-making. Constantly improving analytics can provide operational managers and policy-makers with better informed choices. Real time monitoring, early impairment detection, tracking water contaminants and identifying sources, and the impact of drought in arid regions have game-changing value in improving negotiations across state and international borders. But, how can the over-abundance of data be managed effectively to guide decisions by science and fact, rather than conjecture and politics?

The Horinko Group and the Mannie Jackson Center for the Humanities addressed this question at its 2017 Summit hosted in Washington, DC on October 12. An impressive collaboration of presenters discussed implications of big data management from the conflict-torn Jordan River in the Middle East, to the complicated water rights of the Western United States, to the Mississippi River’s cyclic drought and abundance. The invitation-only gathering convened key capacity and community-builders on a national and international scale, well positioned to make immediate and measurable impacts.

Thank you to our Summit partners, The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies and The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center, and to our Summit supporters, Booz Allen Hamilton, HSW Engineering, Crowell & Moring, and Water Resource Action Project.

• Download Summit Program (PDF)
• Download Summit Agenda (PDF)
• Download Summit Presentation Slides (PDF)
• Download Summit Photos (PDF)
• Download Summit Press Release (PDF)
• Download Summit Abstract (PDF)
• Download Summit Proceedings (PDF)

On behalf of the Water Research Foundation, THG in collaboration with PLDO conducted an assessment of public-private partnership (P3) opportunities for water and water resource recovery utility (W&WRRU) energy projects. The final report, Public-Private Partnership Opportunities for Water and Water Resource Recovery Utility Energy Projects, will assist W&WRRUs identify opportunities and undertake energy projects through P3s. The Water Environment & Reuse Foundation was a partner on this project.

On September 28, WRF hosted a webcast where co-authors Sean McGinnis, Director of The Horinko Group; Emily Hammond, Senior Advisor of The Horinko Group; and Bruce Tobey, Of Counsel with PLDO, provided real-world insights on legal, financing, contracting, and risk management practices by reflecting on their water-energy marketplace research and various case studies. They also highlighted the characteristics, challenges, barriers, risks, incentives, and benefits associated with P3 energy initiatives at W&WRRUs. Their goal is to better position utilities to consider the use of P3s to achieve their infrastructure needs in the most financially and environmentally effective manner possible.

To view the webinar, click here.

To download the report, click here.

On behalf of the Water Research Foundation, THG in collaboration with PLDO (formerly PLDW) have undertaken an assessment of public-private partnership (P3) opportunities for water and wastewater utility (WWU) energy projects. A Best Practices Guide to be released later this year will assist WWUs identify opportunities and undertake energy projects through P3s.

On February 9, 2017 at the AWWA/WEF Utility Management Conference, THG Director Sean McGinnis along with PLDO Partner Bruce Tobey presented their preliminary findings on the panel Implementing Solutions Through P3s. A copy of the presentation slides is available for download here.

To review the P3 presentation slides visit, http://bit.ly/2mhiSeN.

To review the AWWA/WEF conference program visit, http://bit.ly/2lCpLdl.

THG’s 2016 Summit
The Future of RCRA – Making the Business Case

October 26, 2016 | 1001 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC

THG, in partnership with the Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials (ASTSWMO) and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC), will be convening our next Summit, The Future of RCRA – Making the Business Case, on October 26, 2016.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act’s (RCRA) regulatory and enforcement programs have accomplished a great deal over the past forty years. At its 40th anniversary, the RCRA statute stands to achieve much more. Looking forward, real progress will be made through collaboration with states, local governments, industry, academia, and communities. How can we capture the accomplishments of the past and leverage these results into a new, innovative, and productive enterprise? As U.S. EPA fashions its approach to RCRA 2040, we gather a community of experienced practitioners to exchange ideas and shape the debate about the future of this important program.

Thanks in advance to our Summit partners, ASTSWMO and ITRC, and to our Summit sponsors, Booz Allen Hamilton, Sustainable Remediation Forum, HSW Engineering, Republic Services, Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries, and Cement Kiln Recycling Coalition. The Summit will also take place the day before ASTSWMO’s Annual Meeting, which will be held in Washington, DC from October 27-28. For more details on that event click here.

To view the Summit agenda, visit http://bit.ly/29ld0gO.

To see more information on the Summit, visit http://bit.ly/29gVmYf.

Brown Bag Mentoring Luncheon for Early-Career Professionals
September 16, 2016

Speaker: Stanley Meiburg, Acting Deputy Administrator, EPA

Host: The brown bag luncheon is co-hosted by The Horinko Group, Crowell & Moring, and EPA, with special thanks to EPA for graciously providing the event space.

Date: Friday September 16, 2016, 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location:

U.S. EPA Office of General Counsel
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
William Jefferson Clinton North Building, Room 4045
Washington, DC 20004

RSVP: ccourtin@thehorinkogroup.org

The mentoring luncheon will feature a brief talk by Stanley Meiburg followed by questions and discussion.

Stanley Meiburg serves as the Acting Deputy Administrator of EPA, continuing a career spanning over 36 years at EPA in locations around the country. He has broad experience in the management of the agency across the spectrum of EPA’s activities, and has received numerous awards, including recognition as a Distinguished Federal Executive in 2012 and as a Meritorious Federal Executive in 1997. He received EPA’s Gold Medal in 1990 for his work on the Clean Air Act Amendments, and Silver Medal in 1983 for work on state-federal relations.

Meiburg spent 18 years as Deputy Regional Administrator of EPA’s Region 4 office in Atlanta, Georgia, following service as Deputy Regional Administrator in EPA’s Region 6 office in Dallas, Texas. He is the second person in EPA history to serve as Deputy Regional Administrator in more than one region.

From 1990 to 1995, Meiburg was Director of Region 6’s Air, Pesticides and Toxics Division. From 1985 to 1990, he was Director of the Planning and Management Staff of EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards in Durham, North Carolina, leading work on the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments as well as planning and budgeting for the air program.

Meiburg joined EPA in 1977, serving in a variety of positions in Washington, D.C., Research Triangle Park, N.C., and Dallas, Texas, before coming to Atlanta. Meiburg holds a B.A. degree from Wake Forest University and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in political science from The Johns Hopkins University.

Brown Bag Mentoring Luncheon for Early-Career Professionals
July 25, 2016

Speaker: Ramona Trovato, President, Blue Heron Consulting, LLC

Host: The brown bag luncheon is co-hosted by The Horinko Group, Crowell & Moring, and EPA, with special thanks to Crowell for graciously providing the event space.

Date: Monday July 25, 2016, 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location: Crowell & Moring Offices, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC – Room 10-C

RSVP: ccourtin@thehorinkogroup.org

The mentoring luncheon will feature a brief talk by Ramona Trovato followed by questions and discussion.
 

Ramona Trovato has a long and productive history with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She has been the force behind numerous new, diverse, unique and ground breaking Agency efforts, including promoting and protecting children’s environmental health, developing radioactive waste management solutions for clean-up at nuclear weapons sites, and leading efforts to create a more timely, relevant, and responsive research and development program for EPA. In each case her successes were grounded in an unwavering belief in public service and what it stands for—providing excellent service and care to the citizens of the United States. Because of her leadership abilities, people skills, policy and political experience, science background, limitless energy and unwavering ability to stay focused and deliver meaningful results, Ramona has been asked to serve in various leadership positions across EPA programs, including: children’s health, water, indoor air, radiation, information management & technology, land revitalization and reuse, and research and development. Her broad knowledge and experience, her creativity and perseverance, and her adaptability and resilience all contribute to her ability to find solutions to environmental and public health challenges, while never losing sight of the associated challenges also facing our nation.

Ramona is committed to work with others within and outside the Agency. She firmly believes that none of us can be successful alone and that contributions made at a national level can only be accomplished through the dedication and effort of many people. To that end, Ramona would like to recognize her colleagues in government (federal, state, and local), non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and academia for their willingness to work together to solve challenging issues of national significance. Due to their commitment, time, and expertise, the federal government is able to find better solutions.

Ramona is committed to public service and the people of our country. She feels blessed to have had the opportunity to serve.

Today, after retiring from federal service (for the second time), Ramona is enjoying time with her family, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and providing management consulting and coaching services.

Brown Bag Mentoring Luncheon for Early-Career Professionals
June 24, 2016

Speaker: Larry Starfield, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, EPA

Host: The brown bag luncheon is co-hosted by The Horinko Group, Crowell & Moring, and EPA, with special thanks to Crowell for graciously providing the event space.

Date: Friday June 24, 2016, 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location: Crowell & Moring Offices, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC – Room 9-D

RSVP: ccourtin@thehorinkogroup.org

The mentoring luncheon will feature a brief talk by Larry Starfield followed by questions and discussion.
 

Larry Starfield is the Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) in Washington, DC. OECA’s mission is to improve the environment and protect public health by ensuring compliance with the nation’s environmental laws. As Deputy Assistant Administrator, Mr. Starfield serves as the senior career official for EPA’s enforcement and compliance assurance office, responsible for managing the day to day operations of the nation’s environmental enforcement program, with approximately 3,100 environmental professionals and an annual budget of more than $550 million.

Mr. Starfield has more than thirty years of experience in the environmental field. From 2001 to 2011, he served as the Deputy Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, where he was responsible for the management of the 850-person regional office in Dallas, Texas. During his tenure, the Region oversaw issues under all environmental statutes, including those arising in response to the Shuttle Columbia disaster, Hurricane Katrina, and the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

From 1997-2001, Mr. Starfield served as the Regional Counsel for Region 6 where he managed an office of 60 lawyers that provided legal advice to the Regional Administrator and Region 6 program offices regarding the interpretation and implementation of federal environmental laws. Before joining Region 6, Mr. Starfield spent ten years with EPA’s Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C., where he served as an attorney-advisor, Assistant General Counsel for RCRA, and Acting Associate General Counsel for Solid Waste and Emergency Response.

Before coming to EPA, he worked in Paris, France, from 1985 to 1987 as the correspondent for the Bureau of National Affairs on French environmental issues. From 1981 through 1985, he was an Associate with the law firm of Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, in Washington, D.C., where he worked on environmental and energy issues. Prior to that, he clerked for Judge Walter K. Stapleton in the U.S. District Court in Wilmington, Delaware.

He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Yale Law School.

June 15, 2016 | Chicago, IL | Register

The American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy, and Resources will host the Superfund Master Class: Today’s Issues and Tomorrow’s Reforms on June 15, 2016 in Chicago, IL.  Marianne Horinko, President, The Horinko Group, will join leading environmental lawyers for a panel discussion on, Thirty-Five Years of Superfund: What Have We Achieved and What Is In Store?  The Master Class is designed to encourage interactive dialogue with the goal of identifying a path forward for a more effective and efficient future for the Superfund process.

To see the event schedule, visit http://bit.ly/1QYUKVi.

To register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/1Sgj21j.

May 11-13, 2016 | Overland Park, KS | Register

The Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference in partnership with EPA Region 7 and Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska Regulators, will be held in Kansas City May 11-13, 2016.  The event will provide regional perspectives on RCRA, Air, and Wastewater compliance, enforcement, and policy.

To learn more and register for the event, visit http://bit.ly/1QljQjc.

Brown Bag Mentoring Luncheon for Early-Career Professionals
October 21, 2015

Speaker: Tom Lorenzen, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP

Host: This luncheon is co-hosted by The Horinko Group, Crowell & Moring, and EPA, with special thanks to Crowell for graciously providing the event space.

Date: Wednesday October 21, 2015, 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Location: Crowell & Moring Offices, 1001 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC – Room 10-C

RSVP: ccourtin@thehorinkogroup.org

The mentoring luncheon will feature a brief talk by Tom Lorenzen focusing on his career in environmental law and his insights on current and future trends in the field, followed by questions and discussion.
 

Tom Lorenzen is a partner in Crowell & Moring’s Washington, D.C. office and is a member of the Environment & Natural Resources and Government Affairs groups. Tom works with clients seeking to successfully navigate the federal environmental rulemaking process. Prior to re-entering private practice in 2013, Tom served for a decade as an assistant chief in the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, where he oversaw the government’s legal defense of all EPA rules and regulations.

While at the DOJ, Tom oversaw the government’s defense in many of the seminal environmental cases of the last decade. These include Massachusetts v. EPA, in which the Supreme Court affirmed EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, and Entergy v. Riverkeeper, in which the court held that EPA has discretion under the Clean Water Act to consider or decline to consider costs in determining how to regulate cooling water intake structures. In the D.C. Circuit and the other federal courts of appeals, he oversaw the government’s defense in many hundreds of petitions for review of EPA rules and other reviewable final EPA actions, among them, Coalition for Responsible Regulation v. EPA, in which the court upheld the Obama Administration’s first suite of greenhouse gas regulations, and New York v. EPA, in which the court upheld most of the Bush Administration’s New Source Review reform rules.

Tom is a frequent lecturer and commentator in print, on the internet, and on television regarding federal environmental law, climate change regulation, administrative law, federal policymaking, and effective appellate brief-writing and argument.