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Webinars and Meetings
November 17–18 · Salt Lake City, UT
2026 OpenET Applications Conference
Agencies, researchers, and water users gather to discuss how satellite-based evapotranspiration data supports water management.
December 9–11 · Las Vegas, NV
Colorado River Water Users Association 2026 Conference
December 17 · Webinar
Who Is WestFAST and What Do They Do for WSWC Members?
A “WestFAST 101” webinar for WSWC member state agency staff on the history and purpose of WestFAST and the resources currently available to states.
Job Announcements
Montana Water Resources Deputy Division Administrator
Montana DNRC · Open until filled
DNRC wants a strong leader first; a deep background in water is not required.
Highlights
Western Water Leadership After the 2026 Elections: In this article, J.D. Strong explores what the November 3 elections mean for water management across the West, where at least nine states will begin the next term with a new governor. Drawing on his own experience serving under four Oklahoma governors from both parties, he argues that water challenges span administrations and outlast election cycles. He points to WSWC as a forum where states can learn from one another and keep up constructive dialogue through political transitions.
WSWC Letter to Senate on BAAJA: On November 6, WSWC sent Senate leaders a letter on the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (BAAJA), supporting its goal of faster, more predictable permitting while urging Congress to protect environmental resources and preserve state authority. The Council supported NPDES permit terms of up to 10 years, raised concerns about limits on CWA §401 certification, and asked for clarifications on nationwide permits, water quality criteria, hydropower, and geothermal provisions. On November 9, the Senate voted 73–25 to advance BAAJA to floor debate.
WestFAST Funding Webinar: On October 29, WestFAST hosted a webinar, requested by WSWC members, giving a rapid overview of water, infrastructure, and conservation funding programs at five federal agencies. Presenters from BLM, FEMA, Reclamation, the Forest Service, and the Army Corps covered cooperative agreements, grant programs, cost-share requirements, and upcoming application deadlines. The recording and presenter materials are available online.