Government Affairs Committee Description

Objective

The Government Affairs Committee promotes restoration and protection of lakes and reservoirs by involving NALMS in activities conducted by all levels of government: local, state/provincial, regional and federal. Advocacy is very important to the NALMS mission. It is how we utilize our scientific knowledge, member concerns and policy statements to change government policies for the betterment of lakes.

Organization

The President appoints the committee chair and members. There is no limit to the number of members who may serve on the committee. Subcommittees may be formed to carry out committee activities.

Activities and Procedures

The committee generally is involved with five principal activities. For those activities conducted on a regular basis, target dates are provided.

Collect and Disseminate Information

• Collect information on national issues, Congressional Bills or federal regulations affecting lakes and reservoirs.
• Collect, compile and disseminate information on state legislation or policies affecting lakes and reservoirs.
• Track status and progress of federal legislation or regulations of interest to NALMS.
• Collect information about chapter and member concerns regarding lake-related legislative issues and concerns.
• Notify Officers, Directors, chapter representatives, members and staff of government activities that may affect lake resources
• Provide periodic reports to the Officers and Board on the status of national legislation and activities of the committee.
• Provide Web page updates to the staff.

Prepare comments for NALMS on proposed legislation or regulations. Comments will reflect policy positions that have been approved by the Board of Directors, and will be sent to the President for consideration and approval by the Board if appropriate.

Formulate Positions on Federal Legislation

• Prepare draft comments or position statements for NALMS on federal legislative or regulatory issues related to lake restoration and protection. Drafts are sent to the President for approval by the Board of Directors unless the comments are technical or unless NALMS has already developed a formal position on the issue.
• Notify officers, directors, chapters and members of opportunities to comment on federal legislation or regulations, and provide suggestions on appropriate content for correspondence.

Participate in Advocacy Activities

• Provide written testimony to Senate and House Committees on legislation of interest to NALMS.
• Contact key Congressional members or staff persons to inform them of current lake management needs and issues.
• Assist the President in preparing testimony to be delivered by him/her or NALMS’ designated representative, before the U.S. Congress or Canadian/Mexican governments as appropriate.
• Organize various aspects of NALMS’ efforts to provide information to members of legislative bodies at all levels of government. This educational effort, focusing on nonpartisan analysis of the issue in question to lake resources, is under the direction of the President.
• Provide informational updates on the legislative process, current issues and opportunities for action to NALMS officers, directors, chapters and members.

Liaison with Other Organizations

• Identify opportunities for coordination with other interest groups in the development of positions on federal issues of mutual interest.
• Communicate with federal agency staff on current issues, concerns and policies regarding lakes and reservoirs.
• Arrange meetings as necessary with federal agency staff or representatives of other organizations interested in lake and reservoir protection.