WWEMA warns of “buy American” provisions in WRRDA

The Water and Wastewater Equipment Manufacturers Association (WWEMA) has launched a new website portal in which it is providing information on the impacts of the “Buy American” provisions in the recently enacted Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA). The new portal, called “What You Should Know About Buy American,” details the implications of WRRDA language imposing “American iron and steel” restrictions on federally funded water and wastewater projects, among other provisions. “WWEMA has long been a leader in opposing restrictions on trade,” said WWEMA Executive Director Vanessa Leiby. “While ‘Buy American’ makes a nice sound bite, it has unintended consequences that can be devastating to manufacturers right here in the United States. This online portal is a one-stop resource to help manufacturers and other key stakeholders understand the legislation as well as its potential impact on their businesses and water and wastewater infrastructure projects.”