Nearly 40 NGWA members participated in more than 60 meetings with Congressional offices, Senate staff, and key federal agencies March 24–25 at the 2026 NGWA Fly-In held in Washington, D.C.
Representing a broad cross-section of groundwater professionals, members traveled from across the United States — including as far as Alaska — as well as internationally, with participation from Nigeria.
A two-day event focused on advancing the organization’s federal policy priorities, the 60-plus conversations provided a platform for members to share real-world insights from the field, while reinforcing the important role groundwater plays in supporting communities, agriculture, energy production, and economic growth nationwide.
A central focus of this year’s Fly-In was advocating for the reinstatement of geothermal tax credits, which are essential to advancing clean energy development and supporting jobs across the groundwater and geothermal sectors. Members also emphasized the need for increased federal investment in the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Ground-Water Monitoring Network, a resource for tracking water availability and quality.
Fly-In participants also highlighted NGWA’s newly released Data Center Position Paper, raising awareness around the increasing water demands tied to rapid data center expansion and the importance of responsible groundwater management.
During the event, NGWA members presented the 2025 Groundwater Protector Award to U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado). This recognition is awarded to government officials who have demonstrated strong leadership and a sustained commitment to advancing groundwater protection and policy. Hickenlooper was recognized for his ongoing support of water infrastructure, science-based policy, and efforts that elevate the importance of groundwater at the federal level.
“This year really demonstrated the strength and expertise of our membership and their commitment to giving NGWA a voice in D.C.,” said Ben Frech, NGWA’s government affairs manager.
“From geothermal energy to water monitoring and recharge, our members are on the front lines of the nation’s most pressing water challenges. These conversations help ensure that policymakers understand both the urgency of these issues and the practical solutions our industry is ready to deliver.”
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CALIFORNIA GROUNDWATER ASSOCIATION