USGBC Michigan Advocacy: 3 Mar 2016 Items

[1] Mar. 10th Event: DRC Co-sponsoring UM SNRE Water Infrastructure & Flint
[2] Overview with Cheryl: Legionnaires disease
[3] Legalizing decentralized water networks
[4] Check & monitor BillTracker
[5] The American Legislative Exchange Council & anticipated ALEC led water tactics

[1] https://www.facebook.com/events/1675903966032674/
[3] Conversation with Matt Grocoff (see last week's minutes)
[4] https://www.billtrack50.com/BillDetail/556312

[5] ALEC
Overview: http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/American_Legislative_Exchange_Council
Documentary: http://billmoyers.com/episode/united-states-of-alec-a-follow-up/ (note Energy portfolio repeal among others from 2012)

"Model Policy" Water related:

"(C) Unlawful restrictions on competition include, but are not limited to specifying only a brand name product or particular type of material instead of either allowing an equal product to be offered, or describing the performance of the relevant requirements of the procurement."
...
"(G) All procurement transactions, regardless of whether by sealed bids or by negotiation and without regard to dollar value, shall be conducted in a manner that provides maximum open and free competition. Procurement procedures shall not restrict or eliminate competition."
https://www.alec.org/model-policy/the-open-and-fair-competition-act-for-water-and-wastewater-projects/

[2] Legionnaire's Disease (from Cheryl)

Legionnaire’s Disease - Summary

A. What is it?

Legionnaire’s Disease is a respiratory disease/ type of pneumonia caused by bacteria, Legionella Pneumophila
There are 34 species of legionella bacteria
Contaminated water must be made airborne, aerosolized, misted… in order to attack the lungs.
Incubation period: 2-10 days
Symptoms: Cough to low fever to pneumonia; medical intervention needed if advanced
Most susceptible: Elderly, weakened immune system (cancer, HIV), those with existing health conditions, prior lung conditions
Route of entry/attack of legionella is by inhalation. Ingestion of legionella does not (generally) cause a problem.
Also if contaminated water is accidentally aspirated, the bacteria can get to the lungs.

B. What other health condition does Legionnella bacteria cause?