RCRC members are encouraged to submit comments on regulatory matters to state and federal regulatory bodies, and to provide a copy to RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of regulations impacting California’s rural counties.
Endangered Species Act: Amendments; Definition of Destruction or Adverse Modification of Critical Habitat: Changes the definition of “Destruction or Adverse Modification of Critical Habitat” and gives more case-by-case discretion to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Status: Draft published on May 12, 2014 for a 180-day comment period, comments due on October 9, 2014. Proposed regulation and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Regulations Governing Designation of Critical Habitat Under Section 4 of the ESA, 50 CFR 424: Modifies the procedures for designating critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act and could expand critical habitat for a species to areas that are not currently inhabited by that species. Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service Status: Draft published on May 12, 2014 for a 180-day comment period, comments due on October 9, 2014. Proposed regulation and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Definition of “Waters of the United States” Under the Clean Water Act: Changes the definition of “Waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act and expands federal jurisdiction over waterways. Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Status: Draft published on April 21, 2014 for a 180-day comment period, comments due October 20, 2014. Proposed regulation and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Click here. RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Draft Urban Flood Risk Reduction Program Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package: The Urban Flood Risk Reduction (UFRR) Program was created through the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan (CVFPP) to address investment priorities in urban areas in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley. The Bond funds to be used for the UFRR Program are authorized by Proposition 1E. Agency: Department of Water Resources Status: DWR will review all public comments received prior to finalizing the Guidelines. RCRC Comments: Click here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
Preliminary Draft Staff Report on the SB 375 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Target Update Process: The draft identifies issues to be considered in the first four year review of the regional passenger vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for the 18 Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for 2020 and 2035. Agency: Air Resources Board Status: ARB is seeking public input before preparing a revised staff report with recommendations for target updates presented to the Board in October. For notice of the three upcoming September public workshops, click here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org.
Draft Interim Guidance to Agencies on Use of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Monies for Investments to Benefit Disadvantaged Communities: The draft describes a general approach for project categories and administering agencies on the project types that are most likely to be located within or provide benefits to disadvantaged communities. California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) developed the CalEnviroScreen to identify a specific list of disadvantaged communities. SB 535 (2012) requires state agencies to allocate 25 percent of GGRF monies to projects that provide benefits to disadvantaged communities. Agency: Air Resources Board Status: Comments on this draft Interim Guidance and the alternative approaches that might be used to identify disadvantaged communities are due September 15, 2014, with the ARB consideration at their September 18, 2014 Board meeting. RCRC Comments: RCRC is concerned that strictly using the CalEnviroScreen to identify disadvantaged communities limits rural county eligibility for GGRF monies, and will be submitting comments. The draft Interim Guidance can be accessed here. The Alternative Approaches to Identifying Disadvantaged Communities can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org.
California Carpet Stewardship Plan Annual Report: The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has submitted their annual report for review and approval. Agency: CalRecycle Status: The report will be discussed at the September 16, 2014 CalRecycle meeting. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. The Annual Report can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate:Mary Pittompitto@rcrcnet.org
Preliminary Discussion Draft of Updates to the CEQA Guidelines: The preliminary discussion draft of updates to the CEQA Guidelines implement SB 743 (Steinberg, 2013) and address the evaluation of transportation impacts under CEQA. Agency: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Status: Draft language released August 6, 2014, comments due by October 10, 2014. RCRC comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. A copy of the preliminary discussion draft can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pittompitto@rcrcnet.org