The Barbed Wire - August 16, 2019

August 16, 2019
Register for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting in El Dorado County!!!
RCRC Files Phase 2 Comments to the California Public Utilities Commission for Wildfire Mitigation Plans
Rural Broadband Mapping
Democratic Presidential Candidates Release Rural Platforms
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 153 (Wilk) – Industrial Hemp
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Register for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting in El Dorado County!!!

Have you registered for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting?  This year’s conference will be held September 25-27 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in El Dorado County.  This year’s program will feature experts discussing a wide range of topics on critical issues shaping California’s future.  Read More…

RCRC Files Phase 2 Comments to the California Public Utilities Commission for Wildfire Mitigation Plans

On August 13, 2019, RCRC filed comments with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for Phase 2 of the Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) proceeding.  RCRC was granted party status on March 21, 2019.  Phase 2 focused on responses to electrical corporation reports on data sets and the development of proper metrics to evaluate WMP activities, as well as PG&E’s second amended WMP, public outreach in additional languages, tasks for an Independent Evaluator, and general process improvements to the CPUC when it undertakes the 2020 WMPs.

RCRC noted the importance of having the right data within the context of wildfire mitigation efforts, and the need for apples to apples comparisons year over year even when data and metrics evolve over time, as expected.  RCRC also expressed misgivings with PG&E’s high costs, delays, and use of eminent domain in their second amended plan.  Further, RCRC recommended an expanded role for experts like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to provide input in these WMPs. 

The CPUC will be holding a prehearing conference meeting on August 28, 2019, and workshops on September 17-19, 2019.  Details on these upcoming meetings can be accessed here.  RCRC’s comment letter can be accessed here.

Rural Broadband Mapping

A few weeks ago, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai sent letters to members of the House and Senate who raised concerns about the accuracy of the broadband mapping used by the FCC to measure households with access to broadband internet.  Chairman Pai wrote to inform the members that the FCC would implement a new order that would “result in more granular and more accurate broadband maps” through the creation of the Digital Opportunity Data Collection (DODC).  

The DODC will require broadband providers to report areas they offer service below the census block level.  This reported data will then be independently verified by the Universal Service Administrative Company.  The DODC approach will be used by the FCC to administer $20 billion over the next ten years to rural broadband deployment through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.

FCC Chairman Pai addressed his letter to members from rural states and districts who will be scrutinizing the FCC’s new method for broadband mapping closely.  While the DODC is a much needed step in the right direction for broadband mapping, the data collection process remains overly reliant on data from nationwide carriers.  It will be critical for the future of rural broadband deployment to measure the success of the DODC program and hold the FCC accountable.

Democratic Presidential Candidates Release Rural Platforms

Democratic candidates for the 2020 presidential election continue to rollout their policy platforms for rural America.  Several presidential hopefuls spent the past week and a half in Iowa and are seizing the opportunity to appeal to rural voters across the United States.  

Mayor Pete Buttigieg from South Bend, Indiana released his rural policy proposal this week which centered around an $80 billion investment in rural broadband.  Buttigieg’s call for investment in rural internet access echoes his competitors’ platforms including Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), who each promised massive investments in rural broadband if elected into office.  Buttigieg’s plan for rural America would also invest in improved broadband mapping and several economic development programs to foster job growth in rural areas.

These policy proposals inform rural voters how each candidate’s administration would benefit rural America.  The inclusion of rural broadband is a noticeable trend among policy platforms from 2020 candidates, suggesting that rural broadband deployment will be a significant issue for rural voters.

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 153 (Wilk) – Industrial Hemp

Senate Bill 153, authored by Senator Scott Wilk (D-Santa Clarita), would construct a more robust state regulatory structure for the cultivation and testing of industrial hemp.  SB 153 would conform the cultivation and testing of industrial hemp requirements for a state plan under the federal Farm Bill.  

Specifically, SB 153 revises certain key terminology in California’s hemp law, expands the registration requirements to apply to growers of industrial hemp for noncommercial as well as commercial purposes, and establishes new testing requirements and enforcement procedures, among other things.

RCRC staff has engaged with the author’s office and sponsors to secure amendments that would recognize and protect local land use control; narrow the definition of ‘established agricultural research institution’ to recognized institutions of higher education, consistent with federal law; clarify the bill’s enforcement provisions; and, make additional technical and clarifying revisions. 

SB 182 is set to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, August 21st.  RCRC will continue to monitor the bill as it advance through the legislative process.

For more information, Paul A. Smith, Vice President Governmental Affairs, can be reached at (916) 447-4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.

BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

 

U.S. Department of Commerce Announces Availability of $587 Million to Aid Communities Impacted by Natural Disasters

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has published the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY2019) Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) making $587 million available to eligible grantees in communities impacted by Presidentially declared natural disasters in 2018, and floods and tornadoes in 2019.  Click here.

New Grants Available to Public Agencies

Grants have recently been released for transportation, housing, habitat conservation, and a variety of other municipal projects.  Click here.

HCD Launches SB 2 Planning Grants Technical Assistance to Help Cities and Counties Accelerate Housing Production and Streamline Housing Approvals

This week, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) launched the SB 2 Planning Grants Technical Assistance (TA) Accelerating Housing Production webpage, with access to resources, tools, and California's first-ever, statewide peer-to-peer sharing map – all designed to help cities and counties accelerate housing production and streamline housing approvals.  Click here.

DWR Hosting Groundwater Sustainability Plan Reporting System Workshops

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will be hosting Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Reporting System workshops this month to assist those submitting GSPs.  The workshops are free, but space is limited.  Reservations are encouraged and are on a first-come basis.

During the workshops, DWR staff will present information on the updated Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) Portal, provide step-by-step instructions for GSP submittal, demonstrate the new tool, and answer questions.

Fresno

Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2019

2 p.m.

Woodward Park Regional Library, Woodward Park Meeting Room

944 E Perrin Ave.

Fresno

RSVP

Bakersfield

Wednesday, Aug.‎ ‎21‎, ‎2019

9 a.m.

Hilton Garden Inn

3625 Marriott Dr.

Bakersfield

RSVP

Sacramento Webcast

Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019

12:30 p.m.

RSVP

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

 

Connie Conway Appointed State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced Connie Conway as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), serving as an appointee of President Donald J. Trump. FSA State Directors help implement USDA policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs in their respective states. They are also responsible for running the day-to-day activities of the state FSA office.  Click here.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Assembly Bill 100 Budget Trailer Bill: Drinking Water. Assembly Bill 100 will establish the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund in the State Treasury to help water systems provide an adequate and affordable supply of safe drinking water in both the near and the long terms. Status: AB 100 awaits consideration in the Senate (Second Reading File) RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 178 (Dahle):  Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.  Assembly Bill 178 exempts post-fire residential rebuilding from recently-adopted California Energy Commission (CEC) solar energy installation mandates in order to reduce the cost of rebuilding.  Status:  AB 178 awaits consideration on the Senate Floor (Third Reading File). RCRC Status:  Support.

Assembly Bill 247 (Dahle): Disaster Relief: Carr and Klamathon Fires. Assembly Bill 247 provides that the state share for disaster project allocations to local agencies is up to 100% of total state eligible costs connected with the Klamathon fire that started on July 5, 2018, in the County of Siskiyou, and the Carr Fire that started on July 23, 2018, in the County of Shasta. Status:  AB 247 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 394 (Obernolte): California Environmental Quality Act: Exemption: Fire Safety. Assembly Bill 394 expedites fire safety improvements for subdivisions that are at significant fire risk and lack a secondary escape route. Status: AB 394 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 417 (Arambula): Agriculture and Rural Prosperity Act.  Assembly Bill 417 authorizes the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to take several actions to support rural communities and further the development of rural agricultural economies, including offering rural communities assistance in gathering economic data to target investments, identifying methods to attract and retain businesses, determining and forecasting the economic influences of agriculture and related industries, and mustering resources to expand broadband infrastructure.  Status:  AB 417 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status:  Support

Assembly Bill 402 (Quirk): Support: LPA’s. Assembly Bill 402 has authorized the State Water Resources Control Board to delegate partial responsibility for the Safe Drinking Water Act's enforcement by means of a local primacy delegation agreement. Status: AB 402 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 658 (Arambula): Groundwater Management. Assembly Bill 658 authorizes a groundwater sustainability or local agency to apply fora conditional temporary permit for diversion of surface water to underground storage for beneficial use that advances the sustainability goal of a groundwater basin. Status: AB 658 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 916 (Muratsuchi): Oppose: Glyphosate. Assembly Bill 916 Prohibits a city, county, charter city, city and county, or a special district, as defined, from using any pesticide that contains the active ingredient glyphosate. Status: AB 916 pulled from 2year bill. RCRC Status: Oppose

Assembly Bill 1080 (Gonzalez)/Senate Bill 54 (Allen): Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction. Assembly Bill 1080/SB 54 requires the state to reduce the waste associated with single use packaging and products 75 percent by 2030, requires the state to set standards for what is considered recyclable and compostable, and promotes the development of in-state manufacturing that uses recycled materials. Status: AB 1080 and SB 54 await consideration in the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committee, respectively. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1111 (Friedman): Office of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation. Assembly Bill 1111 would establish the Office of Sustainable Outdoor Recreation in state government. Requires the office to undertake certain activities, including supporting the outdoor recreation economy of the state by engaging in specified activities. Requires the office to create an advisory committee to provide advice, expertise, support, and service to the office. Authorizes the office to receive the assistance and funds from public and private sources. Status: AB 1111 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 1144 (Friedman): Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP). Assembly Bill 1144 requires the California Public Utilities Commission to allocate at least $16 million from the Self-Generation Incentive Program to install energy storage systems to back up critical infrastructure in high-fire threat districts.  Status: AB 1144 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 1160 (Dahle): Forestry: Timber Operations: Sustained Yield Plans.  Assembly Bill 1160 would extend the effective period of a sustained yield plan from 10 years to 20 years.  Status: AB 1160 was signed into law on 7/12/2019.  RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 1516 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Defensible Space Fuel Reduction. Assembly Bill 1516 would make various changes to improve California’s fire prevention policies including its defensible space requirements. Status: AB 1516 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 1588 (Gloria): Drinking Water and Wastewater Operator Certification. Assembly Bill 1588 requires the State Water Resources Control Board to evaluate opportunities to issue a water treatment operator certificate or water distribution operator certificate by reciprocity, or a wastewater certificate by examination waiver, to persons who performed duties comparable to those duties while serving in the United States military. Status: AB 1588 awaits consideration in the Senate. (Third Reading) RCRC Position: Support

Assembly Bill 1783 (Rivas): Worker Housing State Funding: Assembly Bill 1783 requires "agricultural employee housing" of up to 36 single-family units to go through a streamlined, ministerial permit process, be treated as an agricultural land use, and permitted anywhere within any agricultural area. RCRC was able to obtain substantial amendments to preserve the ability of counties to protect the health, safety & welfare of residents. Status: AB 1783 awaits consideration in the Senate. RCRC Status: Neutral

Senate Bill 19 (Dodd): Water Resources: Stream Gages. Senate Bill 19 requires the California Department of Water Resources to develop a plan to deploy a network of stream gages that includes a determination of new needs as well as opportunities for reactivating existing gages. Status: SB 19 consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 62 (Dodd): Endangered Species: Accidental Take. Senate Bill 62 extends the sunset date on a provision allowing an “accidental take” of candidate, threatened, or endangered species resulting from acts that occur on a farm or a ranch in the course of otherwise lawful routine work. It also repeals the sunset on the California Endangered species Act’s Safe Harbor Agreement Program. Status: SB 62 was signed by the Governor on 7/30/2019. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 167 (Dodd) Electrical corporations: wildfire mitigation plans.  Senate Bill 167 requires electric utility reenergization protocols to mitigate impacts on Californians who rely on life-support equipment. Status:  SB 167 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status:  Support.

Senate Bill 190 (Dodd): Fire Safety: Building Standards. Senate Bill 190 creates a model defensible space program for local governments and requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to provide training resources for local building officials, builders, and fire service personnel to improve building fire safety standards. Status: SB 190 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 200 (Monning): Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. Senate Bill 200 establishes the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund in the State Treasury and provides that moneys in the fund are available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to the State Water Resources Control Board to provide a stable source of funding to secure access to safe drinking water for all Californians, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of drinking water service and infrastructure. Status: SB 200 has been chaptered by the Secretary of State. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 209 (Dodd): California Wildfire Warning Center: Weather Monitoring. Senate Bill 209 establishes the California Wildfire Warning Center, a statewide network of automated weather and environmental monitoring stations to conduct fire weather forecasting and threat assessment to aid in wildfire prevention and response. Status: SB 209 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 253 (Dodd): California Agricultural Conservation Program. Senate Bill 253 requires the Scientific Advisory Panel on Environmental Farming under the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, to assist government agencies to incorporate the conservation of natural resources and ecosystem services practices into agricultural programs. Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture with advice from the panel, to establish and administer the California Agricultural Conservation Program subject to an appropriation by the Legislature. Status: SB 253 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 414 (Caballero): Small Systems Water Authority Act of 2019. Senate Bill 414 creates the Small System Water Authority Act of 2019 and states legislative findings and declarations relating to authorizing the creation of small system water authorities that will have powers to absorb, improve, and competently operate noncompliant public water systems. Status: SB 414 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 450 (Umberg) California Environmental Quality Act exemption: supportive and transitional housing: motel conversion.  SB 450 expedites the creation of supportive and transitional housing by exempting the temporary conversion of existing motels, hotels, and hostels into supportive and transitional housing from CEQA.  Status:  SB 450 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status:  Support

Senate Bill 462 (Stern): Community Colleges: Urban and Rural Forest and Woodlands. Restoration and Fire Resiliency Workforce Program. Senate Bill 462 would require the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges, working in collaboration with the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges, to establish a model curriculum for a forestland restoration workforce program that could be offered at campuses of the California Community Colleges. Status: SB 462 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 559 (Hurtado): California Water Commission: Grant: Friant-kern Canal. Senate Bill 559 requires the grant to be part of a comprehensive solution to groundwater sustainability and subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley and would require the joint powers authority to demonstrate a funding match of at least 35% from user fees, local sources, federal funding, or a combination of these sources. Status: SB 559 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support