The Barbed Wire - January 28, 2022

California to Receive $600 Million Toward Wildfire Recovery

On Friday, January 21st, Vice President Kamala Harris announced $1.36 billion in disaster relief funds for the Forest Service to support post-disaster recovery and restoration, including nearly $600 million for recovery efforts in California following the devastating wildfires of 2020 and 2021. As part of a trip to highlight the recent Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIA), the Vice President visited a fire station in San Bernardino, California along with Senator Alex Padilla, Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Representative Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), and several federal, state, and local leaders. The Forest Service will use the recovery funds for hazardous material cleanup, reforestation, watershed restoration and infrastructure repairs such as trails, roads, bridges and facilities.

Bill of the Week- Assembly Bill 522 (Fong): Forest Fire Prevention Exemption

On Monday, January 24th, RCRC expressed support for Assembly Bill 522, authored by Assembly Member Vice Fong (R-Bakersfield) which extends the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption in the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 to January 1, 2026.

The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 prohibits a person from conducting timber operations unless a timber harvesting plan prepared by a registered professional forester has been submitted to the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The act authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt from some or all of those provisions of the act a person engaging in specified forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, duration and intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, as provided, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption.

By extending the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption, AB 522 would help ensure that forest management and wildfire mitigation projects are completed in a timely fashion so that communities can safeguard residents from the impacts of catastrophic wildfires.

Read RCRC’s letter of support here. For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.

RCRC and ESJPA Submit Comments on CPUC Biomethane Procurement Proposed Decision

On Tuesday, January 25th, RCRC and ESJPA submitted joint comments and suggested modifications to a CPUC Proposed Decision ordering PG&E, Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas & Electric Company, and Southwest Gas Corporation to procure biomethane derived from eight million tons of organic waste diverted from landfills by 2025. 

The Proposed Decision would also require utilities to procure roughly 15% of their natural gas demand from renewable gas from forest management, agricultural waste, and urban wood waste by 2030 and implement pilot projects to convert woody biomass from forest, agricultural, and urban wood waste into biogas.  

CPUC staff estimates that the procurement program could increase ratepayer costs 10-13%.  In light of that estimate, RCRC and ESJPA urged the CPUC and utilities to do all in their power to minimize any cost increases for customers.

RCRC suggested several modifications to align the proposed decision with the scope of previous discussions and ensure that clean vehicle requirements do not chill interest in the program by biomethane production facilities.  While the CPUC seeks to require facilities to prospectively purchase or lease zero emission (ZE) or net zero emission (NZE) vehicles, that is far broader than just the trucks that had been contemplated earlier in the proceeding.  Furthermore, there is no offramp for types of trucks/vehicles for which a NZE/ZE option is not commercially available.  RCRC also urged the CPUC to clarify that this vehicle requirement only applies to operations at the biomethane production facility itself and not for other operations or vehicles.

Finally, RCRC suggested clarifications and modifications to allow increased onsite electrical generation from landfill gas collection systems from participating facilities, if non-combustion systems are not feasible, increased on-site energy generation will produce fewer emissions than flaring, and that emissions from increased on-site energy generation will be mitigated or reduced.

For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.

USDOT Announces $1.5 Billion in Discretionary Grants Available for Local and Regional Infrastructure

The United States Department of Transportation released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program—originally created under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as TIGER grants. RAISE grants can be used for a wide variety of projects and under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, RAISE expands the number of communities eligible for 100 percent federal share of funding, specifically those in rural communities, Areas of Persistent Poverty and Historically Disadvantaged Communities. To determine if a project location is considered as a Historically Disadvantaged Community, please use the tool available here. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. EST on April 14, 2022, and selections, which are vigorously reviewed and selected based on merit, will be announced no later than August 12, 2022. 

Congressional Effort to Help Fire Victims with the IRS

On January 21st, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) led a letter with Senator Dianne Feinstein; Senator Alex Padilla; Congressman Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove); Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael); and Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Charles Rettig, requesting that the IRS expedite the drafting and release of tax guidance to help wildfire victims understand the taxability of their claims from the Fire Victim Trust. The Trust, a $13.5 billion settlement established in July 2020, is made up of over seventy-thousand survivors of the 2015 Butte Fire, the 2017 North Bay Wildfires, and the 2018 Camp Fire. The Trust first began distributing funds in November 2020, and by the end of 2021 totaled $1.7 billion in awards. As a result, this year will be the first that many victims’ awards may be taxable.

Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations/Build Back Better Reconciliation Bill

The short-term extension of federal government funding expires on February 18th, which is less than four weeks away. Unless House and Senate appropriations leaders very quickly agree on a topline for spending, and the split between defense and non-defense spending, there won’t be time to agree on every programmatic funding level, which means Congress would need to extend current funding for a third time to keep the government open while negotiations continue.  

Regarding Build Back Better and Reconciliation, the President and some congressional leaders have spoken publicly about breaking out some parts of the proposed bill to consider them as standalone bills. The budget resolution’s reconciliation protection could be used to do a much smaller bill that would require only 50 votes to pass in the Senate, or bills could be proposed under regular procedures— but those would require 60 votes to pass the Senate, a bar that is likely to be hard to reach on most provisions. 

RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES

A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

ESJPA Launches Business Plan Development Process

This month the Rural Counties Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) launched a process to develop a business plan to guide future organizational efforts. Staff will form the plan utilizing input from members of the ESJPA Board of Directors, county solid waste and recycling managers, and other public works personnel to evaluate how to best serve members and to explore potential expansion of member services, while efficiently utilizing ESJPA staff and resources. ESJPA has begun surveying county staff to gather feedback on service needs and, in combination with feedback from current ESJPA members, will be finalizing the business plan by fall 2022. 

ESJPA currently consists of 24 RCRC member counties and focuses on the challenges facing solid waste and recycling operations in local jurisdictions. ESJPA has dedicated staff to assist members with implementation, enforcement, reporting, and other regulatory and statutory requirements. Staff also conduct trainings, provide one-on-one assistance when member counties go to enforcement actions, manage used tire and used-oil grants for a number of counties, and prepare compliance documents to aid member counties with regulatory implementation and political advocacy. Additionally, ESJPA acts as an advocacy arm for member counties at both the legislature and regulatory agencies such as CalRecycle, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the California Air Resources Board.  

Find additional information on ESJPA at www.esjpa.org.

GSCA Establishes Leadership and Begins Plan Implementation

Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) is a joint powers authority designed for the purpose of increasing access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet for rural Californians. Since its formation in August 2021, GSCA membership has grown to a total of 37 rural counties. The GSCA Board of Directors, comprised of an elected county supervisor from each member county, confirmed membership at their inaugural meeting in December 2021 along with the appointment of their senior leadership.  For the 2022 calendar year, Calaveras County Supervisor Jack Garamendi is serving as Chair and Alpine County Supervisor David Griffith is serving as Vice Chair.  

At this time, GSCA is advancing its aim to increase investment and delivery of robust internet in rural California. One aspect of this plan is to expand internet in rural counties through the pursuit of technical assistance and funding for member counties. With many state and federal funding opportunities emerging for internet infrastructure, GSCA has released a resource document providing an overview of funding sources, organizations involved, and a glossary of terms. GSCA is also seeking grant funding on behalf of 26 of its member counties to assist them in developing broadband strategic plans, an important component to achieving foundational readiness for internet deployment.  

Another key aspect of GSCA’s plan of work is to partner with county governments to install and operate open-access, municipal internet, beginning with select initial locations and then expanding to additional sites. GSCA is currently evaluating potential locations for this purpose.  

Additional information, resources, and project updates regarding GSCA are available at www.goldenstateconnect.org.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Caltrans Clean California Grant Application Period Closes Soon

The Newsom Administration has announced nearly $300 million in Clean California grants are now available. California cities, counties, transit agencies, tribal governments, and other governmental entities are encouraged to submit proposals of up to $5 million to beautify their communities and address trash and debris. Caltrans will award approximately 200 grants to create hundreds of sustainable, green beautification and litter abatement projects statewide. The department will match local investments and address the needs of more severely underserved communities.The grant application period closes February 1, 2022, and Caltrans will announce the grant recipients on March 1, 2022. Award recipients must complete their project by June 30, 2024. Program guidelines and application documents are available here.

DWR Virtual Workshops

DWR will be hosting three virtual public workshops regarding the Draft Grant Solicitation materials for Proposition 1 - Round 2 IRWM Implementation Grant Program. The draft Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) were released on December 10, 2021 and will be open for public comment until Friday, February 18, 2022 at 5:00 pm. This is an extended public comment period, due to the ongoing pandemic situation and in response to stakeholders’ requests.  The presentation made during first workshop will be recorded and played back during the subsequent workshops, and program staff will be on hand in each workshop for questions and answers following the presentation.

• Virtual Workshop on Draft Guidelines and PSP – Northern California
  DATE: February 1, 2022
  TIME:  9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  Register Here

• Virtual Workshop on Draft Guidelines and PSP – Central California
  DATE: February 3, 2022
  TIME: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  Register Here

• Virtual Workshop on Draft Guidelines and PSP – Southern California
  DATE: February 8, 2022
  TIME: 1:00 PM -3:00 PM
  Register Here

Please note if you cannot attend the appropriate meeting for your area, you may sign up for another day.

CAL FIRE Accepting Applications for Fire Prevention Grant Programs

CAL FIRE is currently accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Fire Prevention Grant Program. The program provides funding for fuel reduction, wildfire planning, and public education. For more information, visit the Fire Prevention Grants Program webpage or view the procedural guide, available here. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on February 9, 2022. 

Emergency Preparedness Summit 2022

Southern California Edison (SCE) in partnership with USC Price EXED Forum for Local Leaders, California Special Districts Association and Optimum Seismic present Emergency Preparedness Summit 2022. Join renowned industry experts and USC Price faculty to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-life experience, covering topics such as Cybersecurity; Infrastructure and Funding; Economics of a Disaster; Disaster Management Planning; and Earthquake Resilience.

When: February 25, 2022, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Location: Virtual
Register Here

Career Opportunities

Sierra Business Council

The Sierra Business Council is seeking to fill two positions in Government and Communications. See the links below for information about the open positions.

• Director of Government and Community Affairs. See here for details.
• Government and Community Affairs Assistant. See here for details.
   

UC Cooperative Extension Broadband Seeks Broadband Deployment/Utilization Advisor (2 positions) - UC Cooperative Extension is hiring for two Broadband Deployment/Utilization Advisor positions. The Broadband Deployment/Utilization Advisor will implement an innovative extension education and applied research program around the intersection of rural broadband access and utilization and associated economic and community development opportunities.

• Location: Butte County See here for details.
• Location: Bishop, Inyo County See here for details.

To assure full consideration, application packets must be received by February 18, 2022 – (open until filled)

Registration Open for 2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping

The 2nd Annual Virtual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping is happening April 19-21, 2022 The Conference will begin at 9:00 AM daily. This virtual conference is free to attend and designed for elected officials, city and county staff, public works agency employees, community based organizations, faith groups, community members and anyone interested in illegal dumping, community beautification or blight removal. Registration is now open! See here to register or for more information.

California Air Resources Board Webinars on Regulatory Compliance Training

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is offering a variety of training webinars for regulatory compliance on issues affecting public fleets such as Off-Road Regulations, Truck and Bus Rules, and Diesel Truck Rules. 

The New Programs and Regulations course covers the requirements of existing regulations and then CARB's new regulatory programs that will eventually be in effect. The goals for this class are to cover the proposed program elements and elicit participation in the regulatory process.

Date:               February 3, 2022
Time:               1:00 p.m.
Webinar:         Register

Date:               March 31, 2022
Time:               1:00 p.m.
Webinar:         Register

The Compliance Overview: Truck & Bus Rule, Off-Road Regulation, and Portable Equipment course include the following topics:

Truck and Bus Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Engine Model Year Schedule
• Exemptions & Extensions
• How to Report for Regulation Flexibilities
• Broker and Dispatcher Requirements
• DMV Registration

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP):

• Regulation Applicability
• Program Updates

Advanced Clean Truck (ACT)

• Manufacturers ZEV Sales Requirements
• One-Time Reporting
• Future ZEV Rules

In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Requirements Currently in Effect
• Future Compliance Deadlines

Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) & Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):

• PERP Eligibility
• Program Requirements
• ATCM Program & Updates
• Enforcement & Inspections

Date:        March 17, 2022
Time:        1:00 p.m.
Webinar:   Register

The In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets Regulation (Off-Road Regulation) requires fleet owners to report to CARB, label their off-road vehicles, and reduce emissions from older equipment.  This course provides detailed information to help fleet owners understand and comply with the Off-Road Regulation: 

Date:        February 17, 2022
Time:        1:00 p.m.
Webinar:   Register

PG&E Safety Net Program – How to File a Claim 

If you are a residential customer who has gone without power for at least 48 hours because of severe storm conditions, you may qualify for an automatic payment under our Safety Net program. This program provides a payment of $25 - $100, which we pay automatically about 60 days following the storm outage.  However, you may submit a claim if you believe that PG&E caused a loss for which you should be compensated. You can make this type of claim using various methods, but online is the fastest way for it to be processed.  

View this message from PG&E for details. 

A Message from the CA Citizens Redistricting Commission: What New Districts Mean 

After receiving reports about confusion over when the new district maps go into effect, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission offers clarification in a special message. View the message here. 

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox. 

KEEPING UP

Joseph Andrew McAllister, of Davis, has been reappointed to the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (California Energy Commission), where he has served since 2012. McAllister held multiple positions at the California Center for Sustainable Energy from 2005 to 2012, including Managing Director, Director of Policy and Strategy and Director of Programs. He was an Energy Efficiency Consultant for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association from 2002 to 2005, and Renewable Energy and Efficiency Specialist there from 1992 to 2000. McAllister is a former chair of the National Association of State Energy Officials and serves on the boards of the Alliance to Save Energy and Camp Kesem at the University of California, Davis. McAllister earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree and a Master of Science degree in Energy and Resources from the University of California, Berkeley. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $166,306. McAllister is a Democrat.

IN THE NEWS

RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.

‘Lake County makes use of state land swap provision for new sheriff’s office headquarters, affordable housing complex' -The Press Democrat

There’s a leak in the roof over Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin’s timeworn office, giving him a personal interest in a novel county-state land swap that implements a policy initiative by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2019. Martin was among the county and state officials who hailed the deal that will put the Sheriff’s Office in a renovated National Guard armory in Lakeport while the state develops an 80-unit affordable housing project on 15 acres of vacant former county land in Clearlake.

‘Tracking California's water in drought‘- CalMatters

CalMatters has released a new dashboard providing key metric data and information on water and drought. The dashboard is to be updated daily with metrics on aqueducts, rain and snow, reservoirs, groundwater, wells and more. 

‘Placer County, Calif. advances broadband strategy through the aid of ARPA funding’-NACo.org

Placer County allocated $10 million of its $78 million ARPA grant funding to broadband improvement and turned to GIS to better understand coverage and gaps in service.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties.

AB 9   (Wood)   Fire safety and prevention: wildfires: fire adapted communities: Office of the State Fire Marshal: community wildfire preparedness and mitigation.   Assembly Bill 9 codifies the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) program under the California Department of Conservation and moves oversight of several fire prevention activities from CAL FIRE to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, including: • The Fire Prevention Grants Program; • Defensible space requirements; • The California wildfire mitigation financial assistance program; • The establishment of fire hazard severity zones and very high fire hazard severity zones; • Working with local governments to identify subdivisions that are without secondary egress routes, and developing recommendations to improve the subdivision’s fire safety; • Utility wildfire mitigation plans; • General plan safety element review; and, • Wildland building code standards.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 225, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Withdrawl of Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 14   (Aguiar-Curry)   Communications: California Advanced Services Fund: deaf and disabled telecommunications program: surcharges.   Assembly Bill 14 establishes the State Department of Education in state government and vests the department with specified powers and duties relating to the state’s public-school system. This bill would authorize local educational agencies to report to the department their pupils’ estimated needs for computing devices and internet connectivity adequate for at-home learning.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 658, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Pending  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 32   (Aguiar-Curry)   Telehealth.   Assembly Bill 32 requires a health care service plan contract or health insurance policy issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2021, to specify that coverage is provided for health care services appropriately delivered through telehealth on the same basis and to the same extent as in-person diagnosis, consultation, or treatment.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was HEALTH on 6/9/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 215   (Chiu)   Planning and Zoning Law: housing element: violations.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/28/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 342, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 240   (Rodriguez)   Local health department workforce assessment.   This bill would require the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to contract with an appropriate and qualified entity to conduct an evaluation of the adequacy of local health department infrastructure, including an assessment of future staffing, workforce, and resource needs.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 7/5/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 332   (Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials)   Hazardous waste: treated wood waste: management standards.   Reestablishes a statutory pathway for the alternative management and disposal of treated wood waste in a landfill.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 8/31/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 147, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

AB 431   (Patterson)   Forestry: timber harvesting plans: defensible space: exemptions.   Assembly Bill 431 extends exemptions to January 1, 2026 from timber harvesting plan requirements for residents who are complying with state defensible space statute.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 230, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 522   (Fong)   Forestry: Forest Fire Prevention Exemption.   The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt specific forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, and duration, intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption. Assembly Bill 522 extends the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to January 1, 2026 to aid forest landowners with wildfire prevention activities.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 537   (Quirk)   Communications: wireless telecommunications and broadband facilities.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 10/4/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 467, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Removal of Opposition  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 602   (Grayson)   Development fees: impact fee nexus study.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/28/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 347, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Oppose Unless Amended  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 759   (McCarty)   Elections: county officers.   Assembly Bill 759 would require an election for all county-wide offices (sheriff, assessor, district attorney, etc.) be held at the presidential general election. Initially, this bill only applied to the county sheriff but recent amendments expand it to all county-wide offices. In addition, this bill would require that these officeholder elections occur at the 2024 General Election thereby requiring affected officeholders to hold a two-year term (assuming election in 2022).   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Watch  Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 870   (Santiago)   Hazardous materials: liens.   Provides that when the Department of Toxic Substances Control determines that a contaminated site must be remediated, and issues a cost estimate to the property owner for the estimated cost of remediation, the amount in the cost estimate shall constitute a lien on the property that takes priority over all other liens, including liens for local property taxes and special assessments.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/14/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was JUD. on 1/6/2022)   Position:  Concerns  Staff:  John (1)

AB 925   (Dahle, Megan)   Sexual assault forensic examinations: reimbursement.   Would authorize the appropriate local law enforcement agency to seek reimbursement from the Office of Emergency Services, using the specified federal funds, for the cost of conducting the medical evidentiary examination of a sexual assault victim.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. on 6/29/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 989   (Gabriel)   Housing Accountability Act: appeals: Office of Housing Appeals.     Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/10/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Oppose Unless Amended  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 1001   (Garcia, Cristina)   Environment: mitigation measures for air and water quality impacts: environmental justice.   Modifies the California Environmental Quality Act by: 1) Requiring air and water quality impacts to a disadvantaged community to be mitigated in that community; 2) requiring local agencies to act consistently with the principles of environmental justice by ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 1/24/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading. Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading. (Ayes 48. Noes 16.)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1078   (Patterson)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.   Exempts residential buildings damaged or destroyed in a disaster during the 2020 calendar year from having to install solar energy systems under the California Energy Commission’s recently adopted building requirements.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1124   (Friedman)   Solar energy systems.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 235, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 1139   (Gonzalez, Lorena)   Net energy metering.   Assembly Bill 1139 seeks to replace the existing net energy metering NEM tariff for rooftop solar with a new tariff under which utilities will pay the owners of rooftop solar far less for the energy produced by those systems. AB 1139 seeks to address substantial cost shifting between solar and non-solar utility customers, but in doing so will substantially increase electrical bills for solar customers. The bill also deems all rooftop solar projects to be “public works” projects for which prevailing wages must be paid.   Location: Assembly Inactive File   Status: 1/27/2022-Ordered to inactive file at the request of Assembly Member Carrillo.   Position:  Watch  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act egress route projects undertaken by a public agency and that are recommended by the Board of Forestry to improve fire safety of an existing subdivision.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/27/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1218   (McCarty)   Zero-emission new passenger vehicle and light-duty truck goals.   AB 1218 would codify Governor Gavin Newsom's Executive Order N-79-20, which requires the California Air Resources Board to adopt measures to increase the number of zero emission vehicles sold in the state to reach a goal of 100% by the year 2035.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 1/24/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:  Concerns  Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1431   (Frazier)   Forestry: forest carbon and resilience goals.   Assembly Bill 1431 codifies various portions of the 2018 California Forest Carbon Plan and requires the Natural Resources Agency and the California Environmental Protection Agency, on or before January 1, 2023, to submit a report to the appropriate policy and budget committees of the Legislature on the positions and resources needed to achieve those state goals.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/16/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1434   (Friedman)   Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/21/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. on 1/6/2022)   Position:  Concerns  Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1454   (Bloom)   The California Beverage Container and Litter Reduction Act.   Assembly Bill 1454 makes several changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Program, including creation of a new $25,000 startup loan for the creation of new recycling centers in unserved or underserved areas and increased payments to redemption centers with an even greater increase in rural areas.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was E.Q. on 6/16/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1547   (Reyes)   Air pollution: warehouse facilities.   AB 1547 allows the Air Resources Board to regulate indirect sources of air pollution and requires local governments to undertake many other actions to identify and address the potential environmental impacts of warehouse development projects.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/14/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was NAT. RES. on 12/9/2021)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  John (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 1/14/2022-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and PUB. S.   Position:  Pending  Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1644   (Burke)   Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: California Jobs Plan Act of 2021   The California Jobs Plan Act of 2021 requires the state board to work with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to update, by July 1, 2025, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund funding guidelines for administering agencies to ensure that all applicants to grant programs funded by the fund meet specified standards, including fair and responsible employer standards and inclusive procurement policies, as provided. Existing law exempts from these standards applicants for certain types of projects. This bill would exempt applicants for projects for healthy forest and fire prevention programs and projects, and the completion of prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects from these standards.   Location: Assembly Labor and Employment   Status: 1/20/2022-Referred to Coms. on L. & E. and NAT. RES.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

ACA 1   (Aguiar-Curry)   Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.   ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 4/22/2021-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and APPR.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Tracy (1)

AJR 5   (Rivas, Luz)   Wild free-roaming horses and burros: protection: roundup moratorium.   AJR 5 would urge the federal government to declare a moratorium on all further wild horse and burro round-ups and would urge the United States Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to introduce and support populations in areas of California where wild horses and burros were historically present.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 8/25/2021-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 4   (Gonzalez)   Communications: California Advanced Services Fund.   Senate Bill 4 would modernize and increase the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) by exploring ways to facilitate streamlining of local land use approvals and construction permit processes for projects related to broadband infrastructure deployment and connectivity.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 671, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 11   (Rubio)   The California FAIR Plan Association: basic property insurance: exclusions.   Senate Bill 11, which would remove certain barriers to enable homes and structures used to conduct business on farmland to be covered through the California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/23/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 128, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 12   (McGuire)   Local government: planning and zoning: wildfires.   Senate Bill 12 requires that the Office of Planning and Research, among other things, coordinate with appropriate entities, including state, regional, or local agencies, to establish a clearinghouse for climate adaptation information for use by state, regional, and local entities, as provided. This bill would require the safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element or the hazard mitigation plan, on or after July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 6/24/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Pending  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 28   (Caballero)   Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006: deployment data.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 673, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 30   (Cortese)   Building decarbonization.   Prohibits state agencies from designing or constructing a state facility that is connected to the natural gas grid and prohibits state agencies from funding projects for the construction of residential and nonresidential buildings that are connected to the natural gas grid.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/14/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 4/30/2021)   Position:  Oppose Unless Amended  Staff:  John (1)

SB 37   (Cortese)   Contaminated Site Cleanup and Safety Act.   Senate Bill 37 eliminates the ability to use a “common sense exemption” under the California Environmental Quality Act for any projects undertaken at over 40,000 sites throughout the state that appear on the Cortese List of currently or formerly contaminated properties. Instead allows specified types of projects to use either a statutory or categorical CEQA exemption is certain circumstances are met   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Neutral  Staff:  John (1)

SB 38   (Wieckowski)   Beverage containers.   Replaces the existing Beverage Container Recycling Program (Bottle Bill) with a new recycling program administered by beverage container manufacturers and increases the CRV from $0.05 to $0.10 per container if the state fails to achieve specified recycling rates. Repeals the $10.5 million annually set aside for payments to cities and counties to address recycling and litter.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was NAT. RES. on 6/10/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Oppose Unless Amended  Staff:  John (1)

SB 45   (Portantino)   Short-lived climate pollutants: organic waste reduction goals: local jurisdiction assistance.   Senate Bill 45 enacts the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in a specified amount pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for a wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection program   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/24/2022-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:  Pending  Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act.   SB 54 requires manufactures of single-use, disposable packaging and food service ware to ensure that those products sold, distributed, or imported into the state are either recyclable or compostable.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/24/2022-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 29. Noes 7.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:  Support In Concept  Staff:  John (1)

SB 55   (Stern)   Very high fire hazard severity zone: state responsibility area: development prohibition: supplemental height and density bonuses.   Senate Bill 55 would prohibit all retail, commercial, industrial, or residential development in specified fire-prone areas of the state. Status: SB 55 is a two-year bill.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/14/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 4/30/2021)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 99   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021.   Senate Bill 99 requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 8/27/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(12). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/19/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

SB 208   (Dahle)   Sierra Nevada Conservancy: Sierra Nevada Region: subregion: definitions: annual report.   Senate Bill 208 would modify areas listed under the definitions of the “Sierra Nevada Region” and its “subregions,” adding Siskiyou County and portions of Trinity County to the boundaries of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 182, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 1/26/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 261   (Allen)   Regional transportation plans: sustainable communities strategies.   Requires the Air Resources Board (ARB) to adopt new greenhouse gas (GHG) emission and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets for incorporation into the sustainable communities’ strategies prepared by the state’s 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs).   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/14/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 4/30/2021)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  John (1)

SB 264   (Min)   Firearms: the OC Fair and Event Center.   Senate Bill 264 prohibits the sale of firearms and firearm components at the Orange County Fair and Event Center. This bill was amended late from the previous version, which included all state property, most notably District Agriculture Associations-operated fairs.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 684, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 284   (Stern)   Workers’ compensation: firefighters and peace officers: post-traumatic stress.   Establishes a workers’ compensation system, administered by the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries sustained in the course of employment.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 8/30/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 286   (Min)   Elections: Orange County Board of Education.   Senate Bill 286 would require the top-two vote-getters seeking election to a county office to face-off in a General Election.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 30. Noes 7.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.  

SB 289   (Newman)   Recycling: batteries and battery-embedded products.   Requires producers of battery and battery-embedded products to create stewardship organizations and programs for the collection, transportation, and recycling of those products.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/21/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 5/25/2021)   Position:  Support  Staff:  John (1)

SB 316   (Eggman)   Medi-Cal: federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/9/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Support  Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 335   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: liability.   Senate Bill 335 prohibits a claim for workers’ compensation from being maintained unless within 30 days after the occurrence of the injury, the injured person, or in case of the death, a dependent, or someone on the injured person’s or dependent’s behalf, serves notice of the injury upon the employer.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was INS. on 6/10/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 359   (Caballero)   Climate change: Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program.   Senate Bill 359 requires the Department of Conservation to develop and implement the Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program to assist the County of Merced to develop and adopt a climate action plan through the use of a scenario-planning tool developed by the department and provide financial assistance to private landowners in implementing activities resulting from the use of the scenario-planning tool set forth in the adopted climate action plan.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/21/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 5/25/2021)   Position:  Pending  Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 378   (Gonzalez)   Local government: broadband infrastructure development project permit processing: microtrenching permit processing ordinance.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 677, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Pending  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 456   (Laird)   Fire prevention: wildfire and forest resilience: action plan: reports.   Senate Bill 456 requires the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force to develop an implementation plan for the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. The bill also requires the California Natural Resources Agency and CalEPA to report on the progress of the implementation plan annually to the Legislature.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/28/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 387, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 477   (Wiener)   General plan: annual report.     Location: Senate Vetoed   Status: 1/27/2022-Stricken from file. Veto sustained.   Position:  Oppose Unless Amended  Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 493   (Bradford)   Local government financing: juvenile justice.   This measure would redirect Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funds, revise the composition of local Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils, and recast various elements of required multiagency juvenile justice plans.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 1/21/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was 2 YEAR on 5/25/2021)   Position:  Oppose  Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 580   (Hueso)   Department of Transportation: highways and roads: recycled plastics study and specifications.   Authorizes the state to study the feasibility, cost effectiveness, and environmental benefits of including recycled plastics in asphalt used as a paving material in the construction, maintenance, or rehabilitation of a highway or rad.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 6/4/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(8). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 5/26/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:  Watch  Staff:  John (1)

SB 619   (Laird)   Organic waste: reduction regulations: local jurisdiction compliance.   Provides local governments with one additional year to come into compliance with SB 1383 organic waste recycling regulations without being subject to penalties by CalRecycle, if certain conditions are met.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/5/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 508, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  No Position  Staff:  John (1)

SB 709   (Dahle)   Z’Berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973: timber harvesting plans: extensions.   Senate Bill 709 eliminates extensions for timber harvesting plans approved by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection from January 1, 2010, to August 31, 2012, inclusive, and instead allow for a timber harvesting plan that is approved by the department from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2015, inclusive, to be extended for an additional 2 years if certain conditions are met.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 10/8/2021-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 734, Statutes of 2021.   Position:  Support  Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 1/19/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:  Watch  Staff:  Sidd (1)