The Barbed Wire - March 1, 2024

March 1, 2024
RCRC Pushes Back Against Utility Proposals to Preempt Local Governments on Battery Storage, Communications, and Vegetation Management
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1175 (Ochoa Bogh) - Organic Waste Low Population Waivers
Congress Agrees to Funding Extension to Keep Government Open
Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Farm Bill Hearing
DOI Announces $195 Million for America’s National Parks
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

RCRC Pushes Back Against Utility Proposals to Preempt Local Governments on Battery Storage, Communications, and Vegetation Management

On February 26, RCRC submitted Reply Comments to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) pushing back against proposals by the CPUC and large investor-owned utilities (IOUs) seeking to expand preemption of local governments.   

In 2023, the CPUC opened a new proceeding to update General Order 131-D (GO 131-D), which was last amended in 1995. GO 131-D establishes processes for Commission review of utility transmission and distribution projects and preempts local governments from “regulating electric power line projects, distribution lines, substations, or electric facilities constructed by public utilities subject to the Commission’s jurisdiction.” 

Among other things, the Commission solicited stakeholder comments about whether it should: 1) Require any CPUC permits for utility battery storage projects under 50MW; and, 2) Clarify that GO 131-D also preempts local regulation of battery storage projects constructed by a public utility.  The IOUs argued that battery energy storage facilities are no different than substations and should not require any type of permit for projects under 50MW (San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) suggested a 100MW threshold for CPUC approval).  RCRC expressed support for increased deployment of battery storage, but strongly pushed back against local preemption, pointing out the unique risks these facilities can pose and the need to ensure that local safety concerns are properly addressed. 

The IOUs also urged the Commission to specifically preempt local regulatory authority over utility vegetation management projects.  RCRC opposed this proposal as being overbroad and creating serious public safety risks for utility customers and rural residents.  The IOU proposal was reportedly aimed at clarifying that local tree removal ordinances are preempted by GO 131-D; however, the remedy suggested was much more far reaching and could be construed to diminish utility responsibility for management and removal of felled wood and slash upon completion of vegetation management projects.  RCRC pointed out that the Board of Forestry is contemplating related regulatory changes and suggested that the Commission convene multi-agency, multi-stakeholder workshops to discuss, evaluate, and establish best management practices for utility vegetation management operations. 

SDG&E and SoCal Edison (SCE) also urged the Commission to preempt local permitting of utility communications facilities, noting local concerns about aesthetic impacts and tower height.  RCRC pointed out that locals retain police powers to regulate similar aspects for non-IOU communications infrastructure and that this will be a far more complex and contentious issue than initially appeared to be the case. 

Finally, RCRC pushed back against Commission and utility suggestions that all disputes regarding utility operation and maintenance (and vegetation management projects) be resolved through the CPUC’s complaint process.  The CPUC complaint process often results in a situation where petitions are rejected by the CPUC for requesting relief outside their jurisdiction while nearly identical lawsuits filed in local courts are rejected on the grounds that the CPUC has exclusive jurisdiction over the matter and so issues must be resolved by filing a complaint at the CPUC. 

RCRC’s Reply Comments are available here.  For more information, contact John Kennedy or Leigh Kammerich.

 

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1175 (Ochoa Bogh) - Organic Waste Low Population Waivers

RCRC is pleased to support Senate Bill 1175, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa). This measure seeks to provide CalRecycle and local governments with greater flexibility to tailor SB 1383 organic waste low population waivers to meet specific local situations.  

Currently, CalRecycle may grant waivers from SB 1383’s collection requirements for low-population jurisdictions.  For unincorporated areas, waivers are available for census tracts that have a population density of less than 75 persons per square mile.  This approach results in many sparsely populated rural areas being ineligible for the exemption because a portion of the census tract is embedded in a densely populated city or census designated place.   

SB 1175 provides more flexibility to CalRecycle and to local governments to allow for consideration of alternative boundaries and methodologies for determining eligibility.  SB 1175 could be particularly useful for larger counties with remote, low population areas that are included in the same census tracts as more densely populated cities and census designated places. 

SB 1175 is one of many different legislative proposals seeking to make changes to CalRecycle’s SB 1383 organic waste regulations.  Other measures include AB 2902 (Wood), sponsored by RCRC to provide additional flexibility to smaller jurisdictions and extend the exemption for rural counties and AB 2346 (Lee) that seeks to provide additional flexibility for organic waste procurement requirements. 

RCRC’s letter of support is available here.  For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.  

 

Congress Agrees to Funding Extension to Keep Government Open

On February 28th, Congressional leaders announced that they finalized six (6) of the twelve (12) funding bills for Fiscal Year 2024. The following day (February 29), Congress approved the continuing resolution (CR) that extends current funding until March 8th for programs in four (4) of those six (6) funding bills, and extends funding for the remaining bills until March 22nd. The CR passed through the House on a vote of 320-99, and later cleared the Senate with a vote of 77-13. The measure now moves to the President's desk to be signed into law.  

Members have agreed on the appropriations bills covering Agriculture-FDA; Commerce-Justice-Science; Energy and Water, Interior-Environment; Military Construction-VA; and Transportation-HUD, which leaves Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations appropriations for the new March 22 deadline. 

Leaders hope that this fourth temporary extension of funding will allow time for the legislative text of the first six (6) bills to be released over the weekend to facilitate a vote on the package of bills next week. Whether Congress can finalize the remaining six (6) – including Labor-HHS-Education and Defense, which are by far the biggest bills – in time to vote on them by March 22, is another question.   

RCRC has several specific requests for inclusion in Fiscal Year 2024 in addition to general priorities within the Agriculture, Energy-Water, and Transportation-HUD appropriation bills. The Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) programs do not fall under mandatory spending, and are therefore subject to annual appropriations. Each year, RCRC advocates for reauthorization of SRS and for robust PILT funding. RCRC has also been advocating for a permanent allocation for pay increases for USFS firefighters. Wildland firefighters received a temporary $20,000 or 50% pay raise in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. However, funding for the temporary pay raise runs out when the current CR ends later in March. Without congressional action to authorize a permanent pay solution, federal firefighters will see significant pay decreases. USFS estimates that 25-30% of their fire suppression workforce in California will leave the state if that occurs. 

Senate Agriculture Committee Holds Farm Bill Hearing

On February 28, the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing titled “Oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture”, with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsack.  Legislators agreed on the significance of collaborative efforts to devise a farm bill that aids farmers and rural communities. Discussions highlighted concerns about the agricultural economy, including a potential decline in net farm income; rising inflation and interest rates; and the challenges of regulatory environments and falling commodity prices. Legislators also discussed the necessity for enhanced risk management tools for farmers; the effects of certain regulations on independent pork producers; and California’s Proposition 12. Secretary Vilsack noted that the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) program has awarded over 5,800 grants and is working to spread the word about that program and others. The Secretary suggested that the most impactful way to help a greater number of farms, especially smaller ones, is to encourage the establishment of cooperatives, whereby farms produce energy and provide the excess energy to Rural Electric Cooperatives and municipal utilities that are looking to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Secretary Vilsack also acknowledged the suggestion to have non-competitive technical assistance programing that is available specifically for towns experiencing emergencies. He noted that, to make that possible, Rural Development would need to be given the resources, ability, and permission from Congress. 

DOI Announces $195 Million for America’s National Parks

On February 27, the Department of the Interior announced a $195 million investment from the Investing in America agenda for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade. National parks across the United States will use this funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, protect species, restore ecosystems and invest in conservation jobs. Many of these projects support restoration and resilience efforts in national parks located in small and rural communities. This funding will support more than 40 projects across hundreds of national parks nationwide and all national parks within California.  For a full list of projects, see here

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

CARB To Host Q&A Session for Local Governments on Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a public online question and answers (Q&A) session on the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) requirements, including how to obtain individualized fleet assistance. The ACF regulations apply to local government agencies (among others) and affect medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than 8,500 pounds, as well as off-road yard tractors. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their questions in advance here by March 8, 2024; registration is limited. For more information, please visit CARB’s ACF webpage.

WHAT: Q&A Session with State and Local Government Agency Fleets
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 9am – 11am
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom, register here
 

HCD Launches Plumas County 2021 ReCoverCA Disaster Recovery Program - Apply Today!

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has launched its 2021 ReCoverCA Housing Programs for residents of Plumas County!

Homeowners impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire – including owner-occupants and landlords willing to rent their properties as affordable, single-family homes – may be eligible for the Single-Family Reconstruction (SFR) or Single-Family Mitigation Retrofits (SFM) Programs. 

The Single-Family Reconstruction (SFR) Program offers eligible homeowners and landlords who lost homes in the Dixie Fire up to $500,000 to help rebuild damaged or destroyed homes. The Single-Family Mitigation Retrofits (SFM) Program provides funds for defensible space and home hardening needs on homeowners’ properties. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $50,000 for mitigation activities that bring a property into compliance with California Wildland Urban Interface Code.

Visit the ReCoverCA website for the 2021 applications, program details, eligibility, policies and procedures, fact sheets, and application instructions. 

 

Webinar March 4: 2024 REAP Technical Assistance Grant

Join Rural Development on Monday, March 4th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM EST for a webinar on The Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program. This program provides Technical Assistance to Agricultural Producers and Rural Small Businesses Applying to the REAP Program, with priority for applications assisting at least two or more of the following types of REAP Applicants:

(a) Agricultural Producers
(b) REAP applicants pursuing projects located in disadvantaged or distressed communities
(c) Tribal entities
(d) REAP Applicants pursuing projects using Underutilized Technologies
(e) REAP Applicants pursuing projects under $20,000.

To meet this purpose, the Agency will make grants to eligible entities to provide services to assist potential REAP Applicants in submitting Complete Applications. Register Today!

 

Upcoming Public Hearings on AT&T’s Request to Discontinue Landline Service

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person and virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding AT&T’s pending Application to discontinue copper landline phone service (more information here).  Public comments may also be submitted here. If approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability. Alternative services, such as Voice Over IP (VoIP_ and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts. RCRC opposes AT&T’s Application and is a formal party to the proceeding. 

Remaining Public Hearings

WHEN 

FORMAT 

LOCATION 

March 14, 2024, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

In-person only 

Indio City Hall Council Chambers 
100 Civic Center Mall, Indio, CA 92201 

March 19, 2024, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

Virtual only 

Remote access via webcast or phone. 
Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc 
Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788# 

 

Employment Opportunities

Colusa County

Colusa County is seeking an Assistant County Administrative Officer. Salary: $132,300.00 - $216,780.00. This recruitment is open until filled. The next application review is March 14, 2024. To learn more or to apply, see here.
Colusa County offers an excellent benefit package.

Mendocino County

Yolo County

  • Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE) is currently seeking one (1) highly skilled and dedicated individual to join the team as a regular, full-time Deputy Assessor.

Hiring Incentive: ACE is excited to roll out its Pilot Hiring Incentive Program for first-time external Deputy Assessors hires during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to be eligible for $10,000 in financial incentive payments after completion of the applicable probationary period!

To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an online County of Yolo Employment Application, resume, verification of education, and responses to the supplemental questions at the time of filing. For important details and application instructions, see the job announcement here. Closing Date: February 23, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Pacific

 

Applications for Federal Bridge Investment Program Due March 19, 2024

Applications are open for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s competitive Bridge Investment Program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Nearly $10 billion in multi-year funding (FY 2023-FY2026) is available for local government planning grants and bridge project grants. Bridge Project grants may be used for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection. Applications must be received by March 19, 2024. For more information including eligibility and how to apply, see here.

 

CALED Annual Training Conference - ELEVATE! April 2024

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) Annual Conference, “Elevate” will be April 10-12, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa, California. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new economic development opportunities, connect with your peers, and get inspired to elevate your economy, businesses, and community! Early Bird registration ends February 16th. For details and registration see 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

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

 

Arthur Baggett, of El Portal, has been appointed to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Baggett has been Partner and Counsel at AG Baggett and PJ Weber Inc., since 2011 and Adjunct Faculty at the San Joaquin College of Law since 1997. He was Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board from 1999 to 2012. Baggett was District 1 County Supervisor of Mariposa County from 1986 to 1994. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Science degree in Ecosystem Management and Forest Ecology from Antioch College and a Juris Doctor degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Baggett is a Democrat. 

Mary Jane Griego, of Olivehurst, has been reappointed to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, where she has served since 2020. Griego has been Senior District Representative of Congressman John Garamendi since 2017 and Owner of Duke’s Diner since 2012. She was District 3 County Supervisor for the County of Yuba from 2001 to 2017. Griego is a member of the Olivehurst Public Utility District. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $55,738. Greigo is a Democrat.

Jake Mackenzie, of Rohnert Park, has been appointed to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Mackenzie was a Council Member for the City of Rohnert Park from 1996 to 2020. He was Director of the Western Region in the Office of Pesticide Programs at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 1990 to 2002. Mackenzie is a member of the Greenbelt Alliance Board of Directors. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Crop Science from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Science degree in Pesticide Research and Development from Oregon State University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Pesticide Research and Development from Oregon State University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Mackenize is a Democrat.  

Henry Nutt III, of American Canyon, has been appointed to the Contractors State License Board. Nutt has been a Preconstruction Executive for Southland Industries since 2019 and a Sheet Metal General Superintendent for Southland Industries since 2007. Nutt is a member of the Lean Construction Institute, Associated General Contractors of America and the Associated General Contractors of California. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Nutt is a Democrat.

Lori Wilson, of Suisun City, has been appointed to the Governor’s Military Council. Wilson has been an Assemblymember for the 11th Assembly District in the California State Assembly since 2022. She was Director of Finance at KB Home from 2019 to 2022 and at Meritage Homes from 2011 to 2019. She served in several roles for the City of Suisun City from 2011 to 2018, including Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Parks and Recreation Commissioner. Wilson was Chief Accountant for Fair Housing Napa Valley from 2010 to 2011. She was Program Director at Liberty Church from 2006 to 2010. Wilson was Auditor for Solano County from 2003 to 2006. She is on the Board of Directors for OLE Health. Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Wilson is a Democrat. 

WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS

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.

 

AT&T claims no one will be left behind, but will the lines be abandoned in an emergency?: Board of Supervisors address several items – The Union

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors opposed AT&T's request to end its Carrier of Last Resort status due to concerns about emergency service access and safety. RCRC's Tracy Rhine commented on AT&T's CPUC application, stressing the implications of AT&T withdrawing as a Carrier of Last Resort.

 

Will a $16-billion water tunnel destroy California's delta? – Los Angeles Times

In the heart of California, where two rivers meet under tule fog, lies the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, crucial for water supply. Debate rages over the Delta Conveyance Project, aiming to secure water for millions while risking ecosystem damage.

 

California needs reliable water supply, but climate change brings more uncertainty – CalMatters

As California’s precipitation becomes more erratic due to climate change, the state needs more tools, including more storage capacity, to make the water supply reliable.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

AB 6   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation plans: Solutions for Congested Corridors Program: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  This bill would have amended reporting and transportation project review requirements, under SB 375 (2008), for the state’s 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), for project information pertaining to climate and greenhouse gas emissions impacts. The bill would have required MPOs to send technical methodologies to CA Air Resources Board for review before project selection and approval can commence.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was TRANS. on 6/14/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 7   (Friedman)   Transportation: planning: project selection processes.   This bill would have required all transportation projects funded, at least in part, through major state or federal funding programs to incorporate several, specified principles that include improving road safety, conformity with federal streamlined project principles, ADA compliance, water and air quality impacts, climate impacts, and access to disadvantaged communities, among others.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/11/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 62   (Mathis)   Statewide water storage: expansion.   Would have established a statewide goal to increase above- and below-ground water storage capacity by a total of 3,700,000 acre-feet by the year 2030 and a total of 4,000,000 acre-feet by the year 2040. The bill would have required the Department of Water Resources, in consultation with the state board, to take reasonable actions to promote or assist efforts to achieve the statewide goal, as provided. The bill would require the department, beginning July 1, 2027, and on or before July 1 every 2 years thereafter until January 1, 2043, in consultation with the state board, to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the progress made to achieve the statewide goal.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 66   (Mathis)   Natural Resources Agency: water storage projects: permit approval.   Would have required CA Natural Resources Agency, or the relevant state agency, to approve the necessary permits for specified storage projects within 180 days from receiving a permit application, and would deem those permits approved if approval does not occur within this time period.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 68   (Ward)   Land use: streamlined housing approvals: density, subdivision, and utility approvals.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   No Position   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 422   (Alanis)   Natural Resources Agency: statewide water storage: tracking.   Would have required CA Natural Resources Agency, on or before June 1, 2024, to post on its publicly available internet website information tracking the progress to increase statewide water storage, and to keep that information updated.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 429   (Bennett)   Groundwater wells: permits.   If 1% of domestic wells were to go dry in a critically overdrafted basin, this bill would prohibit a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency from approving a permit for a new groundwater well or for an alteration to an existing well in a basin subject to the act and classified as a critically overdrafted basin unless the city county or well permitting agency obtains written verification from a groundwater sustainability agency that the proposed well would not be inconsistent with any sustainable groundwater management program AND the proposed well would not decrease the likelihood of achieving a sustainability goal for the basin covered by the plan.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 460   (Bauer-Kahan)   State Water Resources Control Board: water rights and usage: interim relief: procedures.   This bill would authorize CA State Water Board to issue, on its own motion or upon the petition of an interested party, an interim relief order in appropriate circumstances to implement or enforce these and related provisions of law. The bill would provide that a person or entity that violates any interim relief order issued by the board would be liable to the board for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed the sum of $10,000 for each day in which a violation occurs and $5,000 for each acre-foot of water diverted in violation of the interim relief order.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 6/7/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 491   (Wallis)   Local government: fines and penalties.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 9/25/2023-Measure version as amended on September 13 corrected.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 817   (Pacheco)   Open meetings: teleconferencing: subsidiary body.   AB 817 would provide a narrow exemption under the Ralph M.Brown Act for non-decision-making legislative bodies currently governed by Act, such as advisory bodies and commissions, to participate in two-way virtual teleconferencing without posting physical location of members. In addition, AB 817 would remove barriers to entry for appointed and elected office by allowing non-decision-making legislative bodies to participate virtually as long as they do not have the ability to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/25/2024-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 54. Noes 8.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 909   (Hoover)   Solid Waste Disposal and Codisposal Site Cleanup Program.   Makes illegally disposed hazardous wastes eligible for funding under the CalRecycle’s illegal dumping grant program.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 944   (Irwin)   Fire stations: alternative power generation.   Requires fire stations to have an alternative method to provide power generation for at least 96 hours during power outages.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 998   (Connolly)   Biomass energy facilities: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: report.   Requires the Energy Commission to issue a report on the utility-scale biomass combustion facilities still in operation as of January 1, 2024. The report must include an assessment of operational factors of each facility, a comparison of direct combustion compared to other biomass energy technologies, and a recommended strategy, if appropriate, to repower biomass combustion facilities to noncombustion conversion technologies. The report must include recommendations and strategies related to areas where combustion biomass facilities may be shut down or repowered, including strategies related to baseload power generation, processing waste, and job training.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 7/10/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1000   (Reyes)   Qualifying logistics use projects.   Prohibits local governments from approving warehouse development projects located within 1,000 feet of a large variety of sensitive receptors. Imposes new conditions on local approval of warehouse projects between 750-1000 feet of those sensitive receptors, in addition to mitigation measures required under CEQA.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1168   (Bennett)   Emergency medical services (EMS): prehospital EMS.   Would overturn an extensive statutory and case law record that has repeatedly affirmed county responsibility for the administration of emergency medical services and with that, the flexibility to design systems to equitably serve residents throughout their jurisdiction.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/12/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1272   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.   This bill would have required State Water Board to establish a program, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to adopt principles and guidelines for diversion and use of water in coastal watersheds, as specified, during times of water shortage for drought preparedness and climate resiliency. The bill would have required that the principles and guidelines provide for the development of watershed-level plans to support public trust uses, public health and safety, and the human right to water in times of water shortage, among other things.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 9/14/2023-Withdrawn from Engrossing and Enrolling. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Held at Desk.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1337   (Wicks)   State Water Resources Control Board: water diversion curtailment.   This bill would have expanded the instances when the diversion or use of water is considered a trespass, and would have directed State Water Board to adopt regulations for various water conservation purposes, including, but not limited to, to prevent the waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion of water, and to implement these regulations through orders curtailing the diversion or use of water under any claim of right.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 6/7/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1563   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.   This bill would have required a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency to obtain a written verification from the groundwater sustainability agency that manages the basin or area of the basin where the well is proposed to be located determining that, among other things, the extraction by the proposed well is consistent with any sustainable groundwater management program.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was GOV. & F. on 6/22/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1616   (Lackey)   California Cannabis Tax Fund: Board of State and Community Corrections grants.   AB 1616 would require the Board of State and Community Corrections to prioritize local governments whose programs seek to address the unlawful cultivation and sale of cannabis when disbursing grants from California Cannabis Tax Fund. The bill would also authorize the board to make grants to local governments that ban both indoor and outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation or ban retail sale of cannabis or cannabis products.   Location: Senate Public Safety   Status: 6/26/2023-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB S. (Ayes 9. Noes 2.) (June 26). Re-referred to Com. on PUB S.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2302   (Addis)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 2/26/2024-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2330   (Holden)   Endangered species: authorized take: routine fuel management activities.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 2/26/2024-Referred to Com. on W., P., & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2528   (Arambula)   Williamson Act contracts: cancellation fees.   The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, otherwise known as the Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to enter into contracts with owners of agricultural land to preserve the land to agricultural use, as specified. Current law authorizes the cancellation of a contract under certain circumstances. Current law requires the city or county to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of contract if the city and county approves a cancellation of a contract. Current law authorizes the city or county to charge a cancellation fee in an amount equal to 12.5% of the cancellation valuation of the property. This bill would instead require that the cancellation fees be transmitted by the county treasurer to the Controller within 45 days of the execution of a certification of cancellation of contract.   Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/14/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 23   (Caballero)   Water supply and flood risk reduction projects: expedited permitting.   This bill would have authorized a state agency, defined to mean any agency, board, or commission, including the state board or the regional boards, with the power to issue a permit that would authorize a water supply project or authorize a flood risk reduction project, to take specified actions in order to complete permit review and approval in an expeditious manner. The bill would have made findings and declarations related to the need to expedite water supply projects and flood risk reduction projects to better address climate change impacts while protecting the environment.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 367   (Seyarto)   Farm, ranch, and public lands cleanup and abatement: grant program.   Creates a grant program to facilitate the proper disposal of illegally dumped waste on state and federal lands.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/16/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 399   (Wahab)   Employer communications: intimidation.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. on 7/11/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 418   (Padilla)   California Prison Redevelopment Commission.   Would establish the California Prison Redevelopment Commission and articulate its responsibilities including its composition, with a focus on developing recommendations for repurposing closed state prison facilities.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/16/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Mary-Ann (1)

SB 584   (Limón)   Laborforce housing: Short-Term Rental Tax Law.     Location: Assembly Housing and Community Development   Status: 6/29/2023-June 28 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 624   (Alvarado-Gil)   Horse racing: state-designated fairs: allocation of revenues: gross receipts for sales and use tax.     Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation Suspense File   Status: 7/10/2023-July 10 set for first hearing. Placed on REV. & TAX. suspense file. July 10 hearing. Held in committee and under submission.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Mary-Ann (1)

SB 675   (Limón)   Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/12/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 820   (Alvarado-Gil)   Cannabis: enforcement: seizure of property.   Adapts the same seizure of property provisions currently applicable to unlicensed manufacturing of alcoholic beverages (i.e., moonshining), to cover unlicensed commercial cannabis activities. In addition, SB 820 would invest enforcement proceeds in the Cannabis Control Fund to support equity business.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/29/2024-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 945   (Alvarado-Gil)   The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act.     Location: Senate Health   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Coms. on HEALTH and E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 952   (Dahle)   Personal income taxes: Fire Safe Home Tax Credits Act.     Location: Senate Revenue and Taxation   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 960   (Wiener)   Transportation: planning: transit priority projects: multimodal.   Would require all transportation projects funded or overseen by the Department of Transportation to provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities unless an exemption is documented and approved, as specified.   Location: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/28/2024-Set for hearing April 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 961   (Wiener)   Vehicles: safety equipment.   The Department of the California Highway Patrol regulates the safe operation of specified vehicles, including motortrucks of 3 or more axles that are more than 10,000 pounds, truck tractors, trailers, semitrailers, and buses. Current federal law regulates required safety equipment on vehicles, including rear impact guards on certain large trucks to prevent rear underrides in collisions with passenger vehicles. This bill would require certain trucks and trailers to also be equipped with side guards, as specified.   Location: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/28/2024-Set for hearing April 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 973   (Grove)   Williamson Act: cancellation: solar energy projects.   The Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to contract with a landowner to limit the use of agricultural land located in an agricultural preserve designated by the city or county to preserve the land, subject to conditions of the contract, that may include an agreement to a specified valuation of the land for purposes of property taxation. The act authorizes a landowner to petition the city council or board of supervisors, as applicable, for cancellation of the contract under specified circumstances and imposes a cancellation fee equal to 12.5% of the fair market value of the land without the restriction of the contract. This bill would authorize a board or council to grant a petition for cancellation where the land subject to the contract is located in a basin under the jurisdiction of an adjudicated watermaster or the groundwater sustainability agency. The bill would require the landowner to commit to limiting the amount of water rights to a specific solar energy project, as defined, that uses less water than the agricultural use. The bill would also require the board or council to make specified findings, including that the solar energy project use is being permitted that will use less water than the agricultural use.   Location: Senate Local Government   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and E.Q.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1004   (Wilk)   Income taxes: exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Revenue and Taxation   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1046   (Laird)   Organic waste reduction: program environmental impact report: composting facilities.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1064   (Laird)   Cannabis.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on RLS.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1175   (Ochoa Bogh)   Organic waste: reduction goals: local jurisdictions: waivers.   Would require the State Air Resources Board to consider alternatives to census tracts, as provided, when deciding the boundaries of a low-population or elevation waiver and would require low-population waivers to be valid for a period of 10 years.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)