The Barbed Wire - May 27, 2022

May 27, 2022
RCRC Stops Bill Making CEQA More Difficult for Projects Involving Removal of Oak Trees
Bill of the Week: AB 1249 (Gallagher) – Income Taxes: Gross Income Exclusions: Wildfires
Governor Newsom Proposes Trailer Bill Stripping Local Governments of Authority to Site Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Projects
CPUC Seeks Input on Whether to Impose a New Fixed Charge on Electrical Customers Living in High Fire Threat Districts
U.S. Senate Panel Advances Bill to Recycle Electric-Vehicle Batteries
National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program Act Introduced
WRDA 2022 Passes Out of Committee
Federal Legislation to Incentivize Water Conservation
Visit California Releases New Economic Impact of Travel Report with Insight on Rural California Tourism
RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

RCRC Stops Bill Making CEQA More Difficult for Projects Involving Removal of Oak Trees

Last week, the Senate Appropriations Committee held Senate Bill 1404 (Stern), which would have made CEQA even more unwieldly and litigious for projects involving the removal of oak trees.   

The measure sought to establish an arbitrary state threshold and require preparation of an Environmental Impact Report or Mitigated Negative Declaration for any projects involving the removal of three or more oak trees – regardless of the size of the project or number of trees remaining on the project site or nearby areas.  Equally troubling, the bill would have eliminated a safe harbor insulating projects that include specified mitigation measures from CEQA challenges relating to the project’s impact on oak woodlands.  As drafted, SB 1404 would have invalidated numerous existing CEQA exemptions for a wide variety of projects.  It would have increased costs, delays, and litigation risk for park maintenance, public safety, vegetation management, and other types of projects.   

RCRC spearheaded a local government coalition including CSAC, CalCities, ACWA, and CSDA opposing SB 1404 and joined efforts with the California Building Industry Association and others who identified the bill as a housing killer. 

RCRC’s coalition letter can be found here.  Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate, with any questions. 

 

Bill of the Week: AB 1249 (Gallagher) – Income Taxes: Gross Income Exclusions: Wildfires

RCRC has expressed its support for Assembly Bill 1249, authored by Assembly James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), which provides an exemption through January 1, 2028 for wildfire survivors from paying state taxes on settlement monies received from investor-owned utilities related to specific catastrophic wildfire events.  

Communities in RCRC member counties have suffered devastating losses due to high-severity wildfires where investor-owned utilities (IOUs) have been found negligent. In each case, hundreds of homes were destroyed and in the 2018 Camp Fire, 89 lives were needlessly lost in Butte County. Many of these communities are still struggling to rebuild, with residents battling delays in insurance payouts and ever-changing regulations driving up rebuilding costs. Most importantly, families who lost homes and loved ones will never fully recover from the emotional and mental toll these fires take on their victims.  

While some of the past decade’s wildfires have resulted in settlements from IOUs, victims of these preventable tragedies could be further assisted by simply making the income from those settlements exempt from state taxes. AB 1249 would provide such an exemption for a number of IOU-caused wildfires, thereby ensuring victims the maximum compensation possible.  

AB 1249 is set for hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.  

Governor Newsom Proposes Trailer Bill Stripping Local Governments of Authority to Site Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Projects

As part of his May Budget Revision, Governor Newsom put forth a package of energy trailer bills to help improve the state’s energy reliability.  The package invests in energy production, storage, and demand response measures, but one piece strips local governments of authority to site and permit the following types of projects: 

  • Solar or wind generation projects 50MW or larger and appurtenant facilities 
  • Energy storage projects 200MW or larger 
  • Projects for the manufacture, production, or assembly of products, components, or systems integral to renewable energy or energy storage with a capital investment of at least $250 million over five years 
  • Electric transmission lines 

Rather than rely on the existing permitting process, the trailer bill invests permitting authority with the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is also charged with preparing related environmental documents.  The proposal allows the CEC to override any state, local, or regional requirements when the CEC determines the facility is required for public convenience and necessity.   

In another affront to traditional local permitting authority, the proposal requires the CEC to work with the Coastal Commission and State Lands Commission on projects within their jurisdictions to address any issues they raise; however, there is no similar consultation process or requirement to address concerns raised by the impacted local government. 

The bill also expedites the CEQA litigation review process for covered projects and limits the instances in which a court can grant injunctive relief barring construction or operation. 

RCRC joined CSAC in strongly opposing a similar permitting proposal the Administration suggested as part of last year’s budget and will continue fighting this effort. 

Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate, with any questions. 

CPUC Seeks Input on Whether to Impose a New Fixed Charge on Electrical Customers Living in High Fire Threat Districts

On May 20, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requested input on a suite of measures they are considering to address escalating energy prices.  Among the proposals, the CPUC is contemplating establishing a new fixed charge for customers living in high fire threat districts.  CPUC appears to want to shift more of the costs of utility wildfire mitigation activities to those customers who live in the forested communities in need of these safety upgrades.  

RCRC is a formal party to this proceeding and will be strongly opposing these efforts.  After decades of utilities failing to adequately maintain their infrastructure, it is unfathomable for CPUC to drive up costs for many Californians who have been hit hardest by utility malfeasance and who have simultaneously suffered the greatest decline in energy reliability in the state given the frequency of planned and unplanned electrical outages over the last few years. This CPUC proposal comes just a few years after the Legislature repealed the inequitable State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fire Fee in rural areas, which subsidized CAL FIRE’s statewide activities.   

On a related note, Governor Newsom’s recently proposed energy budget trailer bill, among other things, seeks to repeal the existing $10/month cap on fixed charges that the CPUC may impose on residential customers to recover a reasonable portion of the fixed costs of providing electric service.  The $10/month cap ($5/month for qualified low-income customers) was authorized nearly a decade ago through a robust public process; however, the Administration is seeking to repeal that cap and give the CPUC broader authority to establish such fees through an expedited budget process with little opportunity for vetting by policy committees or the public.  RCRC will be actively engaged to oppose any mechanism that could shift greater costs to rural customers living in high fire threat areas.   

Public comments on the proposal can be submitted on the “Public Comment” tab of the proceeding’s docket page. Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate, with any questions or comments, and to learn how to engage. 

U.S. Senate Panel Advances Bill to Recycle Electric-Vehicle Batteries

On Wednesday, May 25th, the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee advanced the Strategic EV Management Act of 2022 (S. 4057), which mandates that the Administration create a plan to manage batteries in the federal electric vehicle fleet. President Biden recently ordered that all federal car purchases be zero-emission by 2035, which has intensified the pressure on already-stressed supply chains for electric vehicles, including for minerals like lithium and cobalt. Automakers, including Tesla and Rivian, have warned of the problem, and lawmakers have proposed legislation to aid the electric vehicle supply chain. Thus far, the Biden Administration has announced that it would “spend more than $3 billion to boost domestic manufacturing of batteries and invoking the Defense Production Act to bolster lithium, nickel, graphite, cobalt and manganese production.“ The Energy Department is also making available a separate $60 million program for battery recycling. 

 

National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program Act Introduced

On Tuesday, May 24th, Senator Alex Padilla led a coalition of Senators in introducing the National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program Act. The science authorization bill would establish a National Wildland Fire Risk Reduction Program with the four-fold purpose of:  

  1. identifying and investing in research and development;  

  1. setting up warning and forecast systems;  

  1. developing observation and sensing technologies; and  

  1. standardizing data collection efforts to improve the nation’s preparedness, resilience, and response to wildfires. 

WRDA 2022 Passes Out of Committee

On May 18th, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted to advance the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 (WRDA) out of committee. This legislation provides authority for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water resources development projects and studies across the country. 

For California, WRDA 2022 includes: 

  • Disposition Study on Salinas Dam and Reservoir, California 
  • Excess Lands Report for Whittier Narrows Dam, California 
  • Environmental infrastructure in Los Angeles County, California 
  • Deauthorization of Designated Portions of the Los Angeles County Drainage Area, California 

The measure now heads to the House floor for a vote. 

Federal Legislation to Incentivize Water Conservation

On May 19th, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Jerry McNerney (D-Stockton) introduced the Water Efficiency, Conservation, and Sustainability Act of 2022. This bill would incentivize water-efficiency upgrades and establish programs to identify and repair leaks, — especially in areas experiencing severe drought and in low-income communities — by establishing three new Environmental Protection Agency grant programs: 

  • Water Efficiency and Conservation Grant Program 
  • Sustainable Water Loss Control Program 
  • Grants for Water Efficient Plumbing Code Adoption 

Each program would be authorized  at $20-25 million annually, for five years. 

Visit California Releases New Economic Impact of Travel Report with Insight on Rural California Tourism

California’s tourism industry is quickly climbing back to pre-pandemic levels as visitors rediscover the Golden State, but new data from Visit California’s recently released 2021 Economic Impact of Travel Report, shows that challenges remain for many destinations as tourism trends continue to fluctuate. 

Visitor spending statewide jumped 46% in 2021 compared to 2020, reaching $100.2 billion. And jobs in the travel and hospitality sectors also grew 6.4% to 927,000. 

The industry’s recovery is outpacing previous projections, with a full recovery now expected in 2023 – a year ahead of earlier estimates.  

During the height of the pandemic, rural communities benefitted from travelers’ desire to explore the outdoors. Many visitors discovered the benefits of California’s outdoor recreation destinations for the first time as the pandemic disrupted other activities, leading to a sharp increase in visitor spending in these communities. But statewide visitor spending levels have reached just 69% of pre-pandemic highs recorded in 2019. 

Travel trends could continue to change as the landscape around COVID-19 continues to evolve. As more destinations around the world begin to welcome tourists back, intensified competition among destinations to lure visitors could diminish the benefits seen by communities throughout California that have begun to recover. 

Check out the full EIR report and an interactive map of data by county from Visit California here.

RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES

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

 

GSFA Expands “Assist-to-Own” Program and Partners with Counties to Spread the Word

Last week, Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) expanded its new “Assist-to-Own” program to provide county employees in GSFA member counties with homeowners assistance for the purchase of a home in any California county. 

The rising cost of housing can create significant barriers for county employees wishing to live in or near the community in which they work. To help reduce these barriers and strengthen the local government workforce, GSFA launched the “Assist-to-Own” Program to offer homebuyers assistance to GSFA member county employees. When first launched, the assistance was limited to county employees purchasing a home within the jurisdiction of their employer. Following input from GSFA member counties, “Assist-to-Own” now provides GSFA member county employees down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home in any California county.  In this way, employees may utilize the program to purchase a home within the county they are employed, or in a nearby county, thus increasing their home purchase options. 

To  help spread the word about “Assist-to-Own”, GSFA is also partnering with counties to develop individualized marketing plans that provide education and outreach to their county employees. These marketing strategy sessions are scheduled with GSFA and key personnel in each county and cover the following: 

  • Overview of “Assist-to-Own” eligibility and available assistance
  • Examples of potential marketing strategies
  • Discussion of the best avenues for outreaching to the employees of each individual county

Following the session, GSFA then develops the individualized marketing materials and works alongside the county on distribution.  

For additional information regarding “Assist-to-Own” and GSFA, visit www.gsfahome.org or call (855)740-8422. Counties interested in working with GSFA to market the program to their employees, should contact Carolyn Jhajj at cjhajj@rcrcnet.org

 

GSNR Goes Public with Project Plans at Local Town Hall Meetings

During the week of May 9, the Golden State Natural Resources (GSNR) team went on the road for some pre-CEQA town halls in Lassen and Tuolumne counties in preparation for the initiation of its forest resiliency projects. This presented the first opportunity for GSNR to outline its mission and business plan to the general public in the two communities where GSNR plans to develop pellet processing facilities. Each facility, when up and running, will bring a dramatic positive impact on the greater area economy and workforce employment.

Over 80 interested residents attended the Jamestown Community Center in Tuolumne County. GSNR President Greg Norton and the team of staff and specialty consultants described the project from forest thinning, through transportation, pellet production and shipping overseas to replace current coal fired power production. The planned 30-minute Q & A period lasted almost 90 minutes and was overwhelmingly positive.

In preparation for the Lassen County public town hall, Greg and GSNR Vice President Kevin Cann first addressed the Lassen County Board of Supervisors and staff at their formal session on May 10. The following evening, GSNR staff held the town hall meeting at the Bieber Veterans Memorial Auditorium with an anticipated turnout of 20-50 people. Instead, over 270 local residents attended and patiently sat (and stood) through a 30-minute project overview followed by a 90-minute Q & A. The project appeared well received with many wanting to know how they could support efforts moving forward. 

Overall, the meetings were very successful at informing local communities about GSNR’s project plans, in advance of the formal CEQA Environmental Impact Report public process. This process is scheduled to kick off in June and run into early 2023. A big thanks to all who made them possible!

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

CPUC Engagement Survey For Local Governments

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is requesting feedback from local governments, community-based organizations, tribes, and others on effective communication strategies as well as prior engagement experiences with the CPUC. The survey can be found here; responses are requested by May 31, 2022.

 

CPUC to Host Webinar on Broadband Funding

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will be hosting a webinar on June 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to discuss the broadband funding programs administered by the CPUC. The one-hour meeting will review the goals and anticipated application release for the following programs:

  • Broadband Technical Assistance - $50 Million 
  • Loan Loss Reserve - $750 Million 
  • Federal Funding Account - $2 Billion 
  • California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) – up to $150 Million per year 

For more information and register for the webinar, click here.

 

Upcoming Webinar on County Drought Planning Requirements for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems

In September 2021, Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) was signed by Governor Newsom and enacted into law. SB 552 includes new responsibilities and requirements at both the state and local level to help small water systems and rural communities reduce their risk of inadequate water supply amid a water shortage event. This is the first of three virtual workshops to inform and solicit input from stakeholders on the development of a guidebook to support the preparation of County Drought Plans which focus on state small water systems and domestic wells as required under SB 552. During this first workshop, DWR and State Water Board staff will review the SB 552 requirements for counties and the plan to develop a guidebook as technical assistance, and solicit input on needed tools and considerations that could help counties meet the requirements. The virtual workshop is open to County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties.

Date:          June 2, 2022
Time:          10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location:    Zoom 

Register Here

 

Career Opportunities

  • Shasta County - Public Works Director
    Shasta County invites applications for the position of Public Works Director. Information about the position is available here,  Apply online here. Final Filing Date: June 27, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.
  • Inyo County - Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention (Health and Human Services)
    Inyo County is seeking a Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention. Under the direction of the Health and Human Services Director, the Deputy Director initiates, organizes, directs, and coordinates the design and development of multiple public health and prevention programs including related client services through a trauma informed lens. The Deputy Director will encourage and support the design and development of integrated service plans among Health and Human Services divisions and programs, as well as with other care providers as appropriate. The Deputy Director will identify needs and goals and strategies to accomplish these goals. The Deputy Director will participate in the development and monitoring of department budgets, direct the investigation and resolution of complaints/concerns, and provide leadership and participate in a variety of committees and task forces within and outside of the Health and Human Service Department. The ideal candidate is technically knowledgeable in the health care and related fields and demonstrates continual learning. They will be able to grasp new information and business models to support agency and team growth. Apply by June 24, 2022. For more information, view the brochure here.  Apply online here.
  • Del Norte County - Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch
    Del Norte County seeks a Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch. This position has branch level administrative responsibility of the department (Public Works Branch), including a variety of contract management and intra- and inter-agency coordination activities under general direction of the Community Development Department Director. Under an administrative team concept, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs work of personnel in the Public Works Branch which includes the Engineering and Surveying Division, Roads Division, County Service Area (sewer collection system), and Flood Control District. Additional information is available here, or view details and apply online.

 

Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.

In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.

Next training:  Imperial County, June 16, 2022 - Planning Commissioner Training

 

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.

 

Dana Loomis, of Blairsden, has been reappointed to the Carcinogen Identification Committee, where he has served since 2018. Loomis has been Director of the Plumas County Public Health Agency since 2021. He was a Professor of Environmental Health at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences from 2018 to 2021, where he was a Professor of Environmental Health from 2007 to 2010. He was Head of the Monographs Program at the International Agency for Research on Cancer from 2016 to 2017, where he was Deputy Head from 2012 to 2016. He was Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center from 2010 to 2012 and Professor of Epidemiology and Environmental Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1989 to 2006. Loomis is a member of the International Commission for Occupational Safety and Health. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Epidemiology, Master of Public Health degree in Environmental Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Loomis 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.

 

Nevada County to get $6.6 million in grant funds Sierra Sun

Three programs in Nevada County will get $6.6 million in federal funds, U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa and other officials announced Friday. A Sheriff’s Office dispatch center was awarded $4.8 million for a community-oriented technology and equipment grant used for radio infrastructure. The two other programs are a fire suppression system and a shaded fuel break.

 

Tribe Maps Where to Burn to Restore Northern California Forest – ESRI

Much of the land that makes up the Klamath and Six Rivers national forests has been home to the Karuk Tribe since time immemorial. And now, there is a pilot project under way to use fire to reshape damaged ecosystems. The tribe is part of a group of stakeholders called the Western Klamath Restoration Partnership that has put together a detailed restoration plan using a geographic information system (GIS) to analyze and prioritize the actions needed to return the land to balance. 

 

Solano expands its membership with RCRC-affiliated groups – Daily Republic

Homebuyer benefits – including a special program for county employees that could help Solano in its recruitment efforts – are part of the various agency links that come with being a member of the Rural County Representatives of California. The supervisors on Tuesday formalized some of those associations by joining the Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority, the Golden State Finance Authority, which offers the homebuyer programs, and the Golden State Connect Authority. 

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

 

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 Natural Resources and Water   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1001   (Garcia, Cristina)   Environment: mitigation measures for air 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 give consideration to the principles of environmental justice by ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/23/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   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 Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act secondary egress route projects undertaken by a public agency for a subdivision in a high fire threat area that was evaluated by the Board of Forestry.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 5/18/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1434   (Friedman)   Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   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: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.   AB 1608 would remove county authority to combine the duties of the Sheriff with the duties of the Coroner. The bill appears to require counties with a combined Sheriff-Coroner function to either combine the Coroner with another authorized elected office, transition to a standalone elected Coroner, or replace the Coroner model with a Medical Examiner office.   Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Coms. on GOV. & F. and PUB. S.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1642   (Salas)   California Environmental Quality Act: water system well and domestic well projects: exemption.   Exempts from CEQA, vital projects to prevent or mitigate failure of a well that would leave residents without an adequate supply of drinking water. This exemption only applies to those wells in areas designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as being at high risk or medium risk in the state’s annual Drinking Water Needs Assessment.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/18/2022-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1644   (Flora)   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: Senate L., P.E. & R.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1696   (Lee)   Elections: nonpartisan candidates’ party preference.   Current constitutional and statutory law prohibits including the party preference of a candidate for nonpartisan office, defined as any judicial, school, county, or municipal office, including the Superintendent of Public Instruction, on the ballot for that office. This bill would require the ballot for the above offices, except for judicial offices, to contain the candidate’s party preference or, if applicable, lack of party preference.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was ELECTIONS on 3/10/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1717   (Aguiar-Curry)   Public works: definition.   Assembly Bill 1717 requires prevailing wage to be paid for public works projects funded by public dollars related to community wildfire prevention, vegetation management and fuels treatment.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1749   (Garcia, Cristina)   Community emissions reduction programs: toxic air contaminants and criteria air pollutants.   Prohibits approval or issuance of permits for projects that contribute to an increase in air pollutants or toxic air contaminants in a CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged community unless the agency finds that increased emissions caused by the project (combined with cumulative emissions from other sources) will not cause or contribute to additional negative public health impacts on individuals living and working in that community. Requires the state to identify measures to reduce criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions in CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged communities.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1757   (Haney)   Groundwater sustainability agency.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/19/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 72. Noes 0.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1784   (Smith)   Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014: groundwater sustainability projects: grants and loans.      Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was A. PRINT on 2/3/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1814   (Grayson)   Transportation electrification: community choice aggregators.   Allows community choice aggregators to file applications with the state for approval of programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was U. & E. on 2/18/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1832   (Rivas, Luz)   Waters subject to tidal influence: hard mineral extraction.   Prohibits the State Lands Commission and local trustees of granted public trust lands from granting leases or issuing permits for extraction or removal of hard minerals (not including rock, gravel, sand, silt, and coal) from tidelands and submerged lands.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 5/18/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/26/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 5/18/2022-Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and JUD.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead pipes.     Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1944   (Lee)   Local government: open and public meetings.   AB 1944 would authorize members of local legislative bodies to teleconference from a remote location without making the address of that location public. Additionally, the bill requires that – for those local agencies that elect to use teleconferencing for its legislative body meetings – a video stream is made available to members of the public, including an opportunity to provide public comment via telephone or videoconference option.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Assembly Rule 69(d) suspended. Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1952   (Gallagher)   Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.    Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act projects funded by the $500 million set aside for the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 2/18/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1953   (Maienschein)   Drinking water: accessible water bottle refill stations.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/27/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1956   (Mathis)   Solid waste: woody biomass: collection and conversion.   Creates a new grant program administered by CalRecycle to fund woody biomass collection and disposal by rural counties with a population of 250,000 or less.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/4/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 5/12/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on GOV. & F.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2201   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/24/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2208   (Kalra)   Fluorescent lamps: sale and distribution: prohibition.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/25/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2258   (Wood)   Local government: wildfire safety improvements.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was A. B. & F. on 4/20/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.     Location: Senate Public Safety   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2419   (Bryan)   Environmental justice: federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Justice40 Advisory Committee.   This bill would require a minimum of 40% of funds received by the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to be allocated to projects that provide direct benefits to disadvantaged communities as designated by the CalEnviroScreen Tool and a minimum of an additional 10% be allocated for projects that provide direct benefits to low-income households and low-income communities, as provided. The bill would create a California Justice40 Advisory Committee to advise state agencies on administration of the funds.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/26/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2421   (Rubio, Blanca)   Water: unlicensed cannabis cultivation.   AB 2421 would amend the California State Water Code to provide authority to county counsels and city attorneys to civilly prosecute and enjoin water theft. It would also amend the California Fish and Game Code to authorize county counsels to civilly prosecute and enjoin water pollution. By removing existing limitations on prosecutorial authority, the bill provides more tools for local governments to use against the harmful community impacts of illicit cannabis cultivation as well as the degradation of our water and other natural resources.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/26/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2449   (Rubio, Blanca)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.   AB 2449 would authorize remote participation in local public meetings if at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a location clearly identified on the agenda that is also open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the local agencies. In order to do so, the local agency must appropriately post agendas, members of the legislative body attending the meeting by teleconference must participate in both audio and video formats, and members of the public must have call-in and internet-based access for attending and participating in the meetings.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/26/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on GOV. & F.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2647   (Levine)   Local government: open meetings.   This measure would clarify that writings distributed to the majority of a local legislative body less than 72 hours before a meeting can be posted online to satisfy the Brown Act if physical copies are made available for public inspection at the beginning of the next regular business day at a public office or designated location.   Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2677   (Gabriel)   Information Practices Act of 1977.   Would remove the exemption of local agencies from the Act, which deals with the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/26/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (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)

ACA 13   (Mathis)   Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 4/7/2022-Referred to Coms. on W.,P., & W. and NAT. RES.    Staff:  Sidd (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 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 Housing and Community Development   Status: 5/24/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Tracy (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 Natural Resources   Status: 2/14/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. (Amended 2/14/2022)   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   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 Natural Resources   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support In Concept   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Insurance   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on INS. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on INS.   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: 2/1/2022-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 463   (Dahle)   Water: landowner or water right holder right to modify, repair, or replace jointly used conduits.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 3/18/2022-March 22 set for second hearing canceled at the request of author.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/25/2022)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   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 Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 915   (Min)   Firearms: state property.   SB 915, which would prohibit the sale of firearms on any state- or county-owned property, including fairgrounds from holding gun shows and, as a result, erode the revenue stream that would be derived from legal gun shows on these premises.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/25/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-Read third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. (Ayes 38. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 931   (Leyva)   Deterring union membership: violations.   Authorizes PERB claim alleging employer deterred or discouraged union membership, up to $100,000 fine ($1,000 per employee impacted) and attorney’s fees for employee organization.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/25/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 938   (Hertzberg)   The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 953   (Min)   Oil and gas leases: state waters: State Lands Commission.   Requires the State Lands Commission to terminate all remaining oil and gas leases under its jurisdiction in tidelands and submerged lands within state waters.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/9/2022)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling: reports: electronic submittal: wine and distilled spirits.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: state of emergency or emergency condition: retaliation.   SB 1044 would prohibit an employer from taking or threatening any adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leaving, a workplace because the employee feels unsafe due to a state of emergency or an emergency condition, and (2) permit employees to access their mobile device or other communications device.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.   SB 1100 would clarify the rules around when individuals can be removed for willfully interrupting a meeting.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 5/26/2022-June 8 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1127   (Atkins)   Workers’ compensation: liability presumptions.   SB 1127 proposes to shorten the time provided for employers to investigate claims from 90 to 30 days for any claim covered by a presumption statute, and 60 days for all other claims. The bill proposes new and unprecedented penalties all claims covered by presumption statutes up to $100,000.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/25/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1186   (Wiener)   Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act.   SB 1186 undermines the intent of MAUCRSA by (1) eliminating a local jurisdiction's ability to prohibit medical cannabis retail activities, regardless of the needs or conditions in the jurisdiction, and (2) restricting the ability for the large number of jurisdictions that permit and regulate cannabis retailers to set appropriate local regulations which are developed in a public process.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/24/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/25/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1220   (Hurtado)   Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was S. N.R. & W. on 3/2/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1235   (Borgeas)   Air pollution: portable equipment: emergency events.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was E.Q. on 3/2/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.     Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/24/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1326   (Caballero)   Cannabis: interstate agreements.   SB 1326 would allow the cross jurisdictional import and export to other states, of cannabis and cannabis products by authorizing the Governor to enter into an agreement to provide lawful interstate commerce. SB 1326 requires the agreement to include public health, safety, and labeling standards, a system to regulate and track cannabis items, collection of applicable taxes, and that out of state cannabis items delivered to California be tested, packaged, and labeled in compliance with California state law.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1338   (Umberg)   Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.   SB 1338 reflects Governor Newsom’s vison for creating a new civil court process to reach and treat individuals living with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and psychiatric disorders. These new Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts would work with public defenders, county behavioral health, and a new class of trained “supporters” to assist individuals with treatment, medication, and housing. CARE Courts require significant engagement and resources from counties.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 5/26/2022-In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1426   (Caballero)   Cannabis: water pollution crimes.   Would make it a misdemeanor or felony to plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process more than 50 living cannabis plants, or any part thereof, and where that activity involves theft of groundwater, unauthorized tapping into a water conveyance or storage infrastructure, digging an unpermitted, illegal well, or the pollution of groundwater, as specified. This bill would also clarify that causing substantial environmental harm to public resources includes groundwater.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/19/2022-May 19 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)