Jul 18, 2025

Advocacy   |   Health Care and Social Services Telehealth Permanence Bill Introduced in Congress

On July 11, U.S. Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-04), David Schweikert (AZ-01), Doris Matsui (CA-07), and Troy Balderson (OH-12) announced the introduction of the bipartisan, bicameral CONNECT for Health Act

Jul 18, 2025

Advocacy Federal Government Revokes $4B for California High Speed Rail Project

On July 16, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Railroad Administration has terminated approximately $4 billion in unspent federal funding for California’s High Speed Rail project

Jul 11, 2025

Advocacy   |   Energy Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 531 – Geothermal Project Permitting

Assembly Bill 531, authored by Assembly Member Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), seeks to usurp local land use authority for smaller geothermal energy projects under 50MW by allowing developers to bypass local governments and seek approval through the California Energy Commission’s AB 205 opt-in permitting process. 

Jul 11, 2025

Advocacy Federal Update: Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization, Farm Bill, Closing the Intoxicating Hemp Loophole

While the One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1) was signed into law on July 4th, several RCRC priorities were left on the cutting floor.

Jul 11, 2025

Advocacy   |   CEQA/NEPA Trump Administration Advances NEPA Reform Across Federal Agencies

As part of a coordinated push to streamline environmental permitting, the Departments of the Interior, Energy, and Agriculture each issued revised National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) procedures. These reforms—driven by President Trump’s Unleashing American Energy Executive Order (E.O. 14154) and the 2023 BUILDER Act —aim to cut red tape, reduce review timelines, and eliminate duplicative regulations that delay infrastructure and energy projects.

Jul 03, 2025

Advocacy RCRC Highlights the Latest Updates in the 2025-2026 State Budget Package

On Monday, June 30, Governor Newsom signed the package of bills that make up the 2025 State Budget, which took effect immediately upon signature.  RCRC’s latest budget package highlights, of interest to California’s rural counties, is available here.

Jul 03, 2025

Advocacy   |   Community and Economic Development Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 769 - The Golden State Infrastructure Corporation Act

Senate Bill 769, authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced), seeks to establish the Golden State Infrastructure Corporation within the State Treasurer’s Office to offer flexible financing solutions for infrastructure projects throughout California. 

Jul 03, 2025

Advocacy   |   CEQA/NEPA Legislature Passes New CEQA Bill, Includes Several New Exemptions

On June 30, the Legislature passed, and Governor Newsom signed, Senate Bill 131, which is a budget trailer bill that makes numerous changes to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Jul 03, 2025

Advocacy U.S. Senate Advances GOP Reconciliation Bill with Increased Rural Hospital Stabilization Fund

After an overnight vote-a-rama, the U.S. Senate narrowly advanced the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, with Vice President JD Vance breaking a 50–50 tie early Tuesday morning.

Jul 03, 2025

Advocacy   |   Forest and Public Lands Stewardship Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Update

As reconciliation legislation moves toward final passage, attention is beginning to shift to other bipartisan priorities—including the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) reauthorization.