Jul 11, 2025
Federal Update: Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization, Farm Bill, Closing the Intoxicating Hemp LoopholeWhile 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
Trump Administration Advances NEPA Reform Across Federal AgenciesAs 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 11, 2025
Weekly News Clips – The Barbed Wire – July 11, 2025RCRC 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. California thins its forests, then burns the wood. Is...
Jul 03, 2025
RCRC Highlights the Latest Updates in the 2025-2026 State Budget PackageOn 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
RCRC Launches Ninth Annual Rural County Photo ContestRCRC’s 9th Annual Rural County Photo Contest launched on July 1, 2025. The contest invites individuals to share captivating images that showcase the incredible diversity, breathtaking scenery, vibrant activities, rich history, and undeniable charm that make RCRC’s 40 member counties truly special.
Jul 03, 2025
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 769 - The Golden State Infrastructure Corporation ActSenate 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
Legislature Passes New CEQA Bill, Includes Several New ExemptionsOn 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
U.S. Senate Advances GOP Reconciliation Bill with Increased Rural Hospital Stabilization FundAfter 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
Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization UpdateAs reconciliation legislation moves toward final passage, attention is beginning to shift to other bipartisan priorities—including the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) reauthorization.
Jul 03, 2025
RCRC Affiliate Updates – June 2025A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC’s affiliate entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.