RCRC members are encouraged to submit comments on regulatory matters to state and federal regulatory bodies, and to provide a copy to RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of regulations impacting California’s rural counties.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for West Coast Distinct Population Segment of Fisher: Proposes to list the west coast distinct population of fisher as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Status: Draft published on October 7, 2014 for a 90-day comment period, comments due January 5, 2015. Proposed regulation and related documents can be accessedhere. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Staci Heatonsheaton@rcrcnet.org
Definition of “Waters of the United States” Under the Clean Water Act: Changes the definition of “Waters of the United States” in the Clean Water Act and expands federal jurisdiction over waterways. Agency: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Status: Draft published on April 21, 2014 for public comment, comment deadline extended to November 14, 2014. Proposed regulation and related documents can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Click here RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
Draft Guidelines for Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program: Preliminary draft guidelines for the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program. Agency: The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) Status: Draft language released September 22, 2014, comments due October 31, 2014. The draft guidelines can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: RCRC is concerned that it will be difficult for rural counties to compete for these funds, especially if they adopt the CalEnviroScreen as the sole tool for selecting “disadvantaged communities.” RCRC's comment letter can be accessed here. A map detailing the proposed regions for the AHSC Program can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
Preliminary Discussion Draft of Updates to the CEQA Guidelines: The preliminary discussion draft of updates to the CEQA Guidelines to implement SB 743 (Steinberg, 2013), and address the evaluation of transportation impacts under CEQA. Agency: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Status: Draft language released August 6, 2014, comments extended to November 21, 2014. Comments should be submitted to CEQA.Guidelines@ceres.ca.gov. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. A copy of the preliminary discussion draft can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
Proposed Green Building Code Amendments: Preliminary discussion proposed change to the green building standards for the 2015 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle. Agency: California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) Status: The CBSC has convened its first meeting for the Green Building Focus Group to begin development of proposed changes to the Green Building Code. A copy of the preliminary discussion drafts can be accessed here. RCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org