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.
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 a 180-day comment period, comments due October 20, 2014. RCRC Comments: Click here RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org
CalEnviroScreen 2.0: The final updated version of CalEPA’s environmental health screening tool, CalEnviroScreen, was released August 14, 2014. Agency: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Status: Final document RCRC Comments: RCRC is interested in learning of its use at the local level. A copy of the CalEnviroScreen can be accessed here RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
California Carpet Stewardship Plan Annual Report: The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) has submitted their annual report for review and approval. Agency: CalRecycle Status: Report posted July 1, 2014, comment period extended to August 29, 2014. RCRC comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. The Annual Report 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 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 with comments due by October 10, 2014. 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
Air Toxics Hot Spots Draft Guidance Manual: The draft Guidance Manual provides an updated method to estimate health risks from air pollution sources that will increase the number of facilities subject to the “Hot Spots” program, requiring additional notifications or plans for reducing emissions. Agency: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment Status: Draft language posted June 28, 2014 for a 45-day public comment period. Comments extended to August 18, 2014. RCRC comments: RCRC will join CalChamber and others expressing concerns with the draft Guidance Manual. The draft Guidance Manual can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org
Revisions to Hazardous Waste Analysis Guidance Manual: The draft Guidance Manual provides guidance on how to develop and implement a Waste Analysis Plan (WAPA) suitable for managing hazardous wastes in accordance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), assist permit writers in evaluating WAPs, and assist enforcement personnel in determining facility compliance. Agency: US Environmental Protection Agency Status: Draft language posted July 11, 2014 for a 45-day public comment period, ending August 24, 2014. RCRC comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties. The draft Guidance Manual can be accessed here. RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org