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 accessed hereRCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties.  RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@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 hereRCRC Comments: Click here RCRC Advocate: Staci Heaton sheaton@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.govRCRC Comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties.  A copy of the preliminary discussion draft can be accessed hereRCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org

Proposed Green Building Code Amendments: Preliminary discussion draft of proposed changes to the green building standards for the 2015 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle.  Agency: California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) Status: The CBSC Green Building Focus Group is in development of proposed changes to the Green Building Code, including increasing the diversion requirement of construction and demolition debris to 65 percent.  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