The Barbed Wire - August 14, 2020

RCRC’s 4th Annual Rural County Photo Contest - And the Winner Is….

RCRC wishes to thank the scores of photographers who submitted their incredible photographs in RCRC’s 4th Annual Rural County Photo Contest in July. During the month of July, amateur photographers were invited to submit photographs from RCRC member counties, showcasing the beautiful landscape, activities and people in the rural communities. In the submitted works, twenty-four member counties were represented. The submissions were ultimately narrowed down to three finalists, and on Wednesday, the RCRC Board of Directors voted to select this year’s winning photograph. And the winner is… Jason Brand of El Dorado County. Jason’s photograph, Mack Lake Late October (Inyo County), captured the exquisite beauty that exists in so many of California’s rural counties. Congratulations, Jason!

View the winning photograph on the RCRC Homepage.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 3030 (Kalra)- Land and Ocean Conservation Goals

In a joint letter this week, RCRC and CSAC expressed concerns about Assembly Bill 3030, as amended on July 21, 2020. Authored by Assembly Member Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), AB 3030 articulates conservation goals of the state, including the protection of 30 percent of land and water resources by 2030. To the extent that this accelerates additional land and water resources being placed in public ownership, it raises the concern that property tax receipts would be further reduced in the impacted counties, thereby reducing General Fund revenues for those local jurisdictions. A number of RCRC/CSAC counties are already over 90 percent publicly-owned.

Along with the financial concern, RCRC and CSAC expressed that adding to the conservation goals requires an up-to-date inventory of lands currently held in state and federal ownership, in order to understand the biodiversity needs and how best to augment them. Establishing a baseline would allow for development of appropriate metrics to achieve improvements. These efforts require the designation of a lead agency, most suitably the California Natural Resources Agency, to manage the implementation and be responsible for achieving the goals of the legislation. Additionally, there is a need to ensure proper stewardship of the lands, including the visitor facilities that service the lands, in order to avoid degradation of our natural resources.

Presently, it is unclear how current land and water conservation program criteria are incorporated in the measure. Additional information is also needed about state funding requirements. RCRC and CSAC have requested the author’s consideration of amendments to address all of these concerns. Read the joint letter here.

Listen In! Hometown California Podcast Episode 3- Railroads and Rural California

What does the railroad have to do with our households, our businesses, rural California, and issues like homelessness and the environment?

In our latest episode, Paul A. Smith of RCRC speaks with Francisco Castillo of Union Pacific Railroad about the importance of the railroad and its interconnectivity with our daily lives.

Listen Now to Hometown California, Episode 3 available on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, iHeart Radio, and many more.

Coronavirus Relief Negotiations Remain Stalled on Capitol Hill

As of Wednesday, a deal on another coronavirus relief package remains unlikely after a call between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin moved them no closer to an agreement.  House of Representatives Speaker Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) have not met in person with Treasury Secretary Mnuchin and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows to hash out a pandemic aid package since Friday. Meanwhile, President Trump signed four executive orders over the weekend to provide some economic relief, however it remains unclear how effective those will be. Although the Senate is still in session, the majority of senators have left Washington, D.C., but they will be given 24-hour notice to return if a coronavirus (COVID-19) deal is reached or if a vote is scheduled. In the House, there will be no votes until the week of September 14^th, unless there is an agreement before then. Democrats have made it clear that they will not combine a COVID-19 bill with a continuing resolution if negotiations push to the end of September.

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Democrats need to accept a lower amount of assistance for state and local governments to resume negotiations, “I think we've been very clear that they need to come back with a compromise on the state and local from their trillion dollars, and the unemployment benefits, and if so we’ll respond. I think the majority of the other issues, we've reached a compromise on.” Additionally, a Moody’s Analytics report estimated that without additional federal aid, state and local budget shortfalls will total roughly $500 billion over the next two fiscal years. RCRC continues to advocate for additional relief monies beyond the CARES Act and that those monies be made available to low-populations counties directly.

United States Postal Service Funding

On Wednesday, President Trump stated that he would not approve $25 billion in emergency funding for the United States Postal Service (USPS), or $3.5 billion in supplemental funding for election resources, citing prohibitively high costs, “they don’t have the money to do the universal mail-in voting. So therefore, they can’t do it, I guess.” President Trump’s remarks came after congressional leaders from both parties intensified calls for more oversight of the agency and the new Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a major Republican donor and Trump ally. House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Schumer indicated that changes imposed by the new Postmaster General, “threaten the timely delivery of mail — including medicines for seniors, paychecks for workers and absentee ballots for voters — that is essential to millions of Americans.’’ In addition, two Montana Republicans, Senator Steve Daines and Representative Greg Gianforte, urged the USPS to reverse the July directive which eliminates overtime for hundreds of thousands of postal workers and mandates that mail be kept until the next day if distribution centers are running late.

California and USFS Announce Joint Forest Health Initiative

The State of California and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) have announced a joint initiative to help improve the health of forest lands in California and to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. The Agreement for Shared Stewardship of California’s Forest and Rangelands is a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the state and the USFS wherein the USFS agrees to match California’s pledge to treat 500,000 acres of vegetation on state lands per year on national forest system lands, bringing the total acres treated per year in California to one million.  The projects will include science-based fuels reduction, forest and watershed restoration and reforestation efforts to help improve habitat, water quality and supply and prevent future wildfires on California’s forests through cooperative projects between the state and federal governments.

The MOU can be viewed on Governor Gavin Newsom’s website here.

RCRC Provides Formal Comments to CPUC on Wireline Communications Resiliency

On Monday, RCRC submitted formal comments to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in the Emergency Disaster Relief Program Proceeding, which is currently focused on customer protections for communication services during disasters, such as having access to 9-1-1 and receiving emergency notifications during Public Safety Power Shut-offs (PSPS). The CPUC is now seeking input on system planning and resiliency rules for wireline telecommunications providers. This builds upon a CPUC decision issued last month that requires wireless communications providers to develop and submit emergency operations plans, maintain 72-hours of backup power at their facilities, and ensure minimum levels of service during a disaster event. Considering that many rural communities have limited wireless access and rely solely or predominantly on wireline communications systems, RCRC’s urged the CPUC to adopt consistent, and no less robust, resiliency requirements for wireline providers as currently apply to wireless systems.

Specifically, RCRC requested: 1) no less than 72 hours of backup power generation at wireline facilities; 2) expansion of these requirements to those communications facilities that lost power two or more times during last year’s PSPS events; 3) creation of minimum service levels (including 9-1-1 and emergency alerts); and 4) requiring wireline providers to submit emergency operations plans to state and local agencies.

The CPUC is expected to make a final decision on wireline resiliency requirements in the coming months. RCRC strongly cautioned against adopting a Wireline Provider Proposal that would only maintain service for a small subset of critical facilities and that did not include any requirements to ensure system reliability for residential customers.

BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.
 

CARB to Host Regulatory Training for Public Agencies

The California Air Resources Board will be hosting an Air Regulatory Overview webinar for public agencies on September 3, 2020. This course is an overview of air regulations that public agencies in California have compliance requirements, including:

• Idling Limitations;
• On-Road Public Fleet Regulation;
• In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation;
• Periodic Smoke Inspection Program; &
• Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP).

DATE:            September 3, 2020
TIME:             1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:     Register

CARB will also provide a compliance overview of the Truck and Bus Rule, Off-Road Regulation, and Portable Equipment on August 20, 2020 and October 8, 2020. Course topics include the following:

Truck and Bus Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Engine Model Year Schedule
• Exemptions & Extensions
• How to Report for Regulation Flexibilities
• Broker and Dispatcher Requirements
• DMV Registration

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP):

• Regulation Applicability
• Program Updates

In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Requirements Currently in Effect
• Future Compliance Deadlines

Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) & Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):

• PERP Eligibility
• Program Requirements
• ATCM Program & Updates
• Enforcement & Inspections

DATE:            August 20, 2020
TIME:             1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:     Register

DATE:            October 8, 2020
TIME:             1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:     Register

SAFER Advisory Group Meeting and Question and Answer Webinar

The SAFER Adviory Group will meet on September 11, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This meeting is by remote participation only. A webcast will be available here. If you wish to comment on an agenda item or would like addiontal information, the notice is available in English or Spanish.

Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Input on Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement About Proposal to Raise Shasta Dam

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input on the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to the proposal to raise the 600-foot-tall Shasta Dam by 3% (or an additional 18.5 feet). This proposed project would increase water storage capacity in the Shasta Lake reservoir by 634,000 acre-feet or more than 200 billion gallons—enough water to support two million people a year. The resulting dedicated environmental storage is anticipated to improve water quality in the Sacramento River below the dam by lowering water temperatures for anadromous fish survival, such as Chinook salmon and other fish that migrate from the ocean to rivers to spawn.

The supplemental EIS provides information relevant to Reclamation’s application of Clean Water Act Section 404(r), updates modeling to be reflective of the 2019 Biological Opinions, and provides an updated analysis on effects to the McCloud River. View the Draft Supplemental EIS here. Submit comments to David Brick, Bureau of Reclamation, CGB-152, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, via telephone at 916-202-7158 (TTY 1-800-877-8339) or via email at dbrick@usbr.gov. Comments are due by close of business on September 21, 2020.

State Water Board Now Accepting SAFER Advisory Group Applications

The State Water Board is now accepting applications for the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Advisory Group, which provides the State Water Board with advice on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund Expenditure Plan and other SAFER-related policies. Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2020.

There are 10 seats open for the 2020 application period. Applicants will be selected and notified by Winter 2020. County resource staff and other interested parties are encouraged to apply. The electronic application form is available on the SAFER Advisory Group website here.

The SAFER Advisory Group website will be updated with tools and resources regularly, so keep checking the website for more information.

Upcoming Webinar: Improving Roadside Re-vegetation and Stormwater Quality with Compost-Based BMPs

The Caltrans Landscape Architecture Program, in partnership with CalRecycle, University of California Riverside, University of Washington, Filtrexx Sustainable Technologies, Salix Applied Earthcare, United States Composting Council, California Compost Coalition, and R. Alexander Associates, Inc., is presenting two half-day workshops that focus on the use of compost-based best management practices (BMPs) to improve roadside re-vegetation, control erosion, filter stormwater, reduce runoff, and improve stormwater quality. The webinar is taking place on August 26-27, 2020.

In addition to rolling out innovative methods of improving water quality, these workshops will provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions of a diverse team of experts. The workshop team consists of University professionals, researchers, soil scientists, California compost industry professionals, Caltrans landscape architects, and other subject matter experts.

While this webinar is targeted towards Caltrans engineers and landscape staff, it will provide some insight towards this potentially growing market. Additional information about the webinar is available here. Register here.

HCD Announces the Release of the Homekey Notice of Funding Availability

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has announced the release of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for $600 million in Homekey funds. The grant funding is available to cities, counties , or other local public entities within California to purchase and rehabilitate housing, as well as hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other buildings and convert them into interim or permanent, long-term housing. Prior to submitting an application, all applicants are required to engage in a pre-application consultation. Priority Applications are due by August 13, 2020 and all applications are due by September 29, 2020. Visit the Homekey webpage to learn more.

Career Opportunities

• Tehama County Seeks Director of Public Works

Tehama County is inviting applications for the position of Director of Public Works. The application deadline has been extended to August 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. To apply or for more information, details are available as a PDF or online here. 

• Colusa County Seeks Assistant Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner

The county of Colusa is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Public Work/Road Commissioner. The position is open until filled. Details are available here.

• SRTA Seeks Chief Fiscal Officer

Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA) is seeking a Chief Fiscal Officer. Position details are available here. The position is open until filled. See the SRTA website for updates and submission information.

Amendment to the Federal 2019-20 Community Development Block Grant

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released an amendment to the federal 2019-20 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA applies to state CDBG non-entitlement cities and counties applying for funding under Community Development activities, Special Allocations for Economic Development, Colonia, and Native American Communities.

This amendment only affects the Economic Development (ED) set-aside and:

• Removes the competitive process, allowing all applications, both program and project, to be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Extends the ED program application deadline to September 15, 2020.
• Makes other changes to program activity limits and requirements for proof of capacity, while providing more local flexibility in ED program design and implementation.

You can access the 2019-2020 CDBG NOFA amendment and links to the online application here.

RCRC Annual Meeting in Napa County Cancelled

The RCRC Annual Meeting 2020 has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, the RCRC September Board of Directors Meeting will take place on September 16, 2020 via Zoom.

The Annual Meeting was scheduled to occur in Napa County this September. Planning is underway to hold a future Annual Meeting in Napa – most likely in 2022 – in order to enjoy the beauty of the County as well as contribute to its economic recovery. More information on the return to Napa will be forthcoming after consideration and action by the RCRC Board of Directors.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

Resource pages, deadline extensions, and available programs to assist communities impacted by COVID-19.
 

DWR Provides Tips for Holding Online Meetings to Address Groundwater Sustainability Plans

As Groundwater Sustainability Plans are being developed to meet the January 2022 deadline, several counties (and water agencies) have asked for advice for engaging stakeholders and interested parties through online resources. In response to community interest, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Sustainable Groundwater Management Office has put together examples, tips, and tactics to consider. The DWR tips are available here.

Coronavirus Relief Available from the Small Business Administration

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering several coronavirus relief options to help alleviate the financial hardships resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The programs have received an overwhelming number of applications from businesses, so be sure to check the SBA website for the latest updates on the status of these programs.

• The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. After initial funding was quickly depleted, the program received an infusion of an additional $310 billion, allowing the SBA to resume the program on April 27, 2020. Be sure to check the SBA website for the most recent information on the application process and availability of funds.
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
• SBA Express Bridge Loans can be used to bridge the gap for businesses while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan; small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
• SBA Debt Relief provides a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in programs for other disasters, the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance portal is available here.

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event. We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources. CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY UPDATE

Information related to the current status of legislation and regulations impacting California’s rural counties.

Assembly Bill 570 (Aguiar-Curry): Broadband Services: State Advanced Services Fund: Assembly Bill 570 authorizes local educational agencies to report to the Department of Education their pupils' estimated needs for computing devices and internet connectivity adequate for at home learning. Authorizes the Board of Supervisors of a county to acquire, construct, improve, maintain, and operate broadband internet access services. Requires the Office of Planning and Research to provide long range planning and research, as the comprehensive state planning agency. Status: AB 570 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 609 (Levine): CEQA: Electronic Filing and Posting: Assembly Bill 609 requires lead agencies to post various CEQA notices on their internet web sites and expands the universe of CEQA documents that lead agencies must submit to the State Clearinghouse. Status: AB 609 awaits consideration in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 660 (Levine): Personal Information: Contact Tracing: Assembly Bill 660 would prohibit law enforcement from engaging in contact tracing for the coronavirus. Status: AB 660 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Oppose

Assembly Bill 685 (Reyes) Occupational Safety: COVID 19: Assembly Bill 685 would mandate a comprehensive set of reporting requirements for all California employers when an employee is exposed to the coronavirus. Status: AB 685 awaits final consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Oppose

Assembly Bill 995 (Garcia): Hazardous Waste: Assembly Bill 995 establishes a new board to oversee and establish goals for operation of the Department of Toxic Substances Control and consider appeals from permit decisions made by that Department.  AB 995 requires the state to establish a task force to make recommendations on changes to the existing fees and taxes that fund DTSC’s operations and the cleanup of contaminated sites.  The bill also requires the state to develop a hazardous waste management plan to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated and disposed in the state. Status: AB 995 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 1071 (Limon): Climate Change: Agriculture: Agricultural Climate: Assembly Bill 1071 requires the council to provide guidance in the development of, and to coordinate the activities of member agencies of the council for, a grant program, known as the Agricultural Climate Adaptation Tools Program, as specified, to provide funding for activities that include development of specified planning tools for adapting to climate change and developing resiliency strategies in the agricultural sector, using the best available science. Status: AB 1071 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 1080 (Gonzalez)/Senate Bill 54 (Allen): Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction. Assembly Bill 1080/SB 54 requires the state to reduce the waste associated with single use packaging and products 75 percent by 2030, requires the state to set standards for what is considered recyclable and compostable, and promotes the development of in-state manufacturing that uses recycled materials. Status: AB 1080 and SB 54 awaits consideration in the Senate and Assembly; respectively (Inactive Files). RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2167 (Daly): Homeowners Insurance IMAP: Assembly Bill 2167 establishes the Insurance Market Action Plan program under which residential property insurance policies in a county may qualify for IMAP protection, if the requirements of the program are met. Requires a rate required as part of an IMAP filing to be subject to the prior approval of the Commissioner and in accordance with Proposition 103. Status: AB 2167 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 2178 (Levine): Emergency Services: Assembly Bill 2178 clarifies authority to declare a state or local emergency for a public safety power shutoff by adding deenergization events to the list of triggering events under the California Emergency Services Act. Status: AB 2178 awaits consideration in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2323 (Friedman): California Environmental Quality Act: Exemption: Assembly Bill 2323 makes several changes to improve the utility of various CEQA exemptions while maintaining adequate environmental protections. Among other things, AB 2323 allows CEQA exemptions to be used on infill, low-income, and agricultural housing projects proposed within the boundaries of a state conservancy. Status: AB 2323 has passed in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2421 (Quirk): Emergency Standby Generators: Assembly Bill 2421 requires local agencies to make the installation of an emergency standby generator within the physical footprint of a macro cell tower site that meets specified requirements a permitted use subject only to local agency administrative review. Status: AB 2421 passed in the Assembly and awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3012 (Wood): Residential Property Insurance: Assembly Bill 3012 requires, for a total loss of a furnished residence related to a declared state of emergency, a residential property insurer to provide a payment for contents of no less than a certain percent of the policy limit without requiring an itemized claim. Requires a notice of nonrenewal for a policy to be accompanied by certain information, including information about the Home Insurance Finder and FAIR plan policies. Status: AB 3012 has passed in the Assembly awaits consideration in the Senate (Third Reading File).  RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3030 (Kalra): Resource Conservation: Land and Ocean Conservation: Assembly Bill 3030 declares it to be the goals of the state to protect thirty percent of land areas and waters, to help advance the protection thirty percent of the nation's oceans, and to support regional, national, and international efforts to protect at least thirty percent of the world's land areas and waters and thirty percent of the world's ocean. Declares it a further goal of the state to improve access to nature for all people in the state. Status: AB 3030 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Concerns

Assembly Bill 3074 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildfire Risk: Defensible Space: Assembly Bill 3074 Relates to defensible space. Requires more intense fuel reductions between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and to create an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of the structure, as provided. Status: AB 3074 awaits consideration in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3164 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildland Urban Interface: Assembly Bill 3164 requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to develop a wildland urban interface wildfire risk model to determine the risk for a community or parcel within a local responsibility area or state responsibility the department to establish, and consult with, an advisory workgroup, with specified members, to develop the model. Requires the department to update the model and guidelines when fire hazard severity zones are revised. Status: AB 3164 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 862 (Dodd): Planned Power Outage: Public Safety: Senate Bill 862 clarifies that public safety power shutoffs are included in the California Emergency Services Act and expands the universe of medically sensitive individuals for whom electrical corporations must mitigate public safety power shutoff event impacts, and establishes minimum requirements for the locations, hours of operation and services provided by a Community Resource Center. Status: SB 862 passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 872 (Dodd): Residential Property Insurance: State of Emergency: Senate Bill 872 relates to actions taken during a state of emergency. Requires an insurer of residential property to provide extensions to collect the full replacement cost of an insured acting in good faith and with reasonable diligence encounters delays in approval for, or reconstruction of, the property that are beyond the insured's control. Requires coverage for loss of use relating to a state of emergency to be for a specified period, plus an extension, as specified. Status: SB 872 awaits consideration in the Assembly Insurance Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 974 (Hurtado): California Environmental Quality Act: Water Systems: Senate Bill 974 exempts from CEQA certain projects that benefit a small community water system that primarily serves one or more disadvantaged communities or that benefit a non-transient noncommunity water system that serves a school that serves one or more disadvantaged communities, by improving the small community water system's or non-transient noncommunity water system's water quality, water supply, or water supply reliability, or by encouraging water conservation. Status: SB 974 awaits consideration on the Senate Floor. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 989 (Dahle): Sierra Nevada Conservancy: Sierra Nevada Region: Senate Bill 989Modifies areas listed under the definitions of the Sierra Nevada Region and its subregions as specified for purposes of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. Status: SB 989 In Assembly, held at desk. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1120 (Atkins): Subdivisions: Tentative Maps: Senate Bill 1120 amends the Planning and Zoning Law. Requires a proposed housing development containing two residential units to be considered ministerially, without discretionary review or hearing, in zones where allowable uses are limited to single family residential development. Requires ministerial approval of parcel map dividing a lot into two equal lots. Status: SB 1120 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support if Amended.

Senate Bill 1130 (Gonzalez): Telecommunications: California Advanced Services Fund: Senate Bill 1130 make changes to the California Advanced Services Fund that would require broad band projects to provide high quality, future proof infrastructure to be eligible for state funding. Status: SB 1130 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1130 (Gonzalez): Telecommunications: California Advanced Services Fund: Senate Bill 1130 make changes to the California Advanced Services Fund that would require broad band projects to provide high quality, future proof infrastructure to be eligible for state funding. Status: SB 1130 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1156 (Archuleta): Lithium Ion Batteries: Illegal Disposal: Fire Prevent: Senate Bill 1156 requires the state to develop model protocols and training programs for responding to fires caused by lithium ion batteries in solid waste collection vehicles and at transfer stations, processing stations, and disposal facilities.  Solid waste enterprises would be required to adopt such protocols and training programs in consultation with local fire marshals. Status: SB 1156 awaits consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.  RCRC Status: Pending.