FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2025
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of June 2025.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating for OC San’s legislative interests; sponsoring legislation (where appropriate); and seeking local, state, and federal funding for projects and programs.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with local, state, and federal officials to advocate for OC San’s legislative interests. Help to create and monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To assist in relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to reach out to elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for June:
Letter of Opposition: Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Cuts
On Friday, June 6, OC San staff and the Federal lobbyist submitted a letter of opposition for the proposed funding cuts to water infrastructure programs included in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request. This also included the proposed $2.46 billion reduction to the State Revolving Fund. The letter was sent to the Orange County Delegation and is in alignment with OC San’s adopted Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Plan for 2025.
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) State Legislative Committee Meeting
On Friday, June 13, OC San staff and the State lobbyist attended the virtual CASA State Legislative Committee Meeting where topics discussed included bill updates, the current State budget, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bills, and proposed legislation related to environmental concerns.
Activities for July:
Cap and Trade
OC San staff and lobbyists will continue working with state legislators on possible funding opportunities through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction for OC San’s Supercritical Water Oxidation Project and Biosolids Deep Well Injection.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Legislative Update
• Federal Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• State Matrix
• Local Legislative Update
• Letters of Opposition (Orange County Delegation) - SRF Funding
• Presentation