FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 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 October 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 or 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 interests and help identify, create and monitor legislation and grants opportunities that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To strengthen relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to engage elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and outreach trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not actively engage with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be enacted that negatively impacts OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities for October:
• The State of OC San was held on Friday, October 17 at OC San Headquarters. The in-person and virtual event welcomed local, state, and federal dignitaries and provided updates on OC San’s accomplishments and future direction. The event featured guest speaker Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, and drew nearly 150 attendees.
• Staff is working with the Orange County Water District to develop supporting language for a potential bill to allow bottling of Groundwater Replenishment System water, similar to Assembly Bill 2022 (Gordon). In mid-November the WateReuse Committee is expected to discuss sponsoring this bill. Following WateReuse’s decision, OC San will report back to the Administration Committee and outline the next steps.
Activities in November:
• The final Legislative and Regulatory plan has been developed based on feedback received from our resident experts, industry partners, and the Board of Directors over the last several months. The plan will go before the November Administration Committee and then the Board of Directors for adoption.
CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2025-26 adopted Budget.
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
• Presentation