FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2024
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of June 2024.
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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 in June:
• Federal Update:
The House and Senate are beginning the process of developing appropriation bills for the new fiscal year that begins on October 1, 2024. The House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior and Environment approved its bill on June 27 that funds the EPA. Additionally, the House Committee on Appropriations approved the EPA spending bill on July 9.
• State Update:
The Budget Bill was passed by the Governor on June 29. As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation balances the budget in both 2024-25 and 2025-26. It also preserves budget resilience by maintaining $22.2 billion in total reserves at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. The budget addresses a $46.8 billion shortfall through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion.
On June 30, the long-anticipated amendments for the Climate Bond were released via Senate Bill 867 (Allen). The Legislature is entering the final week before they break for Summer Recess (July 4 - August 5). Since it is an election year with a fast-approaching deadline to place items on the ballot, several last-minute actions will shape the state’s initiative ballot over the next three days. Additional detailed information can be found in the TPA State Update report.
Activities in July:
• As part of the annual legislative planning activities, staff, subject matter experts, and our lobbyist have been reviewing and updating the OC San draft 2025 Legislative Plan. The draft plan will be presented at the October Steering Committee meeting and submitted for adoption at the November Board of Directors meeting.
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