FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2022
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of February 2022.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating OC San’s legislative interests; sponsoring legislation (where appropriate); and seeking Local, State, and Federal funding for projects and programs. Staff will provide an update on recent legislative and grant activities.
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 OC San’s legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community as a whole. To assist in our relationship building activities, we will continue to reach out to our elected officials providing facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry as a whole. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Buy America/Build America (BA) mandate continues to develop. Multiple associations, including CASA and various water/wastewater agencies, held a meeting with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to discuss the unique challenges this mandate presents for the water/wastewater sectors.
The OMB indicated that the Administration understands the concerns and is trying to develop guidance to address the matter. Currently, the mandate will become effective May 15, 2022. At the time of this writing, it has been communicated that federal agencies will not require projects already planned and designed to comply with the new standards. OC San and its lobbyist will continue to monitor the BA mandate.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Update - ENS Resources
• Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
• State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
• Grant Matrix
• Presentations