FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2021 AND JANUARY 2022
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of November & December 2021 and January 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 Build Back Better bill is of interest to OC San and our fellow clean water agencies. The bill has been of great debate in the Senate and an agreement does not appear to be coming soon. The bill currently includes a new water ratepayer assistance program as well as funding to support the transition to renewable energy supplies, including reducing costs associated with water supply reliability. OC San staff and the lobbying team will continue to monitor this legislation and possible funding opportunities, along with other pieces of legislation that many have an effect on OC San.
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
• Grant Matrix
• Presentations