FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026
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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 April 2026.
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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 grant opportunities that 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, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in April:
• OC San staff virtually attended two California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Legislative Committee meetings:
o On April 2, staff participated in the State Legislative Committee to discuss proposed and current legislation, including potential impacts on OC San and other wastewater agencies.
o On April 6, OC San joined a coalition letter along with CASA, WateReuse California, and member agencies to express strong support for Assembly Bill (AB) 2777. The bill seeks to provide the State Water Resources Control Board with greater flexibility to modernize the Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan program. This effort supports improved access to funding, streamlined processes, and enhanced financial tools for critical wastewater and water reuse infrastructure projects.
o On April 13, staff participated in the Federal Legislative Committee meeting where ENS Resources, OC San’s Federal Lobbyist, presented on Federal topics and potential impacts on OC San and other wastewater agencies.
Upcoming Activities in May:
o OC staff, subject matter experts, and lobbyist will start the process of updating the 2027 OC San Legislative and Regulatory Plan. The Plan is a guiding document that is annually approved by the Board of Directors in November 2026. Staff will present a draft plan to the Administration Committee in October 2026.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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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
• Assembly Bill 2777 Coalition Letter of Support
• Assembly Bill 2777 Bill Language
• Presentation