FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 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 May and June 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
Senator Alex Padilla officially submitted his Community Projects priorities for funding under the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill. As part of the priority list is OC San’s request of $5 million for the Supercritical Water Oxidation project. Previously, Congressman Correa included OC San’s project on his priority list. The request from Senator Padilla is important as it means that both the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations have received OC San’s project request. This increases the prospect that a final spending bill will include the Supercritical Water Oxidation project.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• ENS Resources Legislative Update
• Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• Presentation - ENS Legislative Update
• Townsend Public Affairs (TPA) Legislative Update
• State Legislative Matrix - TPA
• Presentation - TPA Legislative Update
• Grant Matrix 2022