FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2023
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of July 2023.
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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/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
Federal Update:
Stakeholder comments on the draft PFAS legislative proposal closed on July 14. OC San, along with 300 other agencies, provided input on the importance of a legislative exemption from the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The exemption is vital to avoid industrial manufacturers of PFAS or dischargers leveraging CERCLA to seek compensation from passive receivers. OC San also sent a copy of the letter to Senator Padilla.
State Update:
As part of the budget, the infrastructure streamlining package focuses on certain clean energy and infrastructure projects the State needs to address climate change. It is likely this legislation will have a positive impact on major statewide infrastructure projects that could benefit 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 Legislative Update
• Federal Legislative Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• State Legislative Matrix