FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2023
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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 February 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 providing 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
AZ bill (HB 2669)
This proposed bill will impact the land application of Class B biosolids, which will affect Tule Ranch, where some OC San biosolids are land applied. The bill prohibits the land application of biosolids (except for Class A) within three miles of an area containing a population density equal to or greater than 180 persons/square mile or within one mile of a crop produced for human consumption or any property zoned residential. OC San staff, along with OC San’s lobbyist, Tule Ranch, and associations including CASA are working on how best to approach (oppose) this bill. Staff will keep the Board apprised of any movement on this bill.
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
• State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
• Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs