FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2025
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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 September 2025.
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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 interests. Help to create and 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
Activities for September:
State Bill Position - SB 682
• In line with our 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Plan, OC San submitted a letter to the Governor in support for Senate Bill 682 (Allen). The bill targets consumer products sold in California that contain intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). Beginning in 2028, SB 682 would restrict the sale and distribution of certain items-such as cleaning products, dental floss, juvenile products, food packaging, and ski wax-with restrictions on cookware taking effect in 2030.
Draft 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan
• Attached within this report is the draft 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan based on the feedback we’ve received from our agency resident experts, our industry contacts, and feedback from the Board over the last several months. The final Plan will be presented to the Administration Committee and Board of Directors in November for adoption.
Activities in October:
State of OC San
• The State of OC San is scheduled for Friday, October 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at OC San Headquarters. The in-person/virtual event will host local, state, and federal dignitaries and provide an update on OC San accomplishments, and the future direction of the agency. This year's event will host a guest speaker-- Joaquin Esquivel, Chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.
CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2024-25 and 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
• Draft 2026 Legislative and Regulatory Plan
• SB 682 Letter of Support
• Presentations