FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 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 September and October 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. To assist in our relationship building efforts, 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. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The State of OC San: The State of OC San will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event will be held virtually and host Local, State, and Federal dignitaries for an update on OC San, our accomplishments, and the future direction of the agency. A virtual tour will be held immediately following the event. Invitations were sent out mid-October. If you would like to attend and have not registered, registration is available at ocsan.gov or email Kelly Lore at KLore@ocsan.gov or Tina Knapp at TKnapp@ocsan.gov.
The Inflation Reduction Act Summary Sheet: The attached document provides an overview of the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides for federal commitment to help start clean electricity projects. As enacted, a majority of the assistance is delivered as tax credits for project construction, which the Internal Revenue Service will implement. The incentives are important to local governments because the Inflation Reduction Act expands current tax credit policy by allowing all local governments to secure a cash subsidy (or transfer the credit to an entity with higher tax liability).
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
• Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• Presentation - ENS Legislative Update
• Inflation Reduction Act Summary
• State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
• State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
• Presentation - Townsend Public Affairs Legislative Update
• Grant Matrix