FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
title
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2025
end
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of May 2025.
body
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 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 in May:
WIPPES Act Letter
On May 1, a letter of support for the Federal Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act (H.R. 2269) was issued. The bill proposes to create a uniform federal “Do Not Flush” labeling requirements for non-flushable wipes packaging. This proposed bill mirrors California’s wipes labeling law and is supported by the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and its membership.
On Wednesday, May 21 the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation favorably reported out S 1092, WIPPES Act, as amended, by voice vote. The bill now goes to the Senate Floor for consideration and a vote. The House bill, HR 2269, is awaiting floor consideration.
Senate Bill (SB) 496 - Clean Fleets
On May 7, OC San submitted a letter of support for SB 496 to Senator Hurtado.
This bill would create an Advanced Clean Fleets Appeals Advisory Committee, ensure disaster service workers are able to effectively respond to emergency situations, and provide needed and common-sense reforms for compliance.
Cap and Trade Funding Request
On May 8, OC San submitted a letter to Senator Limon and Assembly Member Irwin to request the inclusion of biosolids management in the Cap-and-Trade Expenditure Plan. The letter included a request for a $100 million discretionary allocation to support the development and deployment of innovative biosolids treatment technologies across the state.
California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) State Legislative Committee Meeting
On Friday, May 16 OC San staff and our State lobbyist attended the virtual CASA State Legislative Committee Meeting where topics discussed included bill updates, the current State budget, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bills, and proposed legislation related to environmental concerns.
Local Lobbyist
During the month of May, Whittingham Public Affairs Advisors (WPAA) OC San’s Local Lobbyist has continued to monitor the various City Council agendas of each of OC San’s member agencies and highlighted issues and items of relevance to OC San.
Activities for June:
Federal Advocacy Days
Planning is underway for the Federal Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C. Board Chairman Gallagher, General Manager Thompson and our advocacy team are actively preparing for a scheduled trip on July 15-17. Throughout June, we’ll be focused on finalizing meeting schedules, developing key messaging, and coordinating logistics to ensure a successful and productive trip.
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
• H.R. 2269, WIPPES Act - Letter of Support
• SB 496 (Hurtado) - Letter of Support
• Cap-and-Trade Funding Request
• Presentation