FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF JUNE/JULY 2021
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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 months of June/July 2021.
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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 as a whole. To assist in our relationship building activities, 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 as a whole. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
• The Senate confirmed by a vote of 55-43 the nomination of Radhika Fox to be the Assistant Administrator for the Office of Water at the US Environmental Protection Agency. OC San is in support of this position and as such sent a letter of support on May 12, 2021. Fox will oversee a host of programs in this role including the treatment and regulation of PFAS.
• Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order which provides timelines and end dates on various existing executive orders. Of note, Executive Order N-29-20, which provides flexibility to state and local agencies and boards to conduct their business through virtual public meetings during COVID-19, will be effective through September 30, 2021
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
• State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
• State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
• Grant Matrix