FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2024
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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 August and September 2024.
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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 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 August:
• OC San, in unison with our fellow agencies, joined in a Floor Alert to oppose SB 937 which could create a new and conflicting legal standard for water and sewer connection and capacity fees and place the burden of cost for serving new development on existing ratepayers. (This bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom).
• Ongoing monitoring of OC San’s member agencies council and board agendas highlighting issues and items of relevance to OC San.
Activities in September:
• In the month of September, OC San submitted three position letters to Governor Newsom for his review and potential action. September 30 was the last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature.
• Following are the letters OC San submitted to Governor Newsom:
o Signature Request - AB 2515: Menstrual products: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). (At the writing of this report, the bill was on the Governor’s desk).
o Veto Request - SB 937: Development projects: fees and charges. (This bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom).
o Signature Request - SB 1072: Local government: Proposition 218: remedies. (This bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom).
• Ongoing monitoring of OC San’s member agencies council and board agendas highlighting issues and items of relevance to OC San.
Activities in October:
• Save the Date: The State of OC San is scheduled for Friday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mile Square Golf Course clubhouse in Fountain Valley. The in-person event will host local, state, and federal dignitaries and provide an update on OC San’s accomplishments and future direction.
• Attached to this report is the Draft 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Plan, which incorporates feedback from our resident experts, industry contacts, and the Board of Directors over the past several months. The final plan will be presented to the Committee and the Board of Directors for adoption in November.
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 Report - August 2024
• Local Legislative Report - September 2024
• Floor Alert: SB 937 - Oppose Unless Amended: Development Projects: Fees and Charges
• Request for Signature - OC San AB 2515 (Papan)
• Request for Veto - OC San SB 937 (Wiener)
• Request for Signature - OC San SB 1072 (Padilla)
• 2025 Legislative and Regulatory Plan - DRAFT
• Presentations