FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2023
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month June 2023.
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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/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 providing 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
Federal Update:
The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works’ staff released their draft proposals to address PFAS contamination of the environment and public health. As a result, OC San and other associations provided comments to the Committee including recommendations on how to develop legislation. One area of focus in the proposal was on providing federal assistance to support the development and demonstration of PFAS monitoring, treatment, and destruction technologies. It also aims to better inform regulators and clean water agencies through the creation of a database that would identify sources of industrial discharges. Formal Committee consideration of PFAS legislation could occur before the August recess, but is more likely to take place after the congressional August recess.
State Update:
On June 13, Governor Newsom signed the 2023 Budget Act into law. The budget reflects a $310.8 billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year. This agreement also closes an estimated $32 billion budget deficit while setting aside about $37.8 billion in reserves. The budget maintains $8.6 billion of previously allocated multi-year commitments on water and wastewater related funding to minimize the immediate economic and environmental damage from drought. OC San staff and lobbyists will monitor available monies for water/wastewater in the form of grants or other funding avenues.
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 Legislative Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• State Legislative Matrix