FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTHS OF JULY THROUGH AUGUST 2020
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the months of July through August 2020.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (Sanitation District) legislative affairs program includes advocating the Sanitation District’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 the Sanitation District’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 the Sanitation District’s legislative interests. Help to create/monitor legislation and grants that would benefit the Sanitation District, 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 D.C. and Sacramento.
TIMING CONCERNS
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RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If we do not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects the Sanitation District and the wastewater industry as a whole. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Save the Date: The Sanitation District's State of the District will be held on Friday, October 30 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event will be held virtually and host Local, State, and Federal dignitaries and provide an update on the Sanitation District, our accomplishments, and the future direction of the agency. Save the Dates will be sent next month.
On August 14, the Sanitation District sent a letter of opposition to Assembly Bill (AB) 685 (Reyes) - Occupational safety: COVID-19 exposure: notification.
This bill would require a public or private employer to provide specified notifications to its employees, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the State Department of Public Health, relating to the exposure of its employees to COVID-19 in the workplace, when the employer has been notified of the exposure. AB 685 would provide for a specified civil penalty for an employer that violates the notification requirements of these provisions.
Unfortunately, AB 685 passed the Legislature and is now headed to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Staff along with Townsend Public Affairs will be sending a veto request to the Governor.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
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ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OCSD website (www.ocsd.com) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Update - ENS Resources
• Representative Rouda Correspondence
• United States Environmental Protection Agency Letter
• Federal Legislative Matrix - ENS Resources
• State Update - Townsend Public Affairs
• Assembly Bill AB 685 (Reyes)
• State Legislative Matrix - Townsend Public Affairs
• Grant Matrix
• Presentations