September 2, 2016

Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Bill on the way to Governor

Senator Lara’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant bill, SB 1383 passed the Legislature late Wednesday night. This bill Requires The California Air Resource Board (CARB) to approve a comprehensive strategy to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the state to achieve, from 2013 levels, a 40% reduction in methane, a 40% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon gasses (HFCs), and a 50% reduction in anthropogenic (i.e., non-forest) black carbon, by 2030.

Relevant to county government, the bill sets new statewide targets for reducing organic materials in our state’s solid waste landfills. The bill also confers authority to CalRecycle for developing regulations and enforcement mechanisms to meet these new targets. CSAC, along with our local government partners, negotiated amendments to the bill that included more workable timeframes for implementation and resulted in us removing our opposition to the bill. 

Outcomes for CSAC Supported Stormwater Legislation

Senator Robert Hertzberg decided not to move forward with his SB 1298. This is the measure that would have amended the Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act’s definition of “sewer” to include storm drainage. The intent of the bill was to clarify the statutory authority of cities, counties, and local water agencies to finance storm water projects within the strict requirements for transparency and accountability of Proposition 218.

CSAC expressed a “support in concept” position to this measure because it is consistent with our efforts to develop solutions that provide local agencies with the needed flexibility to enact funding mechanisms that will enable them to improve water supply reliability and maintain water quality for public and environmental health. Senator Hertzberg expressed to CSAC and others, a commitment to help local governments address their stormwater challenges.

Also on the topic of stormwater, AB 2594, by Assembly Member Richard Gordon, was sent to the Governor this week. CSAC is urging the Governor to sign this bill given the clarity it would provide to an ambiguous area of law regarding the capture of stormwater by public entities.

Specifically, it would authorize a public entity that captures stormwater in accordance with a stormwater resource plan, to use the captured water before it reaches a natural channel under specified circumstances.

Medical Marijuana
AB 2516 (Wood) – Watch
As Amended August 1, 2016

AB 2516, by Assembly Member Jim Wood, would create a Type 1C, or “specialty cottage,” medical cannabis cultivator license. This provision will allow the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to develop regulations specific to small cannabis farmer practices. AB 2516 is on the Governor’s desk. CSAC did not take a position on this measure but is including it in the interest of informing our members.

AB 2679 (Cooley) – Request Signature
As Amended August 19, 2016

As reported last week, AB 2679, by Assembly Member Ken Cooley, would address aspects of the manufacturing of medical cannabis products, particularly during the period before a formal state licensing takes effect. Specifically, AB 2679 would provide a criminal defense within the collective model for medical cannabis manufactures if these industry actors conform to a variety of manufacturing standards. CSAC believes that this provision is necessary to ensure the safety of manufacturing a variety of medical marijuana products that pose danger to communities. AB 2679 was enrolled and presented to the Governor on August 31.