Invasive Species: Mussels

SB 215 (Huff) – Support
Chapter No. 332, Statutes of 2011

The Governor has signed SB 215 by Senator Bob Huff regarding Dreissenid Mussels. State law requires water system operators to implement measures to prevent, eradicate or control mussel infestations, and to prepare and implement plans if mussels are detected. This bill would extend the sunset date of these provisions to January 1, 2017.

Surface Mining

SB 792 (Steinberg)
Chapter No. 345, Statutes of 2011

Governor Brown also signed Senate President Pro tem Darrell Steinberg’s SB 792. This bill requires a lead agency for permitting a mining operation to incorporate into its general plan policies to assist in the management of land use that affects access to areas with mineral deposits of statewide and regional significance. Current law does not require a lead agency to consider access to those areas.

Informational Hearing on Regulatory Reform: Implementation of Phase II Stormwater Permits: Implications for Business, Municipalities, and Taxpayers

The Senate Select Committee on California Job Creation and Retention has scheduled an informational hearing on the State Water Resources Control Board’s (Board) Proposed Phase II Stormwater Permit for Thursday, October 6, 2011, 10:00am – 12:00pm, in the State Capitol, Room 112.

Focusing on the Phase II Stormwater Permit, the committee, Chaired by Senator Rod Wright, will receive a report from the Board’s Executive Director, Thomas Howard. He will be followed by representatives from local municipalities and the business community who will discuss the impacts to their respective operations, and implications for job creation and economic recovery in the state. The Committee is particularly interested in learning if, when and how agencies conduct economic analyses and engage stakeholders as part of their regulatory processes.

SAVE THE DATE – CSAC Medical Marijuana Roundtable Discussion

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
CSAC Conference Center, 1020 11th Street, 2nd Floor Sacramento

The CSAC Medical Marijuana Working Group is hosting a Roundtable Discussion on Medical Marijuana Issues. Since the passage of Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, local governments have faced various uncertainties with the legal and illegal usage of medical marijuana. Counties are facing issues related to land use and zoning, environmental problems and public safety and law enforcement, to name a few. This meeting will provide an update on the most recent legislative efforts and court rulings related to medical marijuana issues as well as give counties an opportunity to network and communicate with other jurisdictions that are facing similar challenges and provide for important opportunity for dialogue and information sharing. 

Additional details as well as an agenda will be available soon.