Solid Waste

SB 498 (Lara) – Support
As Amended on January 7, 2014

SB 498, by Senator Ricardo Lara, is the CSAC/ LA County co-sponsored measure that would help to facilitate the development of cleaner and more efficient technologies in California for converting biomass materials to renewable energy by expanding the definition of biomass to include non-combustion conversion technologies. SB 498 includes language that was enrolled by the Legislature last year in the form of SB 804, but was ultimately vetoed by the Governor. In his veto message, the Governor stated his support for the intent of the bill but directed his Administration to work with stakeholders to develop a more workable approach that would accomplish the goals of SB 804, expanding the existing definition of biomass conversion to include non-combustion thermal, chemical or biological processes. SB 498 is intended to do just that. This bill would simply include CTs to the biomass definition, allowing CTs to be used in the biomass process, and placing both combustion and non-combustion facilities on the same playing field. In addition to making clear that conversion technologies may process biomass material, the amendments accurately and clearly define conversion technology as a biological, chemical or thermal process that converts biomass into energy or fuel. This bill will be heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee next week on January 15, 2014. 

Water Bond

SB 42 – Pending
As Amended on September 11, 2013

SB 42, by Senator Lois Wolk, would repeal the $11.14 billion state water bond scheduled to go before voters in 2014 and replace it with a $6.4 billion bond titled the California Clean, Secure Water Supply and Delta Recovery Act of 2014. It would allocate $2 billion for safe drinking water projects; $2.1 billion on water quality and watershed protection projects, including those aimed at preventing and remediating mercury contamination from legacy mines and fuel treatment and post-fire projects; $1.3 billion on flood control and stormwater management; and, $1 billion for water system operation improvements such as surface and groundwater storage. SB 42 would also direct the Delta Conservancy to coordinate, cooperate, and consult with the city or county in which a grant is proposed to be expended or an interest in real property is proposed to be acquired; requires grantees to demonstrate how local economic impacts will be mitigated; and provides assurances regarding water rights and areas of origin.

While CSAC has not taken a formal position on SB 42, we have indicated to the author that many of the components of SB 42 are generally consistent with the policy direction we have been given over the years on a wide range of water bond and water issues. We have also expressed concern with the bill’s lack of funding for flood control projects on a statewide basis and requested that funds allocated to the California Water Commission for the public benefits associated with water storage projects be “continuously appropriated”. CSAC’s letter on this issue can be found here.

SB 42 is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on Tuesday, January 14.

Fire Prevention

SB 832 (Gaines) – Pending
As Introduced on January 6, 2014

SB 832, by Senator Ted Gaines, would exempt the owner of a property that is within a state responsibility area from the payment of the State’s fire prevention fee with respect to a structure on the property that has been destroyed, or significantly damaged, as a result of a natural disaster.

Groundwater Workshop

The State Water Resources Control Board has scheduled a public workshop to receive input on its draft Groundwater Workplan Concept Paper. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. at the Cal/EPA Headquarters Building, Coastal Hearing Room, located at 1001 I Street, Second Floor, in Sacramento. 

The Groundwater Workplan Concept Paper and additional reference information can beaccessed here. CSAC’s comments on Concept Paper can be accessed here .

For additional information, please contact the State Water Board’s Eric Oppenheimer at 916.445.5960.