In April, CSAC along with RCRC and a number of other local
governments and energy advocates filed a joint motion requesting
the CPUC to issue emergency PSPS de-energization protocols for
electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) that specifically take
the COVID-19 pandemic into consideration. The CPUC has taken no
action on this request to date. In the face of shelter in place
orders and a global pandemic, PSPS events could be even more
impactful than in previous years.
On June 11th, the CPUC released a
proposed decision that would require wireless providers to
develop comprehensive resiliency strategies to prepare for
catastrophic disasters and power outages. This decision would
promulgate resiliency requirements for wireless provider’s
facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts.
Specifically, the decision would:
CSAC is requesting feedback regarding how the following bills
might impact counties. Policy areas for these bills include
wildfire, PSPS, resource recovery, and flood control. Please
email Legislative Analyst, Nick Cronenwett at ncronenwett@counties.org
with any thoughts or feedback.
The California Fire Foundation is accepting application for its
Fire Prevention Grant Program through July 15. Applications
will be considered on a rolling basis for awards of up to $15,000
per grantee and early application is recommended.
The Legislature has been holding hearings to consider bills in
policy and fiscal committees since it reconvened from emergency
recess in early May. The number of bills has been pared-back
significantly compared to what’s typical for this time of the
year. And although response to COVID-19 and its economic fallout
has become a key legislative focus, other legislative priorities
also continue to advance. CSAC has been actively tracking several
CEQA-related measures described below with implications for small
water projects, housing, and transportation projects.
Under usual circumstances, much of the County Family would have
met in person this week for CSAC’s annual Legislative Conference
and Board of Directors meeting. However, as counties across
California and the nation continue to cope with the COVID-19
pandemic, legislative advocacy continued this week — but in a
far different form than typical.
Next Friday, May 29 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, CSAC will host a
roundtable Zoom call with PG&E staff and representatives from
counties in PG&E territory. CSAC staff sent out invitations
to this meeting to CSAC’s Board members with PG&E as a
service provider in their county on May 19. CSAC is respectfully
requesting that counties choose one representative to join the
call. Please RSVP your county’s selection to Nick
Cronenwett at ncronenwett@counites.org by
May 27.
On April 15, the California Fish & Game Commission adopted a
temporary emergency regulation that would allow the Executive
Director to work with local county officials to temporarily
delay, restrict or suspend fisheries where needed. This order
does not end fishing season statewide. This regulation is
intended to help counties with concerns about large aggregations
of fishers, areas where new aggregations are occurring, areas
with significant numbers of nonresident fishers, and areas
with limited emergency and health services available.
This morning’s emergency Fish and Game Commission meeting is
postponed until next week due to overwhelming call and webinar
volume. The Commission is considering whether or not to allow to
provide temporary authority to the Director of the Department of
Fish & Wildlife (DFW) to delay, suspend, or restrict sport or
recreational fishing due to COVID-19 based on state, federal,
local, and tribal public health guidance and public safety needs.
CSAC is monitoring for updated meeting information and will
distribute it when it becomes available.
Pacific Gas & Electric recently released a number of billing and
service modifications to help customers experiencing financial
challenges related to COVID-19. PG&E encourages customers
experiencing COVID-19 related financial issues to call
1-800-743-5000. PG&E’s options include:
