Both chambers of the Legislature adjourned before 9 p.m. last
Friday night, bringing an end to the 2021 session. Following
is an update on major bills of interest or concern for
the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural
Resources policy area that are now among the 800+ bills
awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. CSAC staff will
continue to monitor and advocate for County
priorities during the signing period, which ends October 10,
2021.
Awaiting Governor’s Action
AB 9 (Wood) would establish and codify the Regional
Forest and Fire Capacity Program with the goal of increasing
regional capacity to create fire-adapted communities and
landscapes. Often funding for fire prevention is limited to
capital projects. Counties and their partners need funding to
work both on direct projects and capacity building to make
landscape-level improvements to resiliency. CSAC
strongly supports AB 9.
AB 818 (Bloom) – Labeling for non-disposable
wipes
AB 818 would establish labeling requirements for wet wipes
packaging so that Californians will know how to properly dispose
of these products. Disposal information is inconsistent on wipes
product labels, and some wipes are advertised as “flushable” when
they are instead intended for the trashcan. Because many wet
wipes are made from plastic they are not compatible with sewer
systems and infrastructure, and can cause great damage.
CSAC supports AB 818.
SB 343 (Allen) – Chasing Arrows truth in
labeling.
SB 343 would prohibit the use of the chasing arrows symbol unless
the material is actually recycled in most California communities
and is routinely sold to manufacturers to make new products.
CSAC supports SB 343.
SB 619 (Laird) – Vehicle for local government
relief for organic waste rule implementation
SB 619 would delay enforcement and add support for counties
implementing the SB 1383 organic waste provisions. Cost estimates
from CalRecycle over $20 billion, which will be born at the local
level through increase costs and rates. Local governments need
state support to implement statewide requirements for organic
waste reduction. CSAC
supports SB 619.
Signed by Governor
AB 332 (Cmte. on Enviro. Safety and Toxic Materials) –
Continues exemption program for Treated Wood
Waste.
AB 332 facilitates the safe and proper handling and disposal of
Treated Wood Waste (TWW) by codifying the Alternative Management
Standards that sunset on January 1, 2021, to significantly ease
the burdens associated with proper transportation, management,
and disposal of TWW.
CSAC supported SB 332.
