August 18, 2022

The California Water Boards and the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) will be co-hosting a three-day statewide summit on bacteria from September 14-16, 2022, in Sacramento and virtually. Register today for either in person or remote participation.

July 7, 2022

On July 12 and July 14, 2022, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will present an online training for State Treasurers/County Coordinators on the county election allocation process for the newly reauthorized Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Act. 

June 2, 2022

CSAC is seeking feedback from counties on the following bills. Please send your responses to Ada Waelder (awaelder@Counties.org) by Thursday, June 9, 2022.

CANNABIS

May 25, 2022

The State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously today to implement a statewide ban on the watering of non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, as well as regulations requiring local agencies to implement water use restrictions.

These new regulations come amid the possibility that water supplies may be up to 20% lower than average due to extreme weather. The orders do not affect recreation areas.

May 12, 2022

May 4, 2022

Democrats in the California released their budget priorities, which includes the CSAC supported request for Dam Safety funding. The water and drought provisions within the package proposes $7.5 billion in state and federal funds to build a climate resilient water system including:

The AENR Committee was pleased to have Senator Bill Dodd kick off our AENR Committee meeting. Senator Dodd has been active in the wildfire, insurance and regional planning areas for the past several years. The Senator focused his presentation on his work to establish voluntary regional funding mechanisms to support climate adaptation work and dedicating a funding stream to provide insurance for prescribed and cultural fire preservation.=

The Forest Service just announced that it will be distributing $238 million to counties under the Secure Rural Schools program, with California’s counties set to receive nearly $30 million from that pot (up from almost $25 million last year). The program was reauthorized for two years as part of the bipartisan infrastructure law.

April 7, 2022

Last week, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 to address California’s worsening drought conditions. The Order includes new well permitting requirements for local agencies, and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a new fact sheet to assist in implementation.

On March 28, 2022, the Governor issued Executive Order N-7-22 which directs new state and local efforts related to the ongoing drought. The Governor has called on local water suppliers to move to Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans, which require locally-appropriate actions that will conserve water across all sectors. In most cases, Level 2 requires 10-20 percent conservation within a district though local discretion is allowed.

As we enter another year of dry conditions, CSAC is working on behalf of counties to bring a unified voice to water discussions—from groundwater policy dialogue to watershed networks to updating the California Water Plan. Here are some useful tools the state has unveiled to help local communities keep abreast of water conditions at the local, regional, and state levels. For more information, please contact Catherine Freeman at cfreeman@counties.org.

California WATER WATCH

Last week, the Department of Cannabis Control released proposed changes to current regulations. The release of the text on March 4 marked the start of a 45 day public comment period. The substantial changes would affect all parts of the cannabis industry including cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and retail, and are intended to streamline and simplify regulations. In addition, it would make permanent several emergency regulations that are slated to expire.

The State Water Resources Control Board has funding available to provide relief to wastewater agencies and wastewater billing entities for unpaid customer debt accrued during the Pandemic. The California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program covers residential and commercial customer debt accrued March 4, 2020 through June 15, 2021. Cities, counties, and special districts that bill for wastewater are encouraged to apply. Wastewater treatment providers that bill customers directly can also apply.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has posted a Request for Application (RFA) for the High Frequency Communications Equipment Program. Funds may be used to procure high frequency communications equipment, including the installation of and training to use such equipment.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are hosting two Waters of the United States (WOTUS) webinars specifically for state and local officials and association staff. The webinars will take place on Monday, January 24,  2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. 

January 6, 2022

This week, the rulemaking on State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations opened for a 15-day public comment period following revisions to the draft rule text. The comment period ends Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is seeking applicants for the Cannabis Advisory Committee (CAC) who reflect the diversity of California and the communities impacted by commercial cannabis ac

November 10, 2021

October 28, 2021

This week, the state released a proposed regulation that would prohibit the construction of new oil and gas wells and facilities within a 3,200-foot setback from homes, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other sensitive locations. The proposed regulation, set forth by the Department of Conservation’s Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM), would also require pollution controls for existing wells and facilities within the same 3,200-foot setback area.

October 14, 2021

Sunday, October 10 was the deadline for final bill action by Governor Newsom. Following is an update on major bills of interest or concern for the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources policy area that were among the 800+ bills awaiting action by Governor Gavin Newsom. For additional questions, please contact Catherine Freeman or Ada Waelder.

September 23, 2021

The State has announced its second and third round of funding commitments for $28 million in drought funding through the Small Community Drought Relief program. This comes after the Department of Water Resources allocated its first round of funding last month.