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Karen Keene

Karen Keene is the CSAC Senior Legislative Representative in the area of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, as well as the Deputy Director of Federal Affairs.

(916) 327-7500 Ext. 511
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CSAC Bulletin Article

Workshops Offered for Surface Mine Inspection

Karen Keene Cara Martinson Betsy Hammer

November 10, 2016

The Department of Conservation is offering pre-rulemaking workshops to discuss the development of a surface mine inspection guidance document as required by AB 1142 (Gray). CSAC supported this bill, which clarifies and improves the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) to ensure complete reclamation plans, appropriate financial assurances, proper inspections, and clear authority and processes.

CSAC Bulletin Article

CESA Honors Jerry Quinn

Karen Keene

Jerry Quinn (Consultant, Gerard J Quinn & Associates), a long-time friend and technical resource for CSAC, was the recent recipient of the California Emergency Services Association’s (CESA) President’s Award.  Jerry was honored for three decades of service and dedication to emergency management. 

CSAC Bulletin Article

Modifications to Groundwater Basin Boundaries Set Stage for SGMA Implementation

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

October 20, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Signed and Vetoed Bill Summary

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

October 2, 2016

Signed

AB 21 (Wood). Medical Marijuana: Support – Signed. Fixed the inadvertently enacted March 1, 2016 deadline for localities to have cultivation ordinances in place, otherwise the California Department of Food and Agriculture would have become the sole licensing authority for medical marijuana cultivation. Eliminating the deadline appropriately allows counties to utilize existing approval processes and timelines when considering their own approach to regulating the cultivation of medical marijuana. 

CSAC Bulletin Article

Water Board Groundwater Fee Update On Its Way

Karen Keene

September 22, 2016

The State Water Resources Control Board is planning to release soon a proposed fee schedule for the costs associated with their implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).  

CSAC Bulletin Article

Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources News Briefs

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 22, 2016

Final CalEnviroScreen Webinar Next Week – CSAC Seeking Comments 

CSAC Bulletin Article

Mining Board Releases Pre-Rulemaking Outline

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 15, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Governor Signs Resources Budget Trailer Bill

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 15, 2016

SB 839, by the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, was signed by the Governor on Tuesday, September 13 and takes effect immediately.  This is the measure that requires the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to impose a fee for incidental take permits under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

CSAC Bulletin Article

CDFA Hosting Marijuana Workshops.

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 8, 2016

The California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) is developing regulations to establish cannabis cultivation licensing and a track and trace system, collectively referred to as the Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program (MCCP). The overall purpose of CDFA’s licensing program is to ensure medical cannabis cultivation is performed in a manner that protects the environment as well as cannabis cultivation workers, and also protects the interests of the general public.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Legislature reaches a Deal on Cap and Trade

Cara Martinson Karen Keene

September 2, 2016

As the end of the legislative session came to a close this week, the Legislature and the Governor announced a deal on the expenditure of the 40 percent of unallocated cap and trade revenues, totaling $900 million in funds dedicated to a variety of programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while placing $462 million in a reserve account for future years. Lawmakers stated that the deal came to a close at the very end of session as they were awaiting August auction results that yielded less than favorable results.

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR End of Session Bills

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 2, 2016

Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Bill on the way to Governor

Senator Lara’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutant bill, SB 1383 passed the Legislature late Wednesday night. This bill Requires The California Air Resource Board (CARB) to approve a comprehensive strategy to reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the state to achieve, from 2013 levels, a 40% reduction in methane, a 40% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon gasses (HFCs), and a 50% reduction in anthropogenic (i.e., non-forest) black carbon, by 2030.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Resources Budget Trailer Bill Sent to Governor

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 2, 2016

SB 839, by the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, was enrolled on Friday, August 26. This is the measure that would impose a new and excessive application fee for permits required to comply with the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The proposed fees are brand new, not proposed for a phase-in, and would range in cost from $7,500 to $30,000. The bill would also provide the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) with the authority to charge an additional fee of up to $10,000 if the original fees are deemed to be insufficient.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Details For Medical Cannabis Stakeholder Meetings

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

September 8, 2016

The Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation (BMCR) and Office of Medical Cannabis Safety (OMCS) recently announced their plans to hold a series of pre-regulatory stakeholder meeting throughout the state in September and October. They’ll be discussing issues related to general licensing requirements, and specific concepts related to the regulation of medical cannabis dispensaries, distributors, manufacturers, testing laboratories and transporters. The specific dates and locations are noted below. All of the following meetings will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bill(s) of Interest

Cara Martinson Karen Keene

August 25, 2016

SB 1383 (Lara) – Removed Concerns
As Amended August 19, 2016

SB 1383, by Senator Ricardo Lara, would require the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to approve and implement the comprehensive short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) strategy to achieve, from 2013 levels, a 40% reduction in methane, a 40% reduction in hydrofluorocarbon gases (HFCs), and a 50% reduction in anthropogenic black carbon, by 2030. 

CSAC Bulletin Article

CAL FIRE Announces Tree Mortality Grants

Cara Martinson Karen Keene

August 25, 2016

CAL FIRE announced Wednesday it will be awarding nearly $16 million for fire prevention grants to local fire departments and fire safe councils to reduce the threat of large wildfires. The 2016-2017 State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Fund and tree mortality grants are aimed at reducing the threat wildfires as well as dead and dying trees in and around communities within the State Responsibility Area (SRA).

CSAC Bulletin Article

Legislature Passes Key Climate Bills

Cara Martinson Karen Keene

August 25, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Medical Cannabis Regulations and Legislation

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program – Public Scoping Meetings Announced

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has announced the dates for eight public scoping workshops throughout the State in September to provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the environmental impact review process and regulations developed for the Medical Cannabis Cultivation Program (MCCP).

CSAC Bulletin Article

Senate Releases Cap and Trade Proposal

Cara Martinson Karen Keene

August 18, 2016

The State Senate released their latest Cap and Trade proposal this week, totaling approximately $1.2 billion in spending for a variety of different programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in California. The plan does include funding for a number of CSAC priorities, including waste diversion, transportation, and tree mortality as well as funding for a new local climate program aimed at disadvantaged communities.

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bill of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

August 18, 2016

Stormwater Fees and Charges
SB 1298 (Hertzberg) – Support in Concept
As Amended August 11, 2016

SB 1298, by Senator Hertzberg, would amend the Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act’s definition of “sewer” to include storm drainage. The intent of this measure is to clarify the statutory authority of cities, counties, and local water agencies to finance storm water projects within the strict requirements for transparency and accountability of Proposition 218.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Webinars, Workshops Offered for CalEnviroScreen 3.0

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

August 18, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Water Board Proposed Dredge and Fill Procedures: County Concerns

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

August 18, 2016

California Counties remain concerned over the State Water Resources Control Board Proposed Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Materials to Waters of the State. This week, CSAC and Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) submitted a joint comment letter that details the issues we’re concerned about.The CSAC and RCRC comment letter may be viewed here.

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

Water Conservation/Landscaping

SB 1340 (Wolk) – Watch
As Amended June 21, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

New Federal Rules Proposed for High-Hazard Flammable Trains

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

July 21, 2016

Two federal agencies are working on new regulations related to so-called “oil trains” that have become more common recently. The goal is to improve oil spill response readiness and mitigate effects of rail incidents involving petroleum oil.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), in coordination with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced proposed regulations for Oil Spill Response Plans and Information Sharing for High-Hazard Flammable Trains (HHFTs).

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 30, 2016

Well Drilling Bill Pulled

SB 1317 (Wolk) – Oppose
As Amended June 20, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Water Board Wants Comments on Proposed Dredge & Fill Procedures

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 30, 2016

The State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) is seeking public comment on their proposed Procedures For Discharges of Dredged Or Fill Materials To Waters Of The State (Procedures), formerly known as the Wetland Riparian Area Protection Policy. According to their public notice, the Water Board is proposing these Procedures for the following reasons:

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 23, 2016

Solid Waste

AB 45 (Mullin) – Oppose
As Amended January 21, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Resources Trailer Bill – Food and Agriculture/Fish and Wildlife

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 23, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 16, 2016

Solid Waste

AB 45 (Mullin) – Oppose
As Amended January 21, 2016

The County Voice

Hurdling Infrastructure: How High Should the Bar Be?

Karen Keene

After 20-plus years of lobbying for counties, quite often from the perspective of a public infrastructure project proponent, I’m astounded that any public projects are built or maintained given the many hurdles thrown in their way on both sides of the financial equation. State regulatory requirements and fees can add dramatically to the cost of local public works projects. And voter threshold requirements make it virtually impossible for counties to pass local fees and charges that could help pay for the added costs.

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

 

June 9, 2016

Water Conservation/Landscaping

SB 1340 – (Wolk) Request Comments
As Amended April 5, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

June 2, 2016

Groundwater

SB 1317 (Wolk) – Oppose
As Amended May 27, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

CSAC Remains Opposed to CESA Permit Fees
Joint Letter Sent to Legislature

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

CSAC remains in opposition to the Administration’s Budget Trailer Bill that would establish of a new fee to cover costs associated with processing California Endangered Species Act (CESA) incidental take permits. These permits are required for projects that might result in the “take” of an endangered or threatened species, and are processed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). 

CSAC Bulletin Article

Request for Comment on Stormwater Bill

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 19, 2016

Stormwater
AB 2594 (Gordon) – Request Comment
As Amended May 29, 2016

AB 2594, by Assembly Member Rich Gordon, would authorize a public entity that captures stormwater, in accordance with a stormwater resource plan and consistent with a municipal separate storm sewer system permit, before the water reaches a natural channel to use the captured water.  This measure is currently on the Assembly Floor. 

CSAC Bulletin Article

Water Commission Approves Groundwater Sustainability Plan Emergency Regulations

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 19, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

CSAC AENR Policy Committee Meeting

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 19, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 12, 2016

Groundwater

SB 1317 (Wolk) – Request Comments
As Amended May 10, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Proposed Groundwater Sustainability Plan Emergency Regulations Available

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 12, 2016

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released the proposed Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) Emergency Regulations, which are available on DWR’s GSP website.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Major Amendments to Dababneh PACE Bill

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 5, 2016

AB 2693, by Assembly Member Dababneh, was amended yesterday in the Assembly Local Government Committee to eliminate the provisions of the bill that would have subordinated Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) liens in statute. The bill will now focus on disclosure requirements to property owners interested in financing energy and water efficiency and renewable energy improvements with a PACE assessment.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Administration’s Proposed California Endangered Species Act Fee

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

May 5, 2016

The Governor’s Budget proposes several changes to address shortfalls in the Environmental License Plate Fund (ELPF). One of the Administration’s proposals to address this shortfall is establishing a new fee to cover costs associated with processing California Endangered Species Act (CESA) incidental take permits. These permits are required for projects that might result in the “take” of an endangered or threatened species, and are processed by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Other Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

Aboveground Storage Tanks
AB 1147 (Galgiani) – Request Comments
As Amended April 4, 2016

SB 1147, by Senator Kathleen Galgiani, would prohibit cities and counties from enforcing standards for aboveground storage tanks that are more stringent  than state or federal standards for aboveground storage tanks  unless the city, county, or city and county first adopts an ordinance establishing those standards.  This bill was passed by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Wednesday, April 20, 2016.  Comments would be appreciated.

CSAC Bulletin Article

FEMA Requests Comments on Proposed Public Assistance Policy

Karen Keene

April 22, 2016

This week, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) posted new proposed Public Assistance standards in the Federal Register.  Comments are due by May 23, 2016. 

This proposed policy language would require applicants to apply nationally accepted hazard-resistant codes and standards to buildings located in hazard prone areas under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster and Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) § 323, 42 U.S.C. § 5165(a).

CSAC Bulletin Article

Governor Signs Mining Bills

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

April 22, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Other Bills of Interest from AENR

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

April 15, 2016

Coastal Commission
AB 2616 (Burke) – Request for Comments
As Amended April 12, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Groundwater Bill Moving Despite Opposition

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

April 14, 2016

Despite opposition by CSAC, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), the League of California Cities (League), the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), individual counties, and numerous agricultural interests, the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee passed SB 1317, by Senator Lois Wolk.   

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

April 8, 2106

Waste Management

SB 1229 (Jackson) – Support
As Amended March 28, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

AENR Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

March 31, 2016

Water Service/Indian Tribes

AB 2470 (Gonzales) – Request Comments
As Amended March 28, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

CSAC, RCRC Comment on Groundwater Regulations

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

March 31, 2016

California Counties have a chance to influence how the state will review the Groundwater Sustainability Plans many local jurisdictions will be drafting. CSAC and RCRC filed a joint letter yesterday, hoping to maintain flexibility and clarity in the final regulations from the Department of Water Resources.

CSAC Bulletin Article

Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

March 25, 2016

Oak Woodlands

AB 2162 (Chu) – Request for Comments
As Introduced February 17, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Bills of Interest

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

March 25, 2016

Oak Woodlands

AB 2162 (Chu) – Request for Comments
As Introduced February 17, 2016

CSAC Bulletin Article

Tree Mortality Funding-More Money on the Way

Karen Keene Cara Martinson

March 18, 2016

The Assembly and the Senate budget subcommittees met this week to discuss budget items related to California’s tree mortality crisis. This follows a joint February informational hearing on the topic where the Committees invited speakers, including a Tuolumne county supervisor, to speak to varying aspects of the tree mortality crisis to better understand the threats California’s forests face and the actions the Administration is taking to respond to those threats.

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