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Federal Drug Enforcement Agency Finalizing Rules for Acceptance and Disposal of Unused Controlled Substances
As part of its mandate under the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, the Drug Enforcement Agency is finalizing rules governing how local agencies can and should accept and dispose of unused controlled substances. The proposed regulations seek to expand the options available to collect these substances from users for the purpose of disposal and may include take-back events, mail-back programs, and collection box locations.
State Water Resources Control Board Releases New “Ex Parte” Communication Questions and Answers Document
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) recently released an updated document on ex parte communications designed to clarify the rules governing communications between State and Regional Water Board members and individuals/parties interested in various proceedings.
Senate Finance Committee Releases Tax Reform Options for State and Local Tax Exempt Financing
On May 15, 2013, the Senate Committee on Finance released a paper detailing tax reform options for state and local tax exempt financing and other tax reform options that Finance Committee members may consider as they work towards reforming our nation’s tax system. The ideas in this paper represent a non-exhaustive list of prominent tax reform options suggested by witnesses at Committee hearings held to date, bipartisan commissions, tax policy experts, and members of Congress.
CASA Achieves Significant Victory in Opposing AB 371 - Bill Moved to Assembly "Inactive File" and Unlikely to be Heard in 2013
After several weeks of strong lobbying efforts and significant grassroots efforts by CASA members, AB 371 was placed on the Assembly "Inactive File" during this morning's Assembly Floor Session. CASA, the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco PUC, LACSD, OCSD and several other groups engaged in a concerted effort in recent weeks to oppose AB 371 which would have banned the use of biosolids in Kern County setting a bad precedent and threatening the use of land application of biosolids which is a safe, sustainable, highly regulated process.
Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Coalition
A number of CASA members are part of the Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Coalition (BAB2E). Today, the Coalition announced its recruitment for an Executive Director. BAB2E consists of 19 public entities in the greater San Francisco Bay Area that have entered into an agreement to develop a regional facility for processing biosolids. BAB2E desires to implement a facility that maximizes energy production while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the current biosolids management practices.
Governor’s May Revise 2013
This morning, Governor Brown appeared before the press to formally release his May Revision of the 2013-14 State Budget. The May Revision or “May Revise” as it is called, is the annual process by which the Governor assesses several months worth of tax receipts and evaluates the overall economic condition of the state and then adjusts his January version of the State Budget accordingly. The Governor stated, “For the first time in more than a decade, we have a balanced budget and it is solid.” While the state is noting a $4.5 billion cash increase since January, the Governor is only identifying $2.8 billion of that amount to be attributed to 2012-13 and is showing a deficit of $1.3 billion in 2013-14.
CASA Signs On to Healthy Waters Coalition Urging Improved Nonpoint Source Nutrient Management
CASA has joined other clean water associations in urging Congress to provide stronger tools to help agricultural producers avoid nutrient run-off and thereby help improve water quality in local watersheds.
CASA Leads Broad Based Coalition in Support of Legislation to Ensure Qualified Appointments to Water Boards
CASA was joined by 18 state and national organizations urging changes to federal regulations governing eligibility for appointments to state water quality permitting authorities such as the State and Regional Water Boards. In a letter sent today, the organizations registered support for H.R.
Letters of Opposition to AB 371 Needed Immediately
CASA asks members to continue to keep up the heat in opposition of AB 371 (Salas). AB 371 is the bill which would authorize Kern County to regulate or prohibit by ordinance the land application of biosolids in unincorporated areas in the county. AB 371 passed out of the Local Government Committee this week but not without significant efforts by CASA, CASA members and others to stop the bill with opposition letters and persuasive and science-based testimony.
Legislative Call to Action - Support H.R. 836 (Miller)
Congressman Gary Miller (CA-31) has reintroduced legislation the Sunshine on Conflicts Act (H.R. 836) that addresses the continuing inequities created by the current Clean Water Act regulatory regime that prevents nomination of individuals to regional water quality control boards that receive 10 percent or more of their annual income from an NPDES permit holder (or an applicant for a permit). H.R. 836 addresses a top CASA priority. It would ensure the selection of the most talented and technically qualified individuals to serve on the water boards.
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