BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Senator Isadore Hall, III
Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 606 Hearing Date: 6/29/2015
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|Author: |Levine |
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|Version: |5/12/2015 Amended |
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|Urgency: |No |Fiscal: |Yes |
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|Consultant:|Felipe Lopez |
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SUBJECT: Water conservation
DIGEST: This bill requires the Department of General Services
(DGS) and the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to reduce
water consumption and increase water efficiencies when
repairing, replacing or installing landscaping or irrigation on
state properties
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
1)Requires DGS to provide planning, acquisition, construction,
and maintenance of state buildings and property, and maintain
a statewide property inventory of all real property held by
the state.
2)Requires DGS, in consultation with the State Energy Resources
Conservation and Development Commission, and with the
concurrence of the Department of Finance, to identify each
public building in DGS's state property inventory where it is
feasible for that building to reduce energy consumption and
achieve energy efficiencies, as specified, and make retrofits,
as specified.
3)Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of all
state highways and associated property.
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4)Authorizes Caltrans to perform work required to alleviate or
repair damage to property during declared emergencies, as
specified.
This bill:
1)Requires DGS and Caltrans to reduce water consumption and
increase water efficiencies when repairing, replacing or
installing landscaping or irrigation on state properties,
where feasible, through any or all of the following:
a) Replacement of landscaping with drought-tolerant plants
with an emphasis on native plant species.
b) Replacement of irrigation timers to permit efficient
watering schedules.
c) Replacement of spray sprinkler heads with bubblers, drip
irrigation, and soaker hoses.
d) Implementation of recycled water irrigation.
2)Defines "feasible" as capable of being accomplished in a
successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking
into account life-cycle cost analyses, and environmental,
social, historical, and technological factors.
Background
Purpose of the bill. According to the author, "as we enter into
our fourth year of drought, the U.S. Geological Services reports
that California reservoirs were 57% below average levels as of
September 2014. These conditions have led Californians to
engage in creative measures to reduce water consumption across
the spectrum. AB 606 will require state owned lands to reduce
water consumption where feasible."`
California's Response to the Drought. On January 17, 2014 the
Governor of the State of California proclaimed a State of
Emergency because of the prolonged California drought and asked
all Californians to reduce water consumption by 20 percent. The
proclamation directed local water suppliers to immediately
implement local water shortage contingency plans. In addition,
the proclamation directed the California Department of Water
Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to
accelerate funding for projects that could break ground in 2014
and enhance water supplies as well as ordering the SWRCB to
consider modifying requirements for release of water from
AB 606 (Levine) Page 3 of ?
reservoirs or diversion limitations so that water may be
conserved in reservoirs and maintain water supplies and improve
water quality.
On April 25, 2014, the Governor issued as executive order to
speed up actions necessary to reduce the harmful effects of the
drought and called on all Californians to double their efforts
to conserve water. At the end of 2014 Governor Brown issued
Executive Order B-28-12 to extend the operation of provisions of
the previous executive order.
On April 1, 2015 Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-29-15
and ordered the SWRCB to impose restrictions to achieve a 25
percent reduction in potable urban water usage through February
28, 2016; directed the California Department of Water Resources
to lead a statewide initiative, in partnership with local
agencies, to collectively replace 50 million square feet of
lawns and ornamental turf with drought tolerant landscapes; and
directed the California Energy Commission to implement a
statewide appliance rebate program to provide monetary
incentives for the replacement of inefficient household devices.
Prior/Related Legislation
SB 553 (Wolk, 2015) requires DGS to identify each public
property in the department's state property inventory where it
is feasible for water consumption to be reduced and water
efficiencies to be achieved through implementation of the
relevant recommendations made in the model water efficient
landscape ordinance and would require DGS to implement relevant
recommendations where feasible, except as specified. (Held in
Senate Appropriations Committee)
SB 552 (Wolk, 2015) requires the SWRCB to report to the
Legislature on recommendations for solutions to the managerial,
technical and maintenance fund hurdle that small, disadvantaged
communities face in building and maintaining water treatment
facilities and thereby obtaining funding to do so. (Pending in
Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee)
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal
Com.: Yes Local: No
SUPPORT:
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Ms. Honda's fourth grade class, Manor Elementary, Fairfax, CA
(Source)
Association of California Water Agencies
California Landscape Contractors Association
California Municipal Utilities Association
California Native Plant Society
East Valley Water District
Irvine Ranch Water District
Regional Water Authority
San Diego County Water Authority
Sierra Club California
Sonoma County Water Agency
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Water Reuse California
OPPOSITION:
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: Ms. Honda, 4th grade teacher at Manor
Elementary School in Fairfax, California, writes in support of
the bill stating that her students helped to inspire and write
AB 606. She argues that the bill focuses on using water
efficient irrigation methods and replacing landscaping with
drought tolerant plants with an emphasis on native plant
species. Ms. Honda argues that, "this would help our birds and
bees and other wildlife by creating pockets of habitat for
them."
According to the San Diego Water Authority, "given that
landscape irrigation represents approximately 43 percent of
urban water use, according to the Department of Water Resources,
and that California is prone to cycles of drought and water
shortage, such as the prolonged multi-year drought the state is
presently experiencing, AB 606 would ensure the state take an
important leadership role in implementing water efficient
landscape practices."
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