Sacramento, CA…The latest updates on regulations from the RCRC.  RCRC members are encouraged to submit comments on regulatory matters to state and federal regulatory bodies, and to provide a copy to RCRC’s Government Affairs staff.  Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of regulations impacting California’s rural counties.

Revised Proposal to Update CEQA Guidelines regarding Analysis of Transportation Impacts:Senate Bill 743 (Steinberg; 2013) required an initial draft of changes be developed to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regarding the analysis of transportation impacts by the summer of 2014.  This revised proposal reflects input received on that preliminary discussion draft.  Agency: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) Status: Draft language released January 20, 2016 with comments due February 29, 2016.  RCRC comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties.  A copy of the revised proposal can be accessedhere.  RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org

Proposed Changes to the CDBG Regulations: The proposed changes to current Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Regulations will include additional language to allow special allocations of funding for use in mitigating disasters and disaster recovery.  Agency:  The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Status: The proposed language was released January 22, 2016, with public comment open until March 8, 2016.  RCRC comments: Staff is seeking input from member counties.  A copy of the proposal and additional information can be accessed here.  RCRC Advocate: Mary Pitto mpitto@rcrcnet.org

Proposed Exceptional Events Rule Revisions and Draft Wildfire Guidance:  Revises the Exceptional Events Rule to clarify demonstration of events such as prescribed burns and wildfires, provides guidance to air agencies on procedures.  Agency: United States Environmental Protection Agency Status: Draft available for public comment, comment date extended to February 3, 2016.  Proposed regulatory language and related documents can be downloaded here.  RCRC Comments:  RCRC is seeking member county input.  RCRC Advocate:Staci Heaton sheaton@rcrcnet.org

Draft Conservation Plan for Gray Wolves in California:  Provides strategies and potential actions for the management and conservation of gray wolves in California.  Agency: California Department of Fish and Wildlife Status: Draft available for public comment, comments due February 15, 2016.  Draft plan and related documents can be downloaded here. RCRC Comments:  RCRC is seeking member county input.  RCRC Advocate: Staci Heatonsheaton@rcrcnet.org

Proposed Changes to the CDBG Regulations: The proposed changes to current Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Regulations will include additional language to allow special allocations of funding for use in mitigating disasters and disaster recovery.  Agency: The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Status: The proposed language was released January 22, 2016 with public comment open until March 8, 2016.  RCRC comments:Staff is seeking input from member counties.  A copy of the proposal and additional information can be accessed here.