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Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board consider the following regarding proposed State legislation:
1) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter of support for SB 488 (Alvarado-Gil) regarding bioenergy projects and Community Choice Aggregators; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a letter of opposition to AB 338 (Aguiar-Curry) regarding prevailing wage requirements for fuel reduction work.
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
These two pieces of proposed legislation were brought to our attention by other Counties, and after researching the bills and their anticipated impacts, the Chief Administrative Office recommends the Board take positions on each bill as outlined below.
SB 488 - Alvarado-Gil: SUPPORT
If approved, this Bill would provide more opportunity for Community Choice Aggregators like Pioneer Energy to acquire bioenergy. This would support existing biomass-to-energy facilities by providing additional purchasers for the energy they produce. Supporting biomass facilities is beneficial for El Dorado County beyond just the energy benefits. The ancillary benefits of biomass include providing a necessary outlet for forest waste that would otherwise increase the risks of devastating wildfires. The biomass industry also provides jobs that are critical in rural communities and enhances economic development.
AB 338 - Aguiar-Curry: OPPOSE
If approved, AB 338 would expand the definition of “public works” to include fuel reduction work paid for in part or whole by public funds, thereby requiring payment of prevailing wage. The imposition of prevailing wage on fuel reduction projects would increase costs associated with this work and significantly hinder the effectiveness and speed at which we are creating and maintaining fire adapted communities. Approval of this bill would directly result in fewer acres treated annually. Projects will take longer to complete, as additional funding would be necessary, and in some ca...
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