California ReLeaf takes an active role in shaping public policy that advances urban forestry throughout the state.  Through our website, our newsletter, and action alerts, we ensure that California ReLeaf Network members are partnered with us in these efforts to influence legislation and public debate on behalf of urban and community trees.

Together, we have augmented the Urban Forestry Act of 1978 with new language and objectives that bring this landmark legislation into the 21st Century. We have helped preserve the rights of all Californians to volunteer their time and spirit to each and every one of our tree care and tree planting projects. And we have led the charge in securing sufficient funding for these projects by protecting existing state funding programs, and strongly supporting multiple resource conservation bonds that have provided the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection with over $40 million for local urban forestry since 2000.

We will continue our commitment to be the voice of urban forestry in California’s capitol, and continue to monitor state and federal legislation for opportunities to further green our golden state.

The following is a synopsis of the shared success stories over the last year, and a preview of upcoming opportunities and challenges that will require the collective urban and community forestry voice.

Current and Upcoming Advocacy Efforts

AB 296 (Skinner) would require Caltrans to publish a Cool Pavements Handbook, conduct one or more cool pavement pilot projects, and report to the Legislature the results of the pilot project and the costs and benefits associated with various cool pavement options.  California ReLeaf offered Assembly Member Skinner several amendments to the bill which highlight the value of including shade trees and photosynthetic processes as meaningful techniques to achieving cool pavements.  AB 296 was held in committee this year, but will return in 2012.  California ReLeaf will continue to work with Assembly Member Skinner to further augment urban forestry within the measure.

AB 1285 (Fuentes) would require the Air Resources Board to establish a program to maximize regional greenhouse gas emission reduction and sequestration projects by creating a system in which emission reductions achieved by projects under the program result in the creation of qualified “cap and trade” units.  California ReLeaf has already worked with Assembly Member Fuentes on some amends to the bill, which is certain to be revisited in 2012. Assembly Member Fuentes has intentionally held his bill back this year so that a more robust dialogue on the ultimate goals and objectives of the final bill can be thoroughly vetted with interested parties, including the urban forestry community.

The Federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program is currently at risk and will likely be again in 2012.  TE is the largest funding source for walking and bicycling trails, and also provides significant resources for landscaping, urban forestry and environmental mitigation.  While there is a strong possibility Congress will send a six-month “clean” extension of the federal transportation bill to President Obama this year, there are efforts underway in the U.S. Senate to introduce an amendment to eliminate the dedicated set-aside for the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program from the extension. Even if this amendment is rebuked now, it will likely resurface in 2012 as Congress considers a long-term federal transportation bill.

Recent Advocacy Efforts (2011 and 2010)

The 2011-12 State Budget included $4.1 million to CAL Fire for urban forestry grants, $10 million for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, and $20 million to the Strategic Growth Council for urban greening projects that includes urban forestry.

Assembly Bill 587 (Gordon and Furutani) was signed into law on September 6th, 2011.  The bill extends the current prevailing wage exemption for volunteers through 2017.  This was the priority legislation for the urban forestry community this year, and is essential to preserving the rights of all Californians to donate their time and spirit to a spectrum of resource conservation activities, including critical tree care and tree planting projects.  California ReLeaf Network groups and their partners provided strong support for this bill throughout the legislative session, which helped make a difference.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 10 (Dickinson) cleared the Legislature in March 2011, and officially proclaims March 7 – 14th of each year as California Arbor Week. The resolution highlights the tremendous benefits of urban forestry and urges Californians to observe the week with tree planting activities and programs. California ReLeaf sponsored this measure on behalf of all our Network groups.

Senate Bill 226 (Simitian), among other things, exempts from CEQA review the installation of a “solar energy system” on the roof of an existing building or at an existing parking lot.  Legislative staff allies secured 11^th hour amendments to provide some protection for parking lot trees prior to the bill clearing the Legislature.  SB 226 is expected to be signed by Governor Brown.

President Obama’s proposed 2012 Federal Budget plan contains a much welcome 7% increase in federal funding for the Urban and Community Forestry Program.  Though the Budget must clear Congress first, early indications are that much of these funds are anticipated to remain intact, providing the US with up to $32 million for essential urban forestry projects in the coming fiscal year.  In addition, $59 million has been proposed for the federal Forest Legacy Program and $5 million for Community Forest and Open Space Conservations.

H.R. 709 — The Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act –  is a reboot of earlier legislation (known as UPARR) that will rehabilitate and improve urban parks and recreational infrastructure if passed by Congress and signed by the President.  The objective is to revitalize communities with the attendant benefits of urban greening and recreation spaces through increased economic development, improved public health, increased daily physical activity, reduced crime, and reconnecting children with nature, and safe, healthy alternatives for at-risk youth. A Senate companion to this bill is also in the works.

The 2012 Farm Bill is on track to possibly be sent to the President by year’s end.  ACT has been hard at work with the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) on preparing recommendations for urban forestry in the package.  SUFC specifically is urging the USDA to prioritize funding within the appropriate section of the 2012 Farm Bill to conservation, urban forestry, land protection, watershed health, and green infrastructure programs built on comprehensive, landscape level plans.   Click here to download the SUFC Executive Summary and Recommendations.

The 2010-11 State Budget included $3.2 million to CAL Fire for urban forestry grants, $10 million for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, $30 million for River Parkways, and $20 million to the Strategic Growth Council for urban greening projects that includes urban forestry.

AB 2761 (Committee on Natural Resources) was signed into law, allowing CAL Fire to reboot its Urban and Community Forestry Sawmill Equipment Loan Program. California ReLeaf sponsored the language within this bill that updates the Urban Forestry Act of 1978.

Proposition 23 was defeated in November, 2010 by more than 61% of Californians casting votes in the election.  This marked a major victory for California’s environment and the urban forestry community, which can continue its role in crafting strong urban forestry protocols and working to ensure trees remain a critical component of AB 32 implementation. Proposition 23 would have essentially repealed California’s landmark climate change law.  California ReLeaf joined hundreds of organizations and public agencies in opposing this deceptive ballot measure.

 

Helpful links

Search for Bills www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html
Search for any legislation currently before the California State Legislature.

Legislator Information www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html
Links to biographies and committee assignments for all California State Legislators.

California Law By Code Section www.leginfo.ca.gov/calaw.html
Direct access to the State of California’s Official Database of Current California Law.

California Voter Foundation www.calvoter.org
A nonprofit, non-partisan organization promoting and applying the responsible use of technology to improve the democratic process.