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 Advocacy Efforts

AB 1532 (Perez) Assembly Speaker John Perez (D – Los Angeles) is taking up the torch lit by former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez in 2006 when he engineered the successful passage of California’s Global Warming Solutions Act.  The measure, more commonly referred to as AB 32, has been the impetus for the Air Resources Board to adopt and implement a variety of programs aimed at curbing California’s GHG emissions.  This includes a cap-and-trade program that should generate revenues to support projects which advance AB 32 goals and objectives.  AB 1532 sets up some very broad guidelines on how cap and trade revenues should be allocated through the creation of a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account, and includes language specifying natural resource protection projects as an eligible funding component of the overall bill.

SB 1572 (Pavley) Though former Speaker Nunez and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger are often cited as the power duo that made AB 32 happen, former Assembly Member Fran Pavley was the original architect and co-author of the measure.  Now Senator Pavley (D – Agoura Hills) is once again working with the Speaker of the Assembly to strengthen AB 32 implementation through this bill which is essentially the Senate’s counterpart to AB 1532.  SB 1572 also creates the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Account, but with significant focus on the technicalities and procedures needed for establishing the account.

AB 2404 (Fuentes) Assembly Member Fuentes (D – Los Angeles) has introduced this measure as a way to create fiscal incentives for local governments to plan and implement their own greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts.  The measure seeks to direct a portion of the cap-and-trade revenues directly to the local level for projects that advance GHG reductions.  While California ReLeaf supports the bill, we are working with some Network members and the author’s office on potential amendments that will strengthen the role of non-profits and community-based organizations in this bill.

The proposed 2012-13 State Budget includes $10 million for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation Program, and $20 million to the Strategic Growth Council for a final round of urban greening projects that includes urban forestry.

Urban and Community Forestry could receive $31 million at the Federal Level in 2012, representing a slight increase over previous years.  The funds will go to national forestry priorities, strategic initiatives such as America’s Great Outdoors, and the President’s Strategic Tree Planting Initiative in the form of competitive grants ranging from $100,000 – $250,000.  The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council also receives a small allocation for grants, and each state receives $200,000 for urban and community forestry coordination.

The Federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) Program is currently at risk.  TE is the largest Federal funding source for walking and bicycling trails, and also provides significant resources for landscaping, urban forestry and environmental mitigation.  In 2011, there were efforts made in the U.S. Senate to introduce an amendment to eliminate the dedicated set-aside for the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program.   Though the amendment was defeated, there is concern this 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.

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.  The bill has stalled in the House Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity

The 2012 Farm Bill The 2012 Farm Bill is currently in limbo as and could remain that way through the majority of this Presidential Election year.  The Alliance for Community Trees partnered with the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) in 2011 on preparing recommendations for urban forestry in the package that urges 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.