BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SCR 13|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 13
Author: Steinberg (D)
Amended: 4/29/09
Vote: 21
WITHOUT REFERENCE TO COMMITTEE
SUBJECT : Creation of the Joint Committee for the
Protection of LakeTahoe
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This resolution creates the Joint Committee for
the Protection of Lake Tahoe until November 30, 2010.
ANALYSIS : Lake Tahoe is one of the worlds largest,
clearest, and most scenic Alpine lakes in California. Its
greater basin has riparian habitat, wetlands, protected
federal and state forests, and multiple waterways. Lake
Tahoe attracts outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, and campers.
It is also a casino attraction. Considering its volume of
visitors, Lake Tahoe remains susceptible to deterioration,
especially with water and air quality.
Under the Clean Water Act, there are several levels of
protection available for surface waters. Outstanding
National Resource Water (ONRW) is the highest level of
protection and means that no activity is permissible if it
will result in lower water quality than already exists in
the affected water. Lake Tahoe has been designated as an
CONTINUED
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ONRW in the state of California.
This resolution creates the Joint Committee for the
Protection of Lake Tahoe (JCPLT) composed of eight members;
four Senators appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, and
four Assembly Members appointed by the Speaker of the
Assembly. The Senate Rules Committee and the Speaker of
the Assembly would determine the Chair and Vice Chair.
JCPLT would meet at least once in the Lake Tahoe region on
or before August 31, 2009, and once with its respective
committee representing the State of Nevada on or before
December 31, 2009.
FISCAL EFFECT : Fiscal Com.: No
The JCPLT would not require the creation of any new staff
positions as the committee will operate using existing
staff. Budgets are established on a fiscal year basis and
may be granted for the committee. Funding may be necessary
for traveling expenses.
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/29/09)
AlpenAid
AlpenGroup
Lake Tahoe Conservation Trust
Tahoe Divers Conservancy
The League to Save Lake Tahoe
The Nature Conservancy
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author's office,
the JCPLT would allow the State Legislature, along with the
State of Nevada, the United States of America, and other
public and private entities to help implement the
Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). The EIP is a
cooperative effort to preserve, restore, and enhance the
natural and human environment of the Lake Tahoe Region. It
allocates and guides capital investments in conservation
and restoration measures to repair environmental damage
from the past. Adopted over ten years ago, the EIP will be
reviewed to determine and evaluate possible improvements.
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The JCPLT would participate in the review process.
Specifically, the JCPLT would allow a cross budget review
of Tahoe's needs related to the EIP and provide a vehicle
for the State Legislature to be represented in Federal and
bi-state meetings.
DLW:nl 4/29/09 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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