BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER
Senator Fran Pavley, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 985 Hearing Date: June 9,
2015
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|Author: |Dahle | | |
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|Version: |April 20, 2015 Amended |
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|Urgency: |No |Fiscal: |Yes |
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|Consultant:|Angee Doerr |
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Subject: Sierra Nevada Conservancy.
BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW
Background:
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) was added by Statute in
2004. It is tasked with working with local government and
outside entities to protect and conserve the region's resources,
increase tourism and recreational opportunities, and enhance
public lands.
The SNC is one of ten conservancies under state authority and
regulated by statute. Of these ten conservancies, three of them
currently have requirements for members of the legislature to
participate in conservancy meetings and decision-making.
Existing Law:
Public Resources Code (PRC) section 33320 codifies the creation
of the SNC within the Resources Agency. It was created to:
a) Provide increased opportunities for tourism and
recreation.
b) Protect, conserve, and restore the region's physical,
cultural, archaeological, historical, and living resources.
c) Aid in the preservation of working landscapes.
d) Reduce the risk of natural disasters, such as wildfires.
e) Protect and improve water and air quality.
f) Assist the regional economy through the operation of the
conservancy's program.
g) Identify the highest priority projects and initiatives
for which funding is needed.
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h) Undertake efforts to enhance public use and enjoyment of
lands owned by the public.
i) Support efforts that advance both environmental
preservation and the economic well-being of Sierra
residents in a complementary manner.
PRC Section 33321 identifies the membership of the SNC board.
Specifically, it identifies each of 13 voting members and three
nonvoting liaison advisers.
PROPOSED LAW
This bill adds section (c) to PRC Section 33321, adding four
members of the Legislature to the SNC board. Section (c) reads:
(c) Two members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Committee
on Rules, and two members of the Assembly, appointed by the
Speaker of the Assembly, shall meet with the conservancy and
participate in its activities to the extent that such
participation is not incompatible with their respective
positions as Members of the Legislature.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT
The SNC writes, in sponsorship of this bill, that AB 985 will
align SNC "with other large, regional conservancies, and afford
this critically important region increased exposure to, and
cooperation with, the Legislature." The author states that "The
most direct and effective means through which to increase
exposure of the Sierra Nevada region within the state
legislature is to enact legislation which will establish a
non-voting, advisory role for members of the legislature,
similar to what is currently in statute as it relates to other
large, regional state conservancies."
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION
None Received
COMMENTS
Why involve state legislators in SNC board meetings? According
to the author, this bill is intended to bring increased
awareness to the activities of the SNC, and to engage state
legislators in decision-making on issues relating to the Sierra
Nevada region. This involvement is especially important
currently, as the SNC considers the impacts of reduced Sierra
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snowmelt on the rest of the state.
SUPPORT
Sierra Nevada Conservancy (sponsor)
OPPOSITION
None Received
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