BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 1928
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB
1928 (Campos)
As Introduced August 15, 2016
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: | |(June 1, 2016) |SENATE: |27-12 |(August 17, |
| |56-22 | | | |2016) |
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Original Committee Reference: W., P., & W.
SUMMARY: Extends the date from January 1, 2010, to January 1,
2019, by which the California Energy Commission (CEC) is
required to adopt landscape irrigation equipment performance
standards and labeling requirements. Additionally, prohibits
the sale of new irrigation equipment on or after an effective
date established by the CEC. Requires the CEC to consider
recent advancements in landscape irrigation efficiency when
developing the standards and requirements.
The Senate amendments extend the date to adopt irrigation
equipment standards by one year. Conform the adoption of
irrigation equipment standard regulation with existing
procedures for energy and water efficiency new building
regulations. Prohibit the sale of noncompliant irrigation
equipment on or after the effective date established by the CEC.
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EXISITING LAW: Requires, to the extent funds are available, the
CEC in consultation with the Department of Water Resources (DWR)
to adopt regulations by January 1, 2010, on landscape irrigation
performance standards and labeling. Prohibits the sale of a
landscape irrigation controller or moisture sensor by January 1,
2012, unless performance standards and labeling requirements are
met.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations
Committee, this bill increases staff costs of $100,000 and
contract costs of approximately $200,000 for the CEC to
establish performance standards and labeling requirements.
These funds could come from the General Fund or special funds.
As with the existing timelines, the provisions in this bill are
required only to the extent funds are available.
COMMENTS: To date, the CEC has not adopted regulations on
landscape irrigation performance standards or labeling
requirements because funds have not been made available. The
2016-2017 budget contained $30 million for the CEC to implement
the Water Energy Technology program. The Water Energy
Technology program provides funding for innovative technologies
that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Funds in that program
could be put toward adopting regulations on landscape irrigation
performance standards and labeling.
According to the DWR, over 45% of residential water use takes
place outdoors. More water efficient irrigation equipment will
likely create significant water savings. According to the
author, this bill will help California take the next and long
overdue steps in recommitting ourselves to improving outdoor
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water efficiency.
Executive Order B-29-15 from April of 2015 directed the CEC to
fund emerging water saving technologies, the State Water
Resources Control Board to impose a 25% reduction in urban water
use over 2013 levels, and the DWR to update the state model
water efficient landscape ordinance to specifically increase
water efficiency through more efficient irrigation standards.
Technology in landscape irrigation has advanced in recent years
with numerous new efficient irrigation controls and moisture
sensing devices coming to the market. The cost of water has
increased significantly in the past decade and is projected to
increase annually at a rate of 4% or higher. Consumers appear
to be responding to these conditions as it has been reported
that one of the largest areas of sales growth at home
improvement stores has been efficient landscape irrigation
equipment.
If funded, this bill will ensure efficiency standards and
labeling requirements are established to help the consumer
conserve water.
Analysis Prepared by:
Ryan Ojakian / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096
FN: 0004229
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