BILL NUMBER: SJR 26	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Vargas
   (Coauthor: Assembly Member Hueso)

                        MAY 16, 2012

   Relative to Naval Air Facility El Centro.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SJR 26, as introduced, Vargas. The Naval Air Facility El Centro.
   This measure would urge the California delegates of Congress to
protect the Naval Air Facility El Centro during any upcoming base
realignment and closure processes.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, United States Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta,
recently released the 2013 fiscal year defense budget proposal which
includes a request for new base closures; and
   WHEREAS, The Naval Air Facility El Centro (NAF El Centro) might be
under consideration for closure in the 2013 or 2015 closure periods;
and
   WHEREAS, The NAF El Centro provides efficiencies and benefits to
the Navy which include, but are not limited to, a strategic location
near Marine Corps Air Stations and the naval fleet, proximity to
ranges for different types of flights, and carrier training using the
Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System and lighted carrier deck landing
areas; and
   WHEREAS, The El Centro area provides clear weather and
unobstructed terrain, which in turn provides ample low-level flying
opportunities; and
   WHEREAS, No other region in the United States more closely
resembles current combat areas of the world; and
   WHEREAS, The El Centro area provides a high quality of life for
its residents and the NAF El Centro has enjoyed unparalleled
community support since the establishment of the base, including
support from the County of Imperial Board of Supervisors; and
   WHEREAS, Another base closure in California could have a
devastating impact on the nation's security; and
   WHEREAS, The impact of the closure of the NAF El Centro goes
beyond the employment of the base personnel, impacting small local
businesses, schools, sales and property tax bases of the local
community, the environment, the hospitality industry, the housing
market, and the local, regional, and state economies; now, therefore,
be it
   Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of
California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the representatives
from California to the Congress of the United States to protect the
NAF El Centro during any upcoming base realignment and closure
processes; and be it further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the Secretary of Defense of the United States, to the
Majority Leader of the Senate, to the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, to the minority leader of each house, to each
Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the
United States, and to the author for appropriate distribution.