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CC - CONSENT ITEM: (1) Adoption of a Position of Support for Assembly Constitutional Amendment (ACA) No. 16 Regarding Environmental Rights; and (2) Direction to Distribute the City’s Position Letter to State Legislators.
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Meeting Date: April 29, 2024
Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg/City Manager’s Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6000
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/24/2024)
Department Approval: John M. Nachbar, City Manager (04/24/2024)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council (1) adopt a statement of support for ACA 16; and (2) distribute the City’s position letter to state legislators.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the April 9, 2024 City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor McMorrin requested and received City Council majority consensus to consider adopting a statement of support for ACA 16 (Attachment). ACA 16 was introduced on January 25, 2024 by Assembly Members Bryan, Kalra, and Muratsuchi.
ACA 16 is a resolution to propose to the people of the State of California an amendment to the Constitution of the State, by adding Section 3.5 to Article I, relating to the environment. This new section would explicitly declare that the people have a right to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
Relation to Culver City’s Legislative and Policy Platform
While the specific language to support the content of ACA 16 is not in the Legislative and Policy Platform, the City Council’s previously adopted position statements support the intention of ACA 16:
Culver City supports efforts, including those to:
• Seek the expanded use of recycled water.
• Identify and fund City water conservation programs to reduce demands on the local water supply.
• Conserve water and increase a sustainable, affordable, local water supply for Culver City.
• Continue partnerships to advance recycling, groundwater cleanup, and stormwater capture as the largest elements in the community’s future water portfolio.
• Adopt reasonable environmental regulations aimed at enhancing air and water quality, reducing stormwater pollution, and providing opportunities for corresponding funding mechanisms.
• Improve air quality in Culver City and surrounding areas.
• Promote reliable, affordable, and renewable energy for businesses and residents.
• Promote funding solar energy and photovoltaic technology as well as energy conservation-related upgrades to public facilities and the private sector.
If the City Council adopts a support position on ACA 16, City staff will transmit the City Council’s position to the Bill’s authors and legislative committee members who will be considering the approval of ACA 16. Staff will track ACA 16 and advocate for it throughout the legislative process. If ACA 16 is significantly modified as it moves through the legislature, staff will consider the appropriateness of providing the City’s letter of support.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There are no fiscal impacts to adopt and distribute a position letter in support of ACA 16.
ATTACHMENTS
2024-04-29__ATT__ACA 16 (2024)
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Adopt a position of support for ACA 16; and
2. Distribute the letter of support for ACA 16; and/or
3. Provide other direction to the City Manager as deemed appropriate.