REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager
Subject:
title
Consider positions on legislation pending before the Federal Legislature, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC)
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Statement of Issue:
On December 15, 2021, the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC), comprised of Mayor Barbara Delgleize, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Posey, and Council Member Kim Carr discussed local, State and Federal issues with relevance to Huntington Beach. Following discussion, the IRC chose to take positions on certain proposed legislation, which are presented to the City Council for further consideration.
Financial Impact:
None
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt a resolution of support and approve support letters to federal legislators and the Orange County Congressional Delegation, backing the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) position regarding pending “PFAS” federal legislation.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve one or more recommended actions and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
On December 15, 2021, the IRC met to review and discuss local, state and federal issues, with relevance to Huntington Beach. The following is an analysis of the issues that the Committee chose to take positions on and are presenting to the City Council for approval:
1. Adopt a Resolution and sign letters of support for OCWD’s efforts related to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - PFAS are a group of manufactured “forever” chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Current scientific research suggests that exposure to high levels of certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. Recently, PFAS has been detected in the Orange County Groundwater Basin. Although chemical manufacturers are the original source of PFAS chemicals, there is the potential for public water and wastewater agencies to be held responsible for PFAS remediation and exposure to PFAS liability, particularly if pending legislation such as the PFAS Action Act of 2021 (H.R. 2467) does not expressly exempt water and wastewater agencies from liability. The OCWD is calling on local agencies to call for these exemptions to protect taxpayers from liability resulting from PFAS exposure, created not by the agencies themselves but chemical manufacturers. Adopting the attached ordinance and signing the letters of support would support OCWD’s efforts.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Draft Resolution No. - Supporting Federal PFAS Legislation that Protects Ratepayers and Water/Wastewater agencies
2. Template letter of support to Federal Legislators