AB 2062: State highways: landscaping.
- Session Year: 2017-2018
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2018-08-20
Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property, and sets forth the powers and duties of the department with respect to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of state highways. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into an agreement to accept funds, materials, equipment, or services from any person for maintenance or roadside enhancement of a section of a state highway. Existing law requires the department to discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and to use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration specified factors.
This bill would require planting projects undertaken or approved by the department to include, when appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies, California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflower and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property, and sets forth the powers and duties of the department with respect to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of state highways. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into an agreement to accept funds, materials, equipment, or services from any person for maintenance or roadside enhancement of a section of a state highway. Existing law requires the department to discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and to use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration specified factors.
This bill would require planting projects undertaken or approved by the department to include, when appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies, California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflower and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property, and sets forth the powers and duties of the department with respect to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of state highways. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into an agreement to accept funds, materials, equipment, or services from any person for maintenance or roadside enhancement of a section of a state highway. Existing law requires the department to discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and to use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration specified factors.
This bill would require planting projects undertaken or approved by the department to include, when appropriate, appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies, California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflower and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property, and sets forth the powers and duties of the department with respect to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of state highways. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into an agreement to accept funds, materials, equipment, or services from any person for maintenance or roadside enhancement of a section of a state highway. Existing law requires the department to discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and to use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration specified factors.
This bill would require highway planting projects undertaken or approved by the department to include, when appropriate, California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflower and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property, and sets forth the powers and duties of the department with respect to the operation, maintenance, and improvement of state highways. Existing law authorizes the department to enter into an agreement to accept funds, materials, equipment, or services from any person for maintenance or roadside enhancement of a section of a state highway. Existing law requires the department to discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and to use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration specified factors.
This bill would require highway planting projects undertaken or approved by the department to include, when appropriate, California native wildflowers as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflower that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(a)The department shall do both of the following:
(1)Discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
(2)Eliminate any dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.
(b)The department shall require the use of recycled water for the irrigation of freeway landscaping when it finds and determines that all of the following conditions exist:
(1)The recycled water is of adequate quality and is available in adequate quantity for the proposed use.
(2)The proposed use of the recycled water is approved by the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction.
(3)There is a direct benefit to the state highway program for the proposed use of recycled water.
(4)The recycled water is supplied by a local public agency or water public utility able to contract for delivery of water and the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities to deliver the water.
(5)The installation of the water delivery facilities does not unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway or create unreasonable problems of highway maintenance and repair.
(c)In cooperation with local public agencies and water public utilities, the department shall permit local public agencies and water public utilities to place transmission lines for recycled water in freeway rights-of-way for use by the local public agencies and water public utilities to transmit recycled water to others, when to do so will promote a beneficial use of recycled water and that transmission does not unreasonably interfere with use of the freeway or unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway, subject to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) and the following additional requirements:
(1)The local public agency or water public utility holds the department harmless for any liability caused by a disruption of service to other users of the recycled water and will defend the department in any resulting legal action and pay any damages awarded as a result of that disruption.
(2)The department, in cooperation with the local public agency or water public utility, may temporarily interrupt service in order to add to or modify its facilities without liability, as specified in paragraph (1).
(3)The local public agency or water public utility obtains and furnishes the department an agreement by all other users of recycled water from the transmission system holding the department harmless for any disruption in service.
(4)The local public agency or water public utility has furnished the department a list of other recycled water users and information on any backup system or other source of water available for use in case of a service disruption.
(5)The local public agency is responsible for the initial cost or any relocation cost of the recycled water transmission lines for service to other users in the right-of-way and waives its rights to require the department to pay the relocation costs pursuant to Sections 702 and 704.
(6)The local public agency or water public utility maintains the water transmission system subject to reasonable access for maintenance purposes to be negotiated between the department and the local public agency or water public utility.
(7)The department has first priority with respect to the recycled water supply contracted for by the department.
(8)The local public agency or water public utility installs an automatic control system which will allow the water transmission system to be shut down in case of an emergency. The department shall have access to all parts of the transmission system for purposes of the agreement.
(9)All transmission lines are placed underground and as close as possible to the freeway right-of-way boundary or at other locations authorized by the department.
(10)The plans and specifications for the recycled water transmission facilities have been approved by the department prior to construction.
(d)When appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 14717 of the Government Code, planting projects undertaken or approved by the department shall include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(e)As used in this section:
(1)Local public agency means any local public agency that transmits or supplies recycled water to others.
(2)Water public utility means any privately owned water corporation that is subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Public Utilities Commission.
(a)The department shall do both of the following:
(1)Discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
(2)Eliminate any dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.
(b)The department shall require the use of recycled water for the irrigation of freeway landscaping when it finds and determines that all of the following conditions exist:
(1)The recycled water is of adequate quality and is available in adequate quantity for the proposed use.
(2)The proposed use of the recycled water is approved by the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction.
(3)There is a direct benefit to the state highway program for the proposed use of recycled water.
(4)The recycled water is supplied by a local public agency or water public utility able to contract for delivery of water and the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities to deliver the water.
(5)The installation of the water delivery facilities does not unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway or create unreasonable problems of highway maintenance and repair.
(c)In cooperation with local public agencies and water public utilities, the department shall permit local public agencies and water public utilities to place transmission lines for recycled water in freeway rights-of-way for use by the local public agencies and water public utilities to transmit recycled water to others, when to do so will promote a beneficial use of recycled water and that transmission does not unreasonably interfere with use of the freeway or unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway, subject to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) and the following additional requirements:
(1)The local public agency or water public utility holds the department harmless for any liability caused by a disruption of service to other users of the recycled water and will defend the department in any resulting legal action and pay any damages awarded as a result of that disruption.
(2)The department, in cooperation with the local public agency or water public utility, may temporarily interrupt service in order to add to or modify its facilities without liability, as specified in paragraph (1).
(3)The local public agency or water public utility obtains and furnishes the department an agreement by all other users of recycled water from the transmission system holding the department harmless for any disruption in service.
(4)The local public agency or water public utility has furnished the department a list of other recycled water users and information on any backup system or other source of water available for use in case of a service disruption.
(5)The local public agency is responsible for the initial cost or any relocation cost of the recycled water transmission lines for service to other users in the right-of-way and waives its rights to require the department to pay the relocation costs pursuant to Sections 702 and 704.
(6)The local public agency or water public utility maintains the water transmission system subject to reasonable access for maintenance purposes to be negotiated between the department and the local public agency or water public utility.
(7)The department has first priority with respect to the recycled water supply contracted for by the department.
(8)The local public agency or water public utility installs an automatic control system which will allow the water transmission system to be shut down in case of an emergency. The department shall have access to all parts of the transmission system for purposes of the agreement.
(9)All transmission lines are placed underground and as close as possible to the freeway right-of-way boundary or at other locations authorized by the department.
(10)The plans and specifications for the recycled water transmission facilities have been approved by the department prior to construction.
(d)When appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 14717 of the Government Code, planting projects undertaken or approved by the department shall include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(e)As used in this section:
(1)Local public agency means any local public agency that transmits or supplies recycled water to others.
(2)Water public utility means any privately owned water corporation that is subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Public Utilities Commission.
(a)The department shall do both of the following:
(1)Discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
(2)Eliminate any dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.
(b)The department shall require the use of recycled water for the irrigation of freeway landscaping when it finds and determines that all of the following conditions exist:
(1)The recycled water is of adequate quality and is available in adequate quantity for the proposed use.
(2)The proposed use of the recycled water is approved by the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction.
(3)There is a direct benefit to the state highway program for the proposed use of recycled water.
(4)The recycled water is supplied by a local public agency or water public utility able to contract for delivery of water and the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities to deliver the water.
(5)The installation of the water delivery facilities does not unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway or create unreasonable problems of highway maintenance and repair.
(c)In cooperation with local public agencies and water public utilities, the department shall permit local public agencies and water public utilities to place transmission lines for recycled water in freeway rights-of-way for use by the local public agencies and water public utilities to transmit recycled water to others, when to do so will promote a beneficial use of recycled water and that transmission does not unreasonably interfere with use of the freeway or unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway, subject to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) and the following additional requirements:
(1)The local public agency or water public utility holds the department harmless for any liability caused by a disruption of service to other users of the recycled water and will defend the department in any resulting legal action and pay any damages awarded as a result of that disruption.
(2)The department, in cooperation with the local public agency or water public utility, may temporarily interrupt service in order to add to or modify its facilities without liability, as specified in paragraph (1).
(3)The local public agency or water public utility obtains and furnishes the department an agreement by all other users of recycled water from the transmission system holding the department harmless for any disruption in service.
(4)The local public agency or water public utility has furnished the department a list of other recycled water users and information on any backup system or other source of water available for use in case of a service disruption.
(5)The local public agency is responsible for the initial cost or any relocation cost of the recycled water transmission lines for service to other users in the right-of-way and waives its rights to require the department to pay the relocation costs pursuant to Sections 702 and 704.
(6)The local public agency or water public utility maintains the water transmission system subject to reasonable access for maintenance purposes to be negotiated between the department and the local public agency or water public utility.
(7)The department has first priority with respect to the recycled water supply contracted for by the department.
(8)The local public agency or water public utility installs an automatic control system which will allow the water transmission system to be shut down in case of an emergency. The department shall have access to all parts of the transmission system for purposes of the agreement.
(9)All transmission lines are placed underground and as close as possible to the freeway right-of-way boundary or at other locations authorized by the department.
(10)The plans and specifications for the recycled water transmission facilities have been approved by the department prior to construction.
(d)When appropriate, appropriate and consistent with integrated pest management strategies as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 14717 of the Government Code, planting projects undertaken or approved by the department shall include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(e)As used in this section:
(1)Local public agency means any local public agency that transmits or supplies recycled water to others.
(2)Water public utility means any privately owned water corporation that is subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Public Utilities Commission.
(a)The department shall do both of the following:
(1)Discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
(2)Eliminate any dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.
(b)The department shall require the use of recycled water for the irrigation of freeway landscaping when it finds and determines that all of the following conditions exist:
(1)The recycled water is of adequate quality and is available in adequate quantity for the proposed use.
(2)The proposed use of the recycled water is approved by the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction.
(3)There is a direct benefit to the state highway program for the proposed use of recycled water.
(4)The recycled water is supplied by a local public agency or water public utility able to contract for delivery of water and the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities to deliver the water.
(5)The installation of the water delivery facilities does not unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway or create unreasonable problems of highway maintenance and repair.
(c)In cooperation with local public agencies and water public utilities, the department shall permit local public agencies and water public utilities to place transmission lines for recycled water in freeway rights-of-way for use by the local public agencies and water public utilities to transmit recycled water to others, when to do so will promote a beneficial use of recycled water and that transmission does not unreasonably interfere with use of the freeway or unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway, subject to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) and the following additional requirements:
(1)The local public agency or water public utility holds the department harmless for any liability caused by a disruption of service to other users of the recycled water and will defend the department in any resulting legal action and pay any damages awarded as a result of that disruption.
(2)The department, in cooperation with the local public agency or water public utility, may temporarily interrupt service in order to add to or modify its facilities without liability, as specified in paragraph (1).
(3)The local public agency or water public utility obtains and furnishes the department an agreement by all other users of recycled water from the transmission system holding the department harmless for any disruption in service.
(4)The local public agency or water public utility has furnished the department a list of other recycled water users and information on any backup system or other source of water available for use in case of a service disruption.
(5)The local public agency is responsible for the initial cost or any relocation cost of the recycled water transmission lines for service to other users in the right-of-way and waives its rights to require the department to pay the relocation costs pursuant to Sections 702 and 704.
(6)The local public agency or water public utility maintains the water transmission system subject to reasonable access for maintenance purposes to be negotiated between the department and the local public agency or water public utility.
(7)The department has first priority with respect to the recycled water supply contracted for by the department.
(8)The local public agency or water public utility installs an automatic control system which will allow the water transmission system to be shut down in case of an emergency. The department shall have access to all parts of the transmission system for purposes of the agreement.
(9)All transmission lines are placed underground and as close as possible to the freeway right-of-way boundary or at other locations authorized by the department.
(10)The plans and specifications for the recycled water transmission facilities have been approved by the department prior to construction.
(d)When appropriate, highway planting projects undertaken or approved by the department shall include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(e)As used in this section:
(1)Local public agency means any local public agency that transmits or supplies recycled water to others.
(2)Water public utility means any privately owned water corporation which that is subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Public Utilities Commission.
REVISIONS: HeadingLine 2.(a)The department shall do both of the following:
(1)Discontinue further water intensive freeway landscaping and use drought resistant landscaping whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
(2)Eliminate any dependency on imported water for landscaping as soon as practicable.
(b)The department shall require the use of recycled water for the irrigation of freeway landscaping when it finds and determines that all of the following conditions exist:
(1)The recycled water is of adequate quality and is available in adequate quantity for the proposed use.
(2)The proposed use of the recycled water is approved by the California regional water quality control board having jurisdiction.
(3)There is a direct benefit to the state highway program for the proposed use of recycled water.
(4)The recycled water is supplied by a local public agency or water public utility able to contract for delivery of water and the installation, maintenance, and repair of facilities to deliver the water.
(5)The installation of the water delivery facilities does not unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway or create unreasonable problems of highway maintenance and repair.
(c)In cooperation with local public agencies and water public utilities, the department shall permit local public agencies and water public utilities to place transmission lines for recycled water in freeway rights-of-way for use by the local public agencies and water public utilities to transmit recycled water to others, when to do so will promote a beneficial use of recycled water and that transmission does not unreasonably interfere with use of the freeway or unreasonably increase any hazard to vehicles on the freeway, subject to paragraphs (1) to (5), inclusive, of subdivision (b) and the following additional requirements:
(1)The local public agency or water public utility holds the department harmless for any liability caused by a disruption of service to other users of the recycled water and will defend the department in any resulting legal action and pay any damages awarded as a result of that disruption.
(2)The department, in cooperation with the local public agency or water public utility, may temporarily interrupt service in order to add to or modify its facilities without liability, as specified in paragraph (1).
(3)The local public agency or water public utility obtains and furnishes the department an agreement by all other users of recycled water from the transmission system holding the department harmless for any disruption in service.
(4)The local public agency or water public utility has furnished the department a list of other recycled water users and information on any backup system or other source of water available for use in case of a service disruption.
(5)The local public agency is responsible for the initial cost or any relocation cost of the recycled water transmission lines for service to other users in the right-of-way and waives its rights to require the department to pay the relocation costs pursuant to Sections 702 and 704.
(6)The local public agency or water public utility maintains the water transmission system subject to reasonable access for maintenance purposes to be negotiated between the department and the local public agency or water public utility.
(7)The department has first priority with respect to the recycled water supply contracted for by the department.
(8)The local public agency or water public utility installs an automatic control system which will allow the water transmission system to be shut down in case of an emergency. The department shall have access to all parts of the transmission system for purposes of the agreement.
(9)All transmission lines are placed underground and as close as possible to the freeway right-of-way boundary or at other locations authorized by the department.
(10)The plans and specifications for the recycled water transmission facilities have been approved by the department prior to construction.
(d)When appropriate, highway planting projects undertaken or approved by the department shall include California native wildflowers as an integral and permanent part of the planting design, with priority given to those species of wildflowers that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
(d)(e)As used in this section:
(1)Local public agency means any local public agency which that transmits or supplies recycled water to others.
(2)Water public utility means any privately owned water corporation which is subject to the jurisdiction and control of the Public Utilities Commission.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2018 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 165, Statutes of 2018. |
| Aug 20, 2018 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Aug 9, 2018 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11:30 a.m. |
| Aug 6, 2018 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Jul 3, 2018 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after July 5 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. |
| Jul 2, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 26, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 25, 2018 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 15, 2018 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (May 15). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 30, 2018 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| Apr 25, 2018 | Referred to Com. on T. & H. |
| Apr 12, 2018 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Apr 12, 2018 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Apr 5, 2018 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 4, 2018 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 4). |
| Mar 20, 2018 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (March 19). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 13, 2018 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Mar 12, 2018 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 16, 2018 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Feb 8, 2018 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 10. |
| Feb 7, 2018 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 6, 2018 | AB 2062 MAIENSCHEIN Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 2, 2018 | Consent Calendar AB2062 | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 15, 2018 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation and Housing |
Passed |
|
| Apr 12, 2018 | AB 2062 MAIENSCHEIN Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 4, 2018 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Mar 19, 2018 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California State Beekeepers Association | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Center For Food Safety | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Occidental Arts and Ecology Center | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
| Pesticide Action Network North America | ** Support | Jun 27, 2018 |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 2062
Author:(Maienschein)
As Amended Ver:April 30, 2018
Majority vote
ASSEMBLY: | 68-0 | (April 12, 2018) | SENATE: | 37-0 | (July 2, 2018) |
Original Committee Reference: TRANS.
SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), when appropriate, to include California native wildflowers and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects, with priority given to those species of wildflowers that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
The Senate amendments clarify that Caltrans be consistent with integrated pest management strategies required in existing law when undertaking planting projects.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property.
- Authorizes Caltrans to take any act necessary, convenient or proper for the construction, improvement, maintenance or use of all highways within its jurisdiction.
- Requires Caltrans, where practical or desirable, to replace trees that have been destroyed or removed because of projects undertaken to widen the highway.
- Requires Caltrans to use drought resistant landscaping along freeways whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state cost.
COMMENTS: Pollinators, specifically the honey bee, are essential to the agricultural industry of our state and nation. In the United States, bees pollinate crops valued at more than $15 billion per year including many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants such as alfalfa and clover to feed cattle and other grazing animals. For example, the California almond industry, which is responsible for producing over 80% of global almond production amounting to a total value in excess of $4.8 billion, requires the pollinating services of roughly 1.4 million beehives annually.
According to the author, California's bee population has declined in recent years due to multiple factors including lack of foraging opportunity, parasitic infestation, and pesticide use. California must secure its bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of the state. Acknowledging that there is no single cause for the decline of the state's bee population, the author believes one solution to promote pollinator health year-round is to increase opportunities for foraging. This bill seeks to highlight the vital role pollinators hold in California's agricultural industry by codifying language that is already present in the state's Highway Design Manual.
Committee comments: It is unclear why this bill is necessary, as Caltrans' manuals already require the use of native wildflowers in order to encourage and nurture pollinator populations. Specifically, Caltrans Highway Design Manual states "when appropriate, planting projects must include California native wildflowers as an integral and permanent part of the planting design." It seems this bill, if enacted, would not accomplish anything more than what Caltrans is currently undertaking related to highway roadside landscaping.
Analysis Prepared by: Eric Thronson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093 FN: 0003600
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 2062
:
SENATE TRANS. & HOUSING COMMITTEE: 11-0, 5/15/18
AYES: Beall, Allen, Dodd, Gaines, Galgiani, McGuire, Morrell, Roth, Vidak, Wieckowski, Wiener
NO VOTE RECORDED: Cannella, Skinner
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0, 4/12/18 (Consent) - See last page for vote
DIGEST:
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to include California native wildflowers and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects, as specified.
Existing law:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property.
- Authorizes Caltrans to take any act necessary, convenient, or proper for the construction, improvement, maintenance, or use of all highways within its jurisdiction.
- Requires Caltrans, where practical or desirable, to replace trees that have been destroyed or removed because of projects undertaken to widen the highway.
- Requires Caltrans to use drought resistant landscaping along freeways whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
This bill:
- Requires Caltrans, when appropriate, to include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects.
- Provides that a priority shall be given to those species of wildflowers that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
Comments
- Purpose. According to the author, “Honeybees and pollinators alike are vital to the success of California’s agricultural industry and play an important role in our daily lives. One in every three bites of food consumed around the world depends on pollination, in particular bee pollination. We must secure California’s bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of our state. There is no single cause for the decline of our bee populace; however, the increase of foraging opportunities is one solution that will promote pollinator health year-round. California’s highway landscape is the perfect place to increase pollinator friendly vegetation to increase pollinator foraging opportunities.”
- Existing requirements. Highway landscaping requirements currently exist in both Caltrans’ Highway Design Manual and Maintenance Manual. Specifically, the highway design manual notes in chapter 900, “planting and irrigation design should minimize ongoing intensive maintenance activities” and specifies conserving water by “using regionally appropriate drought tolerate native and non-native plants that will require little or no supplemental water… select and arrange regionally appropriate drought tolerant native and non-native plants to be visually and culturally compatible with local indigenous plant communities and the surrounding landscape.”
- Pollinators. Pollinators, specifically the honey bee, are essential to the agricultural industry of our state and nation. In the United States, bees pollinate crops valued at more than $15 billion per year including many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants such as alfalfa and clover to feed cattle and other grazing animals. The author asserts that California’s bee population has declined in recent years due to multiple factors including lack of foraging opportunity, parasitic infestation, and pesticide use. California must secure its bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of the state. While both the Highway Design Manual and Maintenance Manual do in fact contain similar landscaping requirements as provided in this bill, existing requirements are silent on placing a priority on wildflowers and native plants that would benefit pollinator populations when appropriate. This bill provides that clarification.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
California State Beekeepers Association
Center for Food Safety
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
Pesticide Action Network North America
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/27/18)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 68-0, 4/12/18
AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Carrillo, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Choi, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gonzalez Fletcher, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Melendez, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon
NO VOTE RECORDED: Bloom, Cristina Garcia, Gray, Jones-Sawyer, Limón, Low, Mullin, Santiago, Steinorth
6/27/18 15:35:09
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING
Senator Jim Beall, Chair
2017 - 2018 Regular
Bill No: AB 2062 Hearing Date: 5/15/2018
Author: | Maienschein | ||
Version: | 4/30/2018 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Manny Leon | ||
SUBJECT: State highways: landscaping
DIGEST: This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to include California native wildflowers and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects, as specified.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property.
- Authorizes Caltrans to take any act necessary, convenient, or proper for the construction, improvement, maintenance, or use of all highways within its jurisdiction.
- Requires Caltrans, where practical or desirable, to replace trees that have been destroyed or removed because of projects undertaken to widen the highway.
- Requires Caltrans to use drought resistant landscaping along freeways whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
This bill:
- Requires Caltrans, when appropriate, to include California native wildflowers and native and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects.
- Provides that a priority shall be given to those species of wildflowers that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
COMMENTS
- Purpose. According to the author, “Honeybees and pollinators alike are vital to the success of California’s agricultural industry and play an important role in our daily lives. One in every three bites of food consumed around the world depends on pollination, in particular bee pollination. We must secure California’s bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of our state. There is no single cause for the decline of our bee populace; however, the increase of foraging opportunities is one solution that will promote pollinator health year-round. California’s highway landscape is the perfect place to increase pollinator friendly vegetation to increase pollinator foraging opportunities.”
- Existing requirements. Highway landscaping requirements currently exist in both Caltrans’ Highway Design Manual and Maintenance Manual. Specifically, the highway design manual notes in chapter 900, “planting and irrigation design should minimize ongoing intensive maintenance activities” and specifies conserving water by “using regionally appropriate drought tolerate native and non-native plants that will require little or no supplemental water… select and arrange regionally appropriate drought tolerant native and non-native plants to be visually and culturally compatible with local indigenous plant communities and the surrounding landscape.”
- Pollinators. Pollinators, specifically the honey bee, are essential to the agricultural industry of our state and nation. In the United States, bees pollinate crops valued at more than $15 billion per year including many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants such as alfalfa and clover to feed cattle and other grazing animals. The author asserts that California’s bee population has declined in recent years due to multiple factors including lack of foraging opportunity, parasitic infestation, and pesticide use. California must secure its bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of the state. While both the Highway Design Manual and Maintenance Manual do in fact contain similar landscaping requirements as provided in this bill, existing requirements are silent on placing a priority on wildflowers and native plants that would benefit pollinator populations when appropriate. This bill will provide that clarification.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:
Assembly votes:
Floor: 68-0
Approps: 15-0
Trans: 13-0
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on Wednesday,
May 9, 2018.)
SUPPORT:
California State Beekeepers Association
Center for Food Safety
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
Pesticide Action Network North America
OPPOSITION:
None received.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 4, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2062
Author:(Maienschein) – As Amended Ver:March 12, 2018
Policy Committee: | Transportation | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), when appropriate, to include California native wildflowers and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects, with priority given to species of wildflowers that help rebuild pollinator populations (such as honey bees).
FISCAL EFFECT:
Negligible fiscal effect because this bill would codify existing Caltrans policy.
COMMENTS:
- Background. Caltrans plants and maintains large landscaped areas along many state highways. It is the department’s current practice to use native wildflowers when appropriate for highway landscaping.
- Purpose. This bill codifies the existing Caltrans policy of requiring the use of native wildflowers, when appropriate. This bill also requires the use of climate-appropriate vegetation. According to the author, California’s bee population has declined in recent years due to multiple factors including lack of foraging opportunity, parasitic infestation, and pesticide use. Acknowledging that there is no single cause for the decline of the state’s bee population, the author believes one solution to promote pollinator health year-round is to increase opportunities for foraging. This bill seeks to highlight the vital role pollinators hold in California’s agricultural industry by codifying existing Caltrans policy.
Analysis Prepared by: Jessica Peters / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: March 19, 2018
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Jim Frazier, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2062 (
Author:Maienschein) – As Amended Ver:March 12, 2018
SUBJECT: State highways: landscaping
SUMMARY: Requires the Department of Transportation (Caltrans), when appropriate, to include California native wildflowers and climate-appropriate vegetation in planting projects, with priority given to those species of wildflowers that will help rebuild pollinator populations.
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that Caltrans has full possession and control of all state highways and associated property.
- Authorizes Caltrans to take any act necessary, convenient or proper for the construction, improvement, maintenance or use of all highways within its jurisdiction.
- Requires Caltrans, where practical or desirable, to replace trees that have been destroyed or removed because of projects undertaken to widen the highway.
- Requires Caltrans to use drought resistant landscaping along freeways whenever feasible, taking into consideration such factors as erosion control and fire retardant needs.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: Pollinators, specifically the honey bee, are essential to the agricultural industry of our state and nation. In the United States, bees pollinate crops valued at more than $15 billion per year including many varieties of fruits, vegetables, and plants such as alfalfa and clover to feed cattle and other grazing animals. For example, the California almond industry, which is responsible for producing over 80 percent of global almond production amounting to a total value in excess of $4.8 billion, requires the pollinating services of roughly 1.4 million beehives annually.
According to the author, California’s bee population has declined in recent years due to multiple factors including lack of foraging opportunity, parasitic infestation, and pesticide use. California must secure its bee population to ensure the future success and well-being of the state. Acknowledging that there is no single cause for the decline of the state’s bee population, the author believes one solution to promote pollinator health year-round is to increase opportunities for foraging. This bill seeks to highlight the vital role pollinators hold in California’s agricultural industry by codifying language that is already present in the state’s Highway Design Manual.
Committee comments: It is unclear why this bill is necessary, as Caltrans’ manuals already require the use of native wildflowers in order to encourage and nurture pollinator populations. Specifically, Caltrans Highway Design Manual states “when appropriate, planting projects must include California native wildflowers as an integral and permanent part of the planting design.” It seems this bill, if enacted, would not accomplish anything more than what Caltrans is currently undertaking related to highway roadside landscaping.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Eric Thronson / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
Bill Author
