Bill Outcomes: Please note at the time of printing, the governor had not yet signed these bills. AB 1963 – Paraquat Evaluation – Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to reevaluate the herbicide paraquat dichloride by January 1, 2029, and determine whether to retain, cancel or suspend its registration or place new restrictions on the herbicide. This could have an impact on agriculture’s ability to utilize the herbicide. Status: Passed the Legislature – awaiting governor signature AB 2113 – Pesticide Tax Increase – The governor’s budget included a proposal to increase the mill tax paid for by farmers on pesticides. While the mill tax was passed, agriculture was able to negotiate a deal that brought some long-sought-after wins to agriculture, including an increased timeline from two years to four years for the increase, expedited timelines required for DPR to register new products and active ingredients, and that new staffing hires be for registration of new products. The increase will begin immediately upon passage. Status: Passed the Legislature – awaiting governor signature SB 399 – Employer Communications – Restricts how businesses communicate with their employees. The aim is to limit discussions between employees and employers on “political matters,” though it could impact employers’ ability to discuss new law or regulations with their employees. Status: Passed the Legislature – awaiting governor signature AB 98 – Warehouse and Logistics Measure – Prohibits cities and counties from approving a new or expanded logistics use unless specific standards are met. Requires logistics facilities to submit truck routing plans that prioritize routes designed for heavy duty and other commercial vehicles. Status: Passed the Legislature – awaiting governor signature SB 366 – CA Water Supply Plan – Creates a water supply planning target of nine million acre-feet of additional water, water conservation, or water storage capacity to be attained by 2040, as part of the 2028 update to the California Water Plan. Status: Passed the Legislature – awaiting governor signature
34 seats will turn over — representing 25 percent of each house. While Blue Diamond is not involved in elections, we will certainly be watching the outcomes. Coming out of the elections, it will be critically important to build our relationships with these newly-elected officials and ensure their understanding of the Cooperative and our issues. This work is foundational to our success in advocacy. Blue Diamond is fortunate to have a long history of strong relationships with representatives at all levels of government. Our success can be attributed to our continued engagement and the strength of the Blue Diamond brand. The Cooperative and grower story and our delicious, nutritious product resonate with all types of elected leaders, opening the door to engage on policy discussions and important issues. This fan-based connection to our innovative products and story has created the unlikeliest of almond champions and in turn, created a broader voice for the Cooperative and our growers. In times such as these, having supporters from across the political spectrum is important for successful advocacy. Come January, we will have a new year, a new president and new elected members at all levels. Whether it is building connections to the Blue Diamond story, relationships with representatives or coalitions with our associations, your Government Affairs team continues to ensure the Cooperative and its members have a strong voice within the halls of government.
Mallorie Hayes Taasaas, Government & Public Affairs Manager, Blue Diamond Growers
Alicia Rockwell, Chief Government
& Public Affairs Officer, Blue Diamond Growers
29
SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2024
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker