FROM:
David Donery, Town Manager
SUBJECT:
title
Authorize the mayor to send a letter in opposition to Senate Bill (SB) 396 (Dahle) - Forestry: electrical transmission or distribution lines: clearances: notice and opportunity to be heard.
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Authorize the mayor to send a letter in opposition to SB 396 (Dahle).
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DISCUSSION
SB 396 would allow electrical utility companies to enter private property without permission of the landowner or homeowner; trim and cut down trees - including live trees; and then leave the downed trees, limbs, and debris for the owner to deal with. It would allow the companies to ignore environmental considerations, the rights of private landowners and homeowners, and the public interest, even when doing so would increase the fire risk for landowners and communities. The draft letter is modelled on one sent by the Sierra Club. It provides additional details on the why the Council may wish to oppose this legislation.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
CEQA AND CLIMATE ACTION PLAN CONSISTENCY
Authorizing the mayor to send this letter is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), under the “common sense” exemption, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 15061).
Attachment 1 - Letter
Attachment 2- SB 396