LEGISLATIVE BULLETIN
December 19, 2022
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CARB Approves 2022 Scoping Plan
On Thursday, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved its final proposed 2022 Scoping Plan for Achieving Carbon Neutrality. According to a press release issued by CARB after its vote to approve the plan, full implementation of the Scoping Plan would “reduce demand for petroleum by 94%, cut air pollution by 71%, reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85%” and enable the state to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.
As previously reported in Legislative Bulletin, the Scoping Plan takes an inconsistent approach to livestock grazing, arguing that the State should “Accelerate demand for dairy and livestock product substitutes such as plant-based or cell-cultured” products to diminish livestock methane emissions while simultaneously calling for “prescribed grazing…to support soil carbon sequestration” and utilizing “livestock to consume vegetation to reduce fuel loads…in forests, grasslands, and shrublands.”
As noted by CARB in its press release, implementation of the Scoping Plan “will require collaboration across state agencies and local governments, along with the full participation of all stakeholders.” CCA will engage with the Administration throughout implementation of the Scoping Plan to ensure proper recognition of the beneficial role livestock grazing plays in climate resilience.
Curtailments Still Lifted in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, Russian River Watersheds
No significant changes have been made to State Water Resources Control Board’s (SWRCB) water rights curtailment orders since the update in last week’s Legislative Bulletin.
All curtailments remain temporarily suspended within the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Water rights holders are encouraged to monitor the Delta Watershed Curtailment Status list, and the SWRCB is expected to issue its next curtailment update for the watershed tomorrow. Curtailments also remain lifted within the Russian River Watershed, likely through at least the end of this year.
Curtailments remain in effect within the Scott and Shasta River watersheds and the Mill Creek and Deer Creek watersheds. For more information on those curtailments, see last week’s edition of Legislative Bulletin.
USDA Publishes Final Rule Implementing Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program
Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a final rule establishing a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program. Under the Pilot Program, packers will be required to provide USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) with “contract information for the purchase of cattle and the number of actual and estimated cattle purchased under active contracts within particular timeframes.” The Final Rule was actively shaped by CCA’s national partner, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association – with input from CCA and other state affiliates – and includes confidentiality provisions to protect individual producers. For more information, see last week’s edition of Legislative Bulletin.
New Episode of Stories from California Cattle Country
Stories from California Cattle Country, “The lovely, tiny town of Pozo with Steve Arnold” is out now. To listen to the episode, click here. Stories from California Cattle Country is produced by The California Cattlemen’s Foundation with support from the California Cattle Council. If you want a glimpse into our travels, follow the podcast’s Instagram account @calcattlecountry.
Industry News
Labor Dept.’s proposed independent contractor rule could impact agCapital Press “The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a new set of guidelines for distinguishing employees from independent contractors.Labor experts say the proposed rule, which would likely make it harder for businesses to classify workers as contractors, could have far-reaching impacts across American industries, including the agricultural sector.” To continue reading, click here.
As California cools, federal government poised to pass last-minute laws to address wildfires The Sacramento Bee “Congressional measures that could help California with wildfire prevention and mitigation are poised to become law in the final days of this legislative session.” To continue reading, click here.
Beyond Meat is starting to lose ground to real meat, analyst saysMarketWatch “Fake-meat maker Beyond Meat Inc. faces weakening demand and more competition — including from real meat — with more losses likely up ahead, an analyst said in making the case for downgrading the stock.” To continue reading, click here.
Scientists mapping out wildfire across entire State of California KSBY6 “Scientists are setting out to gain a much more detailed understanding of wildfire risk across California. It’s part of a multi-agency effort to prevent the next big fire.” To continue reading, click here.
In this final episode of season two, get to know San Luis Obispo County cattleman Steve Arnold as he will lead CCA as president over the next two years. Click here to listen.
