RBOC testified in today’s Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee, advocating for the author and committee to revise legislation so that existing floats can be maintained without triggering a requirement that they be replaced with new floats with fully enclosed plastic foam.
RBOC will continue its engagement with Assembly Member Laura Friedman [D-Burbank] and the proponents of AB 2916 as the measure moves forward and has informed the author that it will oppose the legislation if this issue is not resolved.
As stated in the committee’s analysis of AB 2916:
“Since the intent of AB 2916 is to prevent the release of EPS or other plastic foam to the waters, the current language is requiring existing overwater structures, block or float to be in compliance at the time that existing structures are "repaired or maintained." Other legislation outside the state, for example the State of Washington, provides the following statement: "Nothing in this section applies to any dock sold, distributed or installed prior to January 1, 2024" (date when the law went in effect). The language of the State of Washington is referred to as a 'grandfather clause.' This clause addresses the concerns of stakeholders with regards to costly labor that would be required in order to make changes to existing overwater structure, blocks or floats. Furthermore, the current language uses the word "maintenance" which has broad implications. As this bill moves through the legislative process, the author may wish to consider conversations with stakeholders to further clarify if or when the bill applies to existing structures.”
RBOC advocate Jerry Desmond [far right] testifying on AB 2916 in the Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee on April 23.