[Source: Associated Press] President Donald Trump is ready to roll back a foundational Nixon-era environmental law that he says stifles major infrastructure projects, but that environmentalists say has served for decades as a safeguard for low-income and minority communities. Trump was traveling to Atlanta on Wednesday to formally announce changes to the National Environmental Policy Read More…
Newsroom
Struggling businesses face billions in increased taxes
[Source: CalChamber] 2020’s recipe has proven to be equal parts unpredictable and incalculable with a heaping helping of calamity and lest we forget the generous scoop of crisis. Despite this year’s twists and turns one constant remains–California’s turbulent business climate. Unemployment figures wax and wane near Depression Era levels while certain market sectors close, partially Read More…
Split roll initiative’s risks and negative side effects grow by the day
[Source: Orange County Register] In November, Californians will vote on whether to increase commercial property taxes. The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2020, more commonly known as the split-roll initiative because it treats commercial and residential properties differently, will be coming to the ballot at an inopportune time. It is unlikely to Read More…
Governor Newsom announces closure of ALL indoor activities
[Source: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce] The Governor has ordered the closure of indoor operations in the 30 monitoring counties, including Orange County, for the following industries: Fitness Centers Places of Worship Offices for Non-Critical Sectors Personal Care Services Hair Salons and Barbershops Malls The Governor’s earlier closure of indoor operations in restaurants, wineries and tasting Read More…
November ballot takes shape with assignment of proposition numbers
[Source: CalChamber] Secretary of State Alex Padilla has assigned proposition numbers to the legislative, initiative and referendum measures set to appear on the November 3 General Election ballot. The proposition numbers and brief descriptions appear below. Where the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has adopted a position, that action is noted. • Proposition Read More…
Cosmetics sold in California are set for a face lift
[Source: National Law Review] On June 11, 2020, the California Assembly passed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Assembly Bill (A.B.) 2762 [1], by a bipartisan vote of 54-0. If enacted by the Senate, the law would be the first in the United States to ban twelve ingredients, including mercury and formaldehyde, from beauty and personal care Read More…
SB 1383 should be rejected
[Source: Fox&Hounds] As part of the recent budget deal struck last weekend between the Legislature and the Governor, SB 1383 (Jackson) would create a massive expansion of protected leave under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). The bill came into print at 9pm on June 23 and was heard about the same time a day Read More…
New rule in California will require zero-emissions trucks
[Source: The New York Times] Rebuffing strong opposition from industry, California on Thursday adopted a landmark rule requiring more than half of all trucks sold in the state to be zero-emissions by 2035, a move that is expected to improve local air quality, rein in greenhouse gas emissions and sharply curtail the state’s dependence on Read More…
California re-evaluating its landmark climate strategy
[Source: CalMatters] California EPA Secretary Jared Blumenfeld laid out plans for re-examining whether the program is likely to meet its goals for reducing greenhouse gases. It signals a shift in the administration’s attitude and reflects problems posed by the pandemic-caused recession. As the coronavirus pandemic and recession hits California, the governor’s top environmental official has Read More…