California 2021-2022 Regular Session

California Assembly Bill AB1413

Introduced
2/19/21  
Introduced
2/19/21  

Caption

Urban forestry: grant assistance.

Impact

If enacted, AB 1413 could have a notable impact on state laws governing urban forestry by allowing the Director of Forestry and Fire Protection increased capacity to offer grants covering 25% to 90% of project costs. This would empower cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations in disadvantaged communities to address environmental challenges through urban forestry initiatives. Furthermore, the bill enables the waiver of cost-sharing requirements for projects within low-income areas, fostering equitable access to funding for crucial environmental projects.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1413, introduced by Assembly Member Cunningham, seeks to amend Section 4799.12 of the Public Resources Code concerning urban forestry. The main focus of the bill is intended to provide grant assistance for projects that promote the integration of urban forest resources. This is in line with the broader objectives of the California Urban Forestry Act of 1978, which aims to enhance urban forest resources and ensure their benefits are optimized within communities. The amendment proposed is largely nonsubstantive, aiming to streamline existing assistance frameworks without altering key elements of current law.

Contention

One area of potential contention surrounding AB 1413 relates to the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of such grant programs in addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities. Critics may question whether the funding will substantively benefit the intended communities or if it risks further complicating the administrative processes involved in accessing these grants. Additionally, discussions may arise surrounding environmental priorities, especially with respect to competing interests for funding within state budgets.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CA AB527

Urban forestry: school greening projects: grants.

CA AB2600

Urban forestry: school greening projects: grants.

CA AB2465

Equity: socially disadvantaged groups and organizations: grants.

CA SB675

Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.

CA AB297

Wildfires: local assistance grant program: prescribed grazing: advance payments.

CA AB1567

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Clean Energy, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2024.

CA SB867

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024.

CA AB2639

Forestry: timber operations: maintenance of timberlands for fuels reduction.

CA SB504

Wildfires: defensible space: grant programs: local governments.

CA AB2276

Forestry: timber harvesting plans: exemptions.

Similar Bills

CA AB2251

Urban forestry: statewide strategic plan.

CA AB1530

Urban forestry.

CA AB803

Urban forestry: school greening.

CA AB2465

Equity: socially disadvantaged groups and organizations: grants.

CA SB5

California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018.

CA AB2387

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2022.

CA AB1567

Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparation, Flood Protection, Extreme Heat Mitigation, Clean Energy, and Workforce Development Bond Act of 2024.

CA SB45

Short-lived climate pollutants: organic waste reduction goals: local jurisdiction assistance.