California Assembly Bill AB1413

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/19/21
• Failed: 2/1/22

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.