June 13, 2019

The Honorable Ben Allen Chair, Senate Environmental Quality Committee State Capitol, Room 4076 Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: Assembly Bill 1588 (Gloria) – SUPPORT As Amended May 8, 2019

Dear Senator Allen:

On behalf of the Rural County Representatives of (RCRC), we support Assembly Bill 1588, authored by Assembly Member Todd Gloria, which would increase the opportunity for military veterans transitioning into civilian water and wastewater treatment occupations to receive appropriate credit for experience and education gained in this field during their military service. RCRC is an association of thirty-six rural California counties, and the RCRC Board of Directors is comprised of elected supervisors from those member counties.

Beginning in 1971, California has had criteria to govern the certification of potable water treatment facility operations. As part of meeting new standards, regulations were established (and updated over the years) regarding the level of staffing required, minimum qualifications for operator testing, and the criteria for the renewal as well as revocation of operator certificates. Known as the Drinking Water Operator Certification Program (Program), it is responsible for the testing and certification of approximately 41,000 water facility and waste water treatment operators throughout California. This Program is housed within the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), which also administers the certification examinations, issues certifications, and certification renewals

It has become increasingly difficult to meet the demand for water system operators, particularly in the rural areas of the State where the systems tend to be smaller and more remote. Further aggravating the situation is the expected retirement of many experienced operators as noted in industry reports over the past few years. Meanwhile, many military service members leave active duty each year with the requisite technical skillsets that can easily transition to civilian opportunities with water and wastewater treatment facilities. Recognizing these skillsets and the experience

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AB 1588 provides a pathway for military veterans to apply their experience toward a new career in a civilian setting. In addition, it ensures that the California water sector has a robust pool of skilled talent from which to draw. This is a particular need in disadvantaged communities, many of which are within RCRC member counties.

For the above reasons, RCRC respectfully requests your ‘Aye’ vote when this measure is heard before your Committee.

Sincerely,

MARY-ANN WARMERDAM Senior Legislative Advocate

cc: The Honorable Todd Gloria, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Randy Voepel, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Jim Patterson, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Brian Maienschein, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Tasha Boerner Horvath, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Adam Gray, Member of the State Assembly The Honorable Patricia Bates, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Bill Dodd, Member of the State Senate The Honorable Jeffrey Stone, Member of the State Senate The Honorable , Member of the State Senate The Honorable , Member of the State Senate The Honorable , Member of the State Senate Members of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee Gabrielle Meindl, Chief Consultant, Senate Environmental Quality Committee Scott Seekatz, Consultant, Senate Republican Caucus