Agenda Memo
CITY HALL - ONE FRANK H. OGAWA PLAZA, 2 ND FLOOR - OAKLAND - CALIFORNIA - 94612
FROM: KEVIN JENKINS (510) 238-7006
Council President (District 6) E-mail: [email protected]
TO: Oakland City Councilmembers and Members of the Public SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution in Support of Senate Bill 1313 (McNerney), legislation that would enhance oversight, accountability, and state support for public water systems by expanding eligible uses of the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund to include projects addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in drinking water systems.
This memorandum is to show support for Senate Bill 1313 (McNerney) proposes updates to existing California law governing the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Specifically, the bill would clarify that funds administered by the State Water Resources Control Board may be used for projects that address PFAS contamination in public drinking water systems. PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are persistent contaminants that pose significant risks to public health and environmental safety.
The proposed legislation would also authorize the State Water Resources Control Board to implement these changes through updates to its policy handbook, streamlining the process and ensuring local water agencies can more efficiently access state funding resources for remediation and infrastructure improvements.
The City of Oakland recognizes the importance of protecting public health, maintaining safe and reliable drinking water systems, and ensuring that local jurisdictions have access to critical state resources needed to address emerging environmental contaminants. Adoption of this resolution would formally express the City’s support for SB 1313 and direct the City Clerk to transmit the resolution to the California State Legislature and relevant state agencies.