Councilwoman Haney spoke of the support of Federal PFAS legislation that would protect ratepayers and water/wastewater agencies. Under existing law, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) ensures that public health benefits of new drinking water standards are reasonably balanced with the compliance costs that water system ratepayers will ultimately incur, and eliminating this would burden ratepayers of all income levels with PFAS compliance costs.
Steve Sheldon, President of the Orange County Water District, thanked Council for considering this item and expressed the District's concerns regarding the PFAS regulations and the need for having such exemption.
City Clerk Brown said there were no public comments.
Councilwoman Haney asked President Sheldon if any cities have been opposed to the resolution. President Sheldon said he cannot think of any reason why a city would be opposed to the resolution as it simply exempts those who are removing PFAS from the water and would protect ratepayers. City Attorney Litfin added that this would not impose liability on the City either.
Councilwoman Campbell asked if the Yorba Linda Water District is supporting this item and inquired if any cities that do not have an independently elected water board, like Yorba Linda, have supported this item. President Sheldon mentioned that some cities that have control of water rates have already taken a stance, but not a city that has no control over water issues and rates. Mr. Sheldon also indicted that the Yorba Linda Water District is in support of the item.
Councilwoman Campbell said there has been discussion at prior meetings regarding not acting on legislative items that are not under the direct purview of Council, therefore she will be abstaining from the item. She expressed her appreciation to the Yorba Linda Water District for being proactive in supporting the item.