September 10, 2019

 

California Legislative Alert

 

AB 1086 (Bauer-Kahan) Off-highway vehicular recreation: Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area:  Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area

(As Amended September 6, 2019)

 

AB 1086 is in the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee – This is a gut-and-amend bill and is very similar to SB 767 (Glazer) which was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 30 and became a 2-year bill. 

 

In addition to the policy objections to the measure, we are distressed that such an underhanded process is being attempted with this bill with one week to go in the Legislature.  It is disenfranchising to the many stakeholders that would be impacted by such actions and is not representative governance.

The Off Road Vehicle Legislative Coalition is comprised of several statewide or regional organizations of OHV enthusiasts.  Our coalition has reviewed AB 1086 and strongly opposes this bill that would deny opportunities for local Bay Area residents, including the elderly and disabled and motorized recreation enthusiasts.

• The land in question was purchased using funds from the Off Highway Vehicle Trust Fund, with agreement as to the future purpose of the land signed by adjacent landowners.  Subsequent to the purchase of the land by the Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of State Parks, extensive work was begun to correct 20 years of previous neglect, including disregard of cultural and natural resources, and to bring the property up to the high environmental standards mandated by State Parks.
• California’s environmental justice statute promotes the fair treatment of all people, regardless of economic advantage. State Parks takes adherence to these principles very seriously and therefore has proposed a plan for the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area that enhances opportunities for all California residents – AB 1086 ignores this inclusiveness.
• AB 1086 proposes the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area should be under the control of the privileged instead of the proven stewardship of State Parks which would also serve to eliminate the security of state law insuring inclusiveness and access for all Californians.
• Two years ago, the legislature widely supported and passed SB 249 (Allen, Chapter 459, Statutes of 2017), which created a series of environmental responsibilities including monitoring and review for all land overseen by State Parks and managed by the Off Highway Motorized Recreation Division. The environmental responsibilities in SB 249 go far beyond what any local county, city or non-profit is mandated to do or can afford to provide.  Thus, this Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area should be left in the control of State Parks and thereby benefit from its expertise.
• AB 1086 would set a dangerous precedent by encouraging local landowners who object to the location of any state park, preserve or beach to push legislation to privatize that specific location.
• This action would support privatization of public land and hurt many Californians looking forward to enjoying experiences the Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area will have to offer upon completion.
• State parks should remain for the benefit of all Californians, not just a select few.

Please CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS NOW!

This is the last week of the legislative session, ending this Friday, September 13, and bills can move very quickly.  It is important that you contact the following IMMEDIATELY and urge them to vote “NO” on AB 1086:

1. Your State Senator
2. Your State Assemblymember
3. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon

Assembly Speaker	District	Party	Phone	E-Mail Address
Rendon, Anthony	63	D	916 319 2063	assemblymember.rendon@assembly.ca.gov

• 4)     Senate Pro Tempore Toni Atkins

Senate President Pro Tem	District	Party	Phone	E-Mail Address
Atkins, Toni	39	D	916 651 4039	senator.atkins@senate.ca.gov

Don’t know who your state senator and assemblymember are? 

1)     Go to: http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

2)     Enter your address, city and zip code.  Click on “Locate.”  Your Senator and Assemblymember will appear to the right of the map along with his/her contact information.

Also, in addition to contacting your Senator and Assemblymember, please contact Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Senate Pro Tempore President Toni Atkins.

Your action in opposing AB 1086 is CRITICAL.  Please ACT NOW to oppose this bill.