Environmental Quality
The Environmental Quality (EQ) Policy Committee reviews issues related to air, water and water quality, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), solid waste and recycling, hazardous materials, coastal issues, utilities, and wildfires.
Learn how Cal Cities Policy Committees work!
View the 2027 Policy Committee Schedule.
Policy Committee
2026 Chair - Max Perrey, Mayor, Mill Valley
2026 Vice Chair - Scott Bauer, Council Member, Eureka
The committee's membership is comprised of representatives from each of the Cal Cities professional departments, regional divisions, and caucuses, and appointments by the Cal Cities president.
The Environmental Quality Policy Committee will meet in 2026 on the following dates and times:
- Friday, January 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Agenda | Highlights
- Friday, March 27, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
Agenda | Highlights
- Friday, June 5, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Virtual
Agenda | Highlights
- Friday, January 24
Agenda | Highlights
- Friday, March 28
Agenda | Highlights
- Friday, June 13
Agenda | Highlights
Current Action in the Legislature
Resources for Cities
by Environmental Quality Issue
- AB 98 (2024) Overview (Planning and Standards for New and Expanded Warehouses) Presentation and Webinar Recording
- California Air Resources Board (CARB)
- Governor Newsom's Executive Order on Electric Vehicles
- California Strategic Growth Council: Transformative Climate Communities
- Climate Action Page (ILG)
- Cap-and-Trade Benefits to Californians (CARB)
- California Climate Investments: Cap-and-Trade Dollars at Work
- Resilient CA - Governor's Office of Planning and Research Clearinghouse database to find resources on climate adaptation and resiliency efforts in California
- California Adaptation Planning Guide for Local Governments (Cal OES)
Want to know more about organic waste recycling and SB 1383? Find more information including the background of the bill, CalRecycle Education Outreach tools, and additional resources on the SB 1383 Implementation page.
- Long-Term Water Conservation Formal Rulemaking: Making Conservation a Way of Life
- SB 205 (Hertzberg, 2019) Implementation FAQs for Cities and Counties
- California State Water Resources Control Board National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - Wastewater Landing Page
- California State Water Resources Control Board Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinances Landing Page
- Department of Water Resources FAQ's on Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinances (MWELO)
- Water Policy Guidelines
- Water Conservation Leadership Guide: Issues for Local Officials to Consider (ILG)
- Water and Wastewater Systems Resources (ILG)
- California State Water Resources Control Board
California State Water Resources Control Board Storm Water Program
- Overview Handout : LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Approval Process
- LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Approval Process Webinar Recording and Presentation
- State Fire Marshal’s Office LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map Informational Hub
- California Department of Insurance Frequently Asked Questions on Fire Hazard Severity Zone Maps
- PG&E, power shutoff resources
- SCE, power shutoff resources
- SDG&E, power shutoff resources
- CAL FIRE's prepare for wildfires
- Tips for preparing for a power shutoff or wildfire
California Grants Portal
The California Grants Portal (a project by the California State Library) is your one destination to find all grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.
Take Action
Our advocacy efforts are strongest when joined by the voices of city leaders. Visit the action center for a list of current priority legislative bills and proposals, and sample letters of support or opposition.
Contact Staff
Melissa Sparks-Kranz
Legislative Advocate, Environmental Quality
916-658-8232
Curious why Cal Cities supports or opposes certain bills or measures? Advocacy efforts are determined by Annual Conference Resolutions or the Existing Policy and Guiding Principles.