The Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley

MCCV News

January/February 2000 Volume 3 Issue 12

Printed and Distributed by Chris Reardon
MCCV Executive Director
(209) 523-0886
Email: CWRMCCV@worldnet.att.net

MCCV COMPLETES RMP PUBLIC MEETINGS

The MCCV assisted member companies in San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced and Fresno Counties complete their Risk Management Plan Public meeting requirements by February 1, 2000 - consistent with Federal regulations. We did not encounter community participation at any of these events. A special thank you goes out to Modesto Irrigation District for allowing us to use their conference room for our strategic planning meetings as well as all of you who made this process work.

MAYOR SABATINO MEETS WITH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Newly elected City of Modesto mayor Carmen Sabatino recently sat down with our Executive Committee at our January meeting. We provided the mayor with an overall view of the council as well as described issues of concern - sewer and water rates, transportation, growth and the importance of the City/County relationship and its impact to our membership. At the conclusion of our meeting, the mayor indicated he looked forward to working with us so that we can continue to grow and prosper.

SJVUAPCD LOSES BID TO "CARVE OUT" SPECIAL DESIGNATION TO DEAL WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIESEL FLEETS

The San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District recently lost a unanimous decision at the February California Air Resource Board to "Carve Out" themselves along with the South Coast Air District. This cave out would have allowed them to specify either new diesel technology or alternative fuels when retrofitting local government diesel fleets. This is significant because it contradicts ARB's dual pathway policy of looking at both new diesel and alternative fuels. Another point to make is that if this carve out was approved, this rule would not preclude this district from going after private fleets to garner more emissions. Finally, it should be mentioned that this special designation did not go through our public process of our Citizen Advisory Committee and then governing board direction. It is a troubling discovery and at our recent board meeting, the board made clear to the Air Pollution Control Officer that this is a public policy issue that needs direct board participation.

Welcome New MCCV Member

SupHerb Farms

COMMITTEE NEWS AT A GLANCE

• Sue Gornick of E&J Gallo was recently appointed as the new alternate member of the Air District's Citizen Advisory Committee representing Industry/Agriculture. This position became available after long time committee member Tim Byrd stepped down. Many thanks to Tim for his years of service and commitment on Air Quality issues.

• MCCV's TDS Study is nearing completion. The final touches are in process as we speak and I understand that the study will provide excellent information to both our membership and the City of Modesto as we look toward the next Regional Water Board Meeting.

• The California League of Food Processors has identified Assemblyman Dean Florez of Fresno to carry legislation addressing our concerns on "cost effectiveness". AB2283 is in draft form and the MCCV's special Air Quality subcommittee will be looking closely at this legislation. We have tentatively been listed as a co-sponsor of the bill.

• Transportation issues are starting to gather more attention. The Central Stanislaus Freight Study is underway along with the county looking at measures to expedite the movement of goods and services in a more efficient and effective manner around the county.

• A special thank you to Dorene "DeeDee" D’Adamo who recently spoke at our Board of Director's meeting in January. Dorene serves as Legal Counsel to Congressman Gary Condit as well as a new member of the California Air Resources Board. Dorene focused her remarks on the air quality challenges facing industry in the Central Valley.

Council Events

March 21, 2000
Committee Meetings
Location to be announced

Water Use Meeting

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

General Regulatory Meeting

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Air Committee Meeting

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Executive Committee Meeting

March 23, 2000
6:45 a.m. - 8 a.m.
DoubleTree Hotel
Modesto, CA

Board of Director's Meeting

Aoril 7, 2000
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel
Modesto, CA