Wolk resources legislation gets bipartisan support

Bills would strengthen Delta Protection Commission, reduce waste of recycled concrete

• AB 797 reforms the Delta Protection Act and updates the Delta Protection Commission.
• AB 574 eliminates unnecessary construction waste. Concrete is very costly to produce both economically and environmentally. Over 1,700,000 BTUs of energy are used to produce a single yard of concrete. About 300 pounds of CO2 emissions are created in the production of a single ton of cement. Other materials used to make concrete, including water and aggregate (rock particles of various sizes used to strengthen concrete) are also used in large amounts.

“AB 797 addresses the urgent need for a stronger Delta Protection Commission. Since 1992, when the Delta Protection Act and the Delta Protection Commission were established, roughly 45,000 acres of agricultural land in the Delta region have been converted to urban uses. By 2025, the region is expected to grow by almost 1.5 million people,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “The Delta is the heart and well being of California, supplying irrigation water to 4 million acres of agriculture and drinking water to 22 million people. Now, more than ever, we need a single state agency to evaluate the potential impacts of Delta urbanization on water quality, flood control, agriculture, the environment and recreation.”

“AB 574 saves both money and resources while informing consumers,” said Wolk. “Currently, approximately 67 percent of waste, by weight, from construction sites is from returned concrete. That represents nearly 3 percent of total production of statewide-tons of material each year. Materials used in concrete are already in short supply. This bill would ensure that a large portion of them is recycled.”

Assembly Bills 797 and 574 will next be heard in Assembly Appropriations. AB 797 is supported by the Planning and Conservation League, Sierra Club, Native Plant Society. AB 574 is supported by Southern California Rock Products Association, Southern California Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Construction Materials Association of California, and California Portland Cement Company.