Political notebook: Assembly members appointed to committees
By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
Local Assembly members have announced their committee appointments for the legislative session.
Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, has been appointed vice-chair of the Natural Resources Committee and will continue to sit on the Budget Committee, according to a news release from her office.
The Natural Resources Committee's jurisdiction includes water and air quality, forestry, recycling and land conservation. Legislation regulating "fracking" oil and natural gas extraction methods and California Environmental Quality Act reform are expected to come before the committee this session, according to the news release.
"The people of Kern County feed, clothe, fuel and protect not just the state but the entire country. What we think and do here in Kern County does matter, because if our key industries -- agriculture, energy production and defense -- are under attack from the state legislature, it hurts not just on the local level, but statewide and nationally," Grove said in the news release. "As vice chair of Natural Resources, I'll work to ensure that these vital industries are protected so they can continue to thrive."
Freshman Assemblyman Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield, was appointed to the Accountability and Administrative Review Committee, Governmental Organization Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee, according to a news release from his office.
The Accountability and Administrative Review Committee looks for savings and efficiencies in the management of state government and reviews the effectiveness of state programs and agencies.
The Governmental Organization Committee's jurisdictions include alcohol, Indian gaming, gambling, public records, open meeting laws and outdoor advertising. The Veterans Affairs Committee's arena includes the Cal-Vet loan program and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"I am looking foward to working on these important issues and finding ways to streamline government, protect our veterans, minimize over-burdensome regulations and providing cost-effective services," Salas said in the news release.
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