Library districts make books, learning, and programs accessible — keeping communities informed, inspired, and connected.

#NSDAdistricts #NationalLibraryWeek

Guest Commentary | California’s clean fleet rules must not compromise emergency response “Protecting our communities and making progress on our shared environmental goals are not mutually exclusive,” writes Melanie Mow Schumacher in a Guest Commentary. “At the Soquel Creek Water District,...

Policies that constrain emergency response lead to compounding the disastrous impacts of these events."

— Melanie Mow Schumacher, General Manager, Soquel Creek Water District

Read more: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/04/16/g...

"No agency can effectively protect the public with 75% of its emergency fleet grounded or unavailable if they are not ZEVs. California has already experienced devastating wildfires, storms and power outages.

California #ZEV regulations ban trucks that protect our environment.

Public comment period ends TODAY!

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibility

It was a valuable opportunity to share the important work special districts do in our communities and discuss key issues impacting local services. Conversations like these help strengthen partnerships and support effective community solutions.

Yesterday, CSDA Senior Field Coordinator Chris Palmer met with CA State Sen. Kelly Seyarto’s district office staff, alongside Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Tenaja Community Services District.

Local agencies are being asked to do the impossible. Without expanded #ZEV exemptions, emergency response is at risk.

Public comment period end APRIL 17.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: http://csda.net/zev-flexibility

🎥 Kimberly Thorner, General Manager, Olivenhain Municipal Water District

CA #ZEV regulations ban trucks that keep sewers working in our communities.

Public comment period ends TOMORROW.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibility

Thank you U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) for championing H.R. 2766, the Special District Fairness and Accessibility Act of 2026, at the March 18th mark-up hearing. We appreciate your support and commitment to advancing this important legislation! @robertgarcia.bsky.social

#NSDAdistricts #HR2766

Opinion: CARB zero-emission mandate risks emergency readiness CARB must be far more flexible in rules on government agency fleets..

I shudder to think what would be lost in terms of life and property if we were hindered in our emergency response.”

— Kimberly Thorner, Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager

Read more: www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/04/08/o...

@airresources.bsky.social

“In January 2025 alone we received seven public safety power shutoffs. In high-stakes emergencies, we can’t afford to be limited by range, charging access or grid reliability. We need vehicles immediately available that can operate around the clock for days on end to keep the water flowing.

75% of California voters support expanding CARB #ZEV exemptions to include all vehicles expected to respond in emergency situations.

Public comment period ends TOMORROW.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: http://csda.net/zev-flexibility

🎥 @adamprobolsky.bsky.social, President, Probolsky Research

California #ZEV regulations ban trucks that keep the power on and protect lives.

Public comment period ends APRIL 17.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibility

Paradise Irrigation District says CARB ZEV mandate could impact disaster response The Paradise Irrigation District (PID) is raising concerns about the California Air Resources Board's Advanced Clean Fleets zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) regulati

Watch Phillips share a real-world perspective on how the CARB #ZEV mandate would affect recovery efforts during an actual fire: krcrtv.com/news/local/p...

“We have pipes and we have service ladders, we have large tanks. These are heavy vehicles that are really necessary to be available on a moment’s notice when an emergency happens.”

— Kevin Phillips, Paradise Irrigation District Manager

Opinion: CARB zero-emission mandate risks emergency readiness CARB must be far more flexible in rules on government agency fleets..

It’s hard to fight fires without water.”

— Kimberly Thorner, Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager

Read more: sandiegouniontribune.com/2026/04/08/o...

@airresources.bsky.social

“Local agencies cannot have their ability to respond capped, especially when major incidents require regionwide support. Fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles are exempt, but the support vehicles that enable emergency response — such as trucks that tow fuel to water pumps — are not.

When emergencies hit, these trucks are on the front lines. Don’t let CA #ZEV regulations take them off the road. Public comment period ends APRIL 17.

Ask #CARB for flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibility.

Local districts urge regulation flexibility on emergency support vehicles On Thursday morning, a group of managers from special districts held a press briefing to discuss how the California Air Resources Board’s regulations are hurting smaller communities.

"It’s imperative that CARB understands that one size does not fit all, particularly in our rural communities."

— Jon Barrett, RCD of Tehama County District Manager

#CARB #ZEV

Read more: www.redbluffdailynews.com/2026/04/10/l...

As #SpecialDistrictsWeek wraps up, we’re grateful for the ~2,000 districts and 160,000+ professionals serving communities across California.

We remain committed to collaboration between state and local governments.

Learn more:
www.csda.net/advocate/take-action/spe...

Happy Special Districts Week, California! 🎉

We’re proud to recognize and congratulate California Special Districts Association and the nearly 2,000 independent special districts serving communities across the Golden State.

#NSDAdistricts

Public comment period ends APRIL 17.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibil...

#ZEV

Soquel Creek Water District and other local agencies rely on vehicles that can tow up to five tons during emergencies. Comparable electric vehicles tow far less — or aren’t rated for towing at all — putting public safety and water reliability at risk.

The trucks that keep water flowing and protect our neighborhoods shouldn’t be banned. CA #ZEV rules need local flexibility.

Public comment period ends APRIL 17.

Ask #CARB for local flexibility: csda.net/zev-flexibility.

"California has already experienced devastating wildfires and extreme weather — common sense tells us constraints like this could dramatically magnify future disasters.”

— Kimberly Thorner, Olivenhain Municipal Water District General Manager

@airresources.bsky.social

Read more:

“Emergencies don’t wait for regulations, and they don’t scale themselves to fit an arbitrary percentage. Reducing our usable emergency vehicles by 75% would endanger the community we serve."

We’re grateful to everyone who participated and showed up to advocate for their districts. These conversations play an important role in ensuring the needs of special districts are heard and supported at the state level.

#SDLD2026 @asmransom.bsky.social

A special thank you to our sponsors and partners for creating the space for district leaders to come together to learn, connect, and meet directly with legislative representatives.

Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Special Districts Legislative Days a success. The strong turnout once again showed the power and collective voice of California’s special districts.

Thanks to the offices of Congressman Tom McClintock, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (@usrepjimmypanetta.bsky.social), and Rep. Linda Sánchez (@replindasanchez.bsky.social) for discussing protecting nonprofits and defining special districts in federal law.