RES 94074 - Laserfiche WebLink

disadvantage. Since environmental impacts are often regional in nature there is little rationale for such disparities. Regional coordination meetings are needed for applicants when permits are required from multiple agencies. Local support of business is critical when state and federal agencies must be approached for ~ssistance or relief from requirements. State and federal regulations can be influenced by strong local support. Specialized permitting and services available in one city or county should be made available to other agencies without the same level of knowledge and experience. E. COMPJ lANCE: Environmental protection has a cost. 1. Environmental issues are increasingly time consuming. Both public and private sectors find regulations difficult to understand (California Env'tronmemal Quality Act, National Environmental Policy Act, hazardous waste regulations). 3. Compliance costs are increasing. VI. BACKGROUND INFORMATION For years, we hav~ witnessed a downturn in our economy and in economic gro~rth that many in the private sector attribute to a burdensome state and local regulatory and permitting proms. In an effort to identify and confront impediments to reasonable progress in Alame& County and its cities, the Red Tape Round Table was formed as a spedal project of the Alameda County Economic Development Advisory Board. ks formation was in response to recommendations contained in a recent report of the California State Assodation of Counties and the California Council on Pattnership's Task Force that red tape be cut at the local level The Task Fome was a cooperative effor~ of representatives from businesses, the League of California Cities and counties from throughout the state and was co-chaired by Mary King, Supervisor, Alameda County and Jim Barden, President, AT&T Communications of California. That study focused on changes in policies and procedures that would make the system more workable and not on substantive policies that underlie 12