AB 474: Government Act - Support for Artificial Turf!

Artificial Turf continues to gain support and momentum as a water conservation measure.  On April 22, 2009 The Assembly Committee on Local Government held a hearing to consider modifications to existing laws (AB 474) to allow public agencies to enter into contractual assessments to finance commercial and residentail water efficiency improvements to include the installation of synthetic and artificial turf.  This would expand the scope of allowable projects beyond the currently authorized renewable energy source projects and energy efficiency projects.

This proposed modification was driven by the Legislature's intention to address chronic water needs throughout California.  It specifically states that "...the authorization created by this bill should be used to finance the installation of water efficiency improvements that are permanently fixed to residential, commercial,.... or other real property, including by not limited to, recycled water connections, synthetic turf, ..."

The goal of the existing law and the proposed modification includes "... to finance the cost of energy efficiency improvements in order to make them more affordable and promote their installation."

Examples of water efficiency improvements include permeable pavement, recycled water piping, drip irrigation, cisterns, synthetic turf,etc.  The author of the bill (Assembly member Bob Blumenfield) states that AB 474 "will create financing opportunities to residential, commercial, and agricultural property owners who want to be more responsible water users..."

The bill, supporting the installation of artificial turf, was publicly endorsed on May 11th, 2009 by the Southern California Water Committee.

The bill was passed in the assembly the week of May 18th 2009.  It comes at a critical time. According to Blumenfield "Across the state we are facing record low rainfalls; a possible 3rd consecutive year of drought; reservoirs at 50% of normal capacity; and mandatory water rationing and restrictions in some communities.  In the face of this crisis, we need to redouble our efforts to conserve."

Take the time to consider how an artificial turf installation can help you do your part.  Check out our artificial turf cost comparision and see how a artificial turf installation can pay for itself within 3 years!