An advocate for rural California
The Rural Counties’ Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) is a 26-member county service organization that leads solid waste regulatory and legislative policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.
Established in 1993, ESJPA works with its membership to advocate in response to new and costly State and federal mandates and policies regulating solid waste management programs. ESJPA represents the rural county perspective on various policy and issue areas, including those that impact solid waste facilities, reuse, recycling, disposal, and extended producer responsibilities.
In addition to legislative and regulatory advocacy, ESJPA also provides education and ongoing assistance directly to member counties in their efforts to comply with State and federal environmental standards and regulations. The Board of Directors includes county Supervisors and local staff who provide the policy direction and technical expertise to address the unique legislative and regulatory issues impacting California’s rural counties.
Notable Accomplishments
Organics Implementation and Compliance
ESJPA successfully negotiated exemptions and extensions for rural jurisdictions to help navigate and implement the state’s complex short-lived climate pollutants organics regulations under Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, 2016). As implementation deadlines and requirements approach, ESJPA continues to aid its member county jurisdictions with compliance as they face the unique challenges presented in rural communities. In addition, ESJPA has been instrumental in securing robust state funding for local jurisdictions to help implement the program.
Waste Stream Management
ESJPA continues to aid members with managing commercial and residential waste streams through the administration of two major CalRecycle grants: The Used Oil Payment Program for used oil and the Tire Amnesty Grant Program to collect and recycle used tires. These programs help ESJPA members educate the public and collect wastes that are often improperly disposed.
Senate Bill 54
ESJPA played a vital role in the passage of 2022’s Senate Bill 54 (Allen), California’s landmark single-use plastics bill that requires manufacturers to ensure that packaging of products sold in the state is either recyclable or compostable by 2032.
Executive Director
Patrick Blacklock is the President and CEO of the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), of which ESJPA is an affiliate entity. As such, Patrick serves as Executive Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of ESJPA.
Deputy Executive Director/Senior Policy Advocate
Staci Heaton is a Senior Policy Advocate for RCRC and contracted to ESJPA. Staci is responsible for the oversight management of all ESJPA activities.
Principal Consultant
Larry Sweetser is a solid waste consultant on contract to the ESJPA since 2000. Larry provides technical expertise and advice to ESJPA members, as well as representing the ESJPA at public meetings.
ESJPA represents 26 rural counties throughout the State of California, helping members navigate state and federal mandates regulating solid waste management and advocating on their behalf regarding key legislative and regulatory matters. Members are kept current on proposed legislation and regulations and given implementation options. Explore our member counties below.
The County Board of Supervisors of each ESJPA Member County appoints its Board Member and Alternate to sit on the ESJPA board. The Alternate is generally the lead staff person for solid waste issues. Whether appointed as the Alternate or not, the County Staff members involved in the ESJPA are referred to as the Technical Advisory Group (TAG).
