Huffman Bill Would Lead to 'Clean Manufacturing Zones' to Draw Business

A bill co-authored by state Assemblyman Jared Huffman designed to boost job growth for new manufacturing businesses passed with bipartisan support Tuesday in the Assembly Committee on Revenue & Taxation, according to a release from Huffman's office.

AB 1530, which is joint-authored by Huffman, D-San Rafael, and Kristin Olsen, R-Modesto, creates Clean Manufacturing Zones around the state to attract new manufacturing businesses to California and encourages existing businesses to stay and grow, by eliminating regulatory delays and providing tax incentives to buy new manufacturing equipment and locate here in California.

The purpose of this act is to stimulate growth in the 
manufacturing industry without compromising California's high 
environmental, public health, and safety standards by creating clean 
manufacturing zones with preapproved permits and licenses to 
accommodate new and expanding manufacturing businesses. 

AB 1530 allows cities and counties to designate an appropriate space as a Clean Manufacturing Zone, secure the permits and approvals in advance, and then attract manufacturing businesses with the promise of pre-approved permits and the added incentive of a property tax exemption on new equipment. 

“The manufacturing industry is vital to California’s economic recovery, providing high-wage jobs for skilled workers, and stimulating growth in other sectors of the economy,” Huffman said in the release. “By pre-permitting in these zones, and eliminating the tax on new manufacturing equipment, we help address delay, uncertainty and cost issues in a way that will attract quality manufacturing jobs, without sacrificing any of our environmental protections.”

Olsen said California is in desperate need of new jobs, particularly in her district where unemployment is more than 17 percent.

"I’m thrilled with the bipartisan support and hope both sides can continue to promote job creation legislation,” Olsen said.

Huffman and Olsen presented AB 1530 at the committee hearing. The bill, which is also joint-authored by Assemblymember V. Manual Perez (D-Coachella), proceeds to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

First elected in 2006, Huffman chairs the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and also serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Environmental Caucus.