KERN COUNTY HOME RULE PROGRAM

Through adoption of the Home Rule Resolution, the Kern County Board of Supervisors have served notice on federal and state agencies that Kern County is to be informed of all pending or contemplated actions affecting its citizens, businesses, or industries and that planning or implementation of these actions must be coordinated with the County. The Home Rule Resolution stresses the constitutional rights of its citizens to due process and their ability to participate in the decision-making process. In adopting such a resolution, it is the intent of the Board of Supervisors to send a strong message to federal and state agencies that the County stands behind the rights of its citizens to conduct their businesses without burdensome, redundant and, sometimes even unexpected, regulation.

In adopting the Home Rule Resolution, the Board of Supervisors have also created a monitoring and informational program to work with the County's constituents to ensure that their concerns are addressed. The Home Rule Program Coordinator monitors, reviews, and comments on various state and federal activities involving, but not limited to: endangered species, wetlands, water, air quality, and land use. When reviewing proposals, the emphasis is on impacts on private property owners and Kern County's widely divergent industries; livestock grazing, agriculture, construction, mining, oil and gas production, and outdoor recreation.

Through the monitoring and commenting process, the Home Rule Program ensures that state and federal agencies are held accountable to follow mandated requirements related to public notification, response to comments, and the formulation of policies and regulations. A crucial element of this process is active communication between the Home Rule Program Coordinator and the County's citizens regarding their positions on proposed legislation or programs. Through the Home Rule Program, the County can be of service to local industry and citizens, as well as other governmental agencies. Acting as a central resource answers to specific questions such as, who to call or if pending regulations are being researched, can be quickly provided via the Kern County Home Rule library and computer resources.

For more information regarding Kern County's Home Rule Program please contact
Craig Murphy, Home Rule Program Coordinator at (661) 862-8739.