Department of Transportation and local agencies: streets and highways: recycled materials.

Assembly Member Hoover's transportation materials legislation makes permanent the requirement for local agencies to match state standards for recycled content in road construction, while removing existing mandates for advanced technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The measure modifies California's Integrated Waste Management Act provisions governing recycled materials in streets and highways.

Under the proposal, local agencies must continue allowing recycled materials at levels no lower than those specified in Caltrans standards for base materials, reclaimed asphalt, concrete components, and related materials - a requirement currently set to expire in 2027. Agencies unable to meet these specifications must provide written justification upon request. The bill maintains existing exemptions for special districts, cities with populations under 25,000, and counties with fewer than 100,000 residents.

The legislation eliminates current requirements for both Caltrans and local agencies to employ advanced technologies and material recycling techniques intended to reduce maintenance costs and greenhouse gas emissions through material selection and construction methods. The measure includes provisions for state reimbursement of any costs local agencies incur from the new mandates, subject to review by the Commission on State Mandates.