Assemblyman appointed to Integrated Waste Management Board.

Central Coast Assemblyman John Laird, who will be termed out of office on Nov. 30, has been appointed to the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

But Laird won’t be lounging on a private beach between jobs—although after spending the last month furiously trying to solve the state’s nearly $28 billion budget fiasco, the new appointment is almost as good as a tropical escape. Laird says he’ll start the gig Dec. 1.

The Sacramento Bee reports the job pays $132,178.

In his new post, Laird told the Weekly he’ll focus on “recycling, AB 32 [the Global Warming Solutions Act], the disposal of hard plastics into the ocean.” Laird co-authored AB 32.

“As Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, John Laird has consistently demonstrated the ability to handle tough challenges with a sharp intellect and good humor,” said Assembly Speaker Karen Bass in announcing Laird’s appointment. “Those qualities will be very valuable in his new duties helping promote a sustainable environment in California by serving on the Integrated Waste Management Board. As a longtime representative of one of California’s most environmentally progressive communities, John will also bring an important perspective to the Board.”

The CIWMB’s puropose is “to protect and preserve our public health and safety, our resources, and our environment. To meet the mandates in the Integrated Waste Management Act, the CIWMB implements programs to reduce waste generation; divert materials from landfills; recover resources and direct them to their highest and best use, in accordance with the act's waste management hierarchy; remediate illegal sites; and, ensure compliance with applicable state standards. CIWMB programs are also conducted in support of the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.”