RCRC has taken an oppose position on a Brown Administration proposed Budget trailer bill that would authorize the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) to require a public water system to consolidate with or extend service to another public water system (which includes mutual water companies and investor owned utilities, a state small system, or domestic well users), or provide technical , managerial, or financial assistance to another public water system if certain conditions are met.
RCRC has participated in discussions with the Administration on how best to address the very real water supply and water quality problems faced by small communities, as well as individuals relying on private wells. However, the complexity of the issues surrounding consolidation, the Brown Administration’s proposed long-term solution, have become more evident at each meeting. RCRC has urged the Administration to reconsider utilizing a Budget trailer bill to enact the major policy changes proposed given the short time-frame and the multitude of unresolved issues, and has instead urged that the issues be resolved through a deliberative process.
RCRC’s letter of opposition to the State Budget Joint Legislative Conference Committee (Conference Committee) can be accessed here. The Conference Committee will hold its first meeting on June 1, 2015. The State Budget bill must be passed by midnight June 15, 2015.
RCRC encourages member counties to call their Senators and Assembly Members and voice opposition to proposed Budget trailer bill #325.