This week, Governor Brown signed a three-bill package of legislation collectively known as the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (Groundwater Management Act). The Groundwater Management Act establishes a new structure for managing the State’s groundwater, and requires the formation of local groundwater sustainability agencies, the development of sustainable groundwater management plans for basins identified as high and medium priority basins, and establishes timelines for achieving sustainability.
The bill package is comprised of Assembly Bill 1739 (Dickinson), Senate Bill 1168 (Pavley), and Senate Bill 1319 (Pavley). The full text and related information for the three bills can be accessed via the links below.
RCRC moved from Oppose Unless Amended to a neutral position on the legislation package after amendments were taken to address local land use related issues of concern.
In his signing message, the Governor stated that his Administration would work with all affected groups to ensure that the law is fairly implemented, and that he will submit a proposal to streamline judicial adjunctions of groundwater rights for legislative consideration during the next legislative session. The Governor’s signing message can be accessed here.