Earlier this week, the Governor’s office convened a diverse group of stakeholders to open the discussion on groundwater management reform. The Administration is seeking policy recommendations for reforms that will result in sustainable groundwater management that prepares for future droughts, avoids and reverses overdraft, protects water quality, reduces conflict among water users, and enhances groundwater storage.
To aid in this outreach effort, the Administration intends to hold public workshops in March and April at locations yet to be determined.
Administration officials stressed that their intent is to first make necessary changes to provide local agencies with the tools needed to sustainably manage groundwater at the local and regional level, and second, to determine when and how the State should step in if local and regional efforts are found inadequate.
Legislative hearings on the topic of groundwater management reform are anticipated. The Administration also requested stakeholder feedback no later than mid-April as they propose that groundwater management reforms be contained in a Budget trailer bill. RCRC will keep members updated throughout this process.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Advocate Kathy Mannion at 916.447.4806 or kmannion@rcrcnet.org.