RCRC, joined by CSAC and Cal Cities, has expressed opposition to Assembly Bill 1563, authored by Senator Steve Bennett (D -Ventura). This position was taken after amendments were made in late June requiring counties to perform a hydrological assessment and make findings before approving a new well permit application. The amendments direct local agencies to make findings before approving a new well permit affirming that (1) the well approval will not result in the hydrological impairment of nearby wells; or (2) will not damage surrounding infrastructure (including through subsidence). This provision takes effect if the new well being sought is located in a critically overdrafted basin (COD). The bill largely adopts the structure for new well permit approvals currently found in the Governor’s Drought Executive Order from March 2022.
As the result of spirited RCRC and CSAC advocacy, along with the advocacy of several agricultural, grower and rancher associations, the bill was tabled for the 2023 legislative year. AB 1563 is eligible for consideration during the 2024 legislative calendar.
RCRC's letter of opposition is available here. For more information, contact Sidd Nag, RCRC Legislative Advocate, by email, or call (916) 447-4806.