AB354 and AB356 will be heard by the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on Monday April 5th beginning at 4:00pm. AB354 authorizes the creation of water banks and AB356 creates a water conservation program for water rights that are used for irrigation. CNRWA is concerned that these bills could result in harm member counties as they undermine prior appropriation and facilitate out-of-basin transfers favoring development in urban areas at the expense of agriculture. The State Engineer is working to prepare amendments to both of the bills to acknowledge the discussions and concerns expressed by stakeholders. However, the amendments have not yet been made available.
Click here for information on how to provide public testimony during the hearing and/or written comments.