Legislation

Voters to see water-diverting ballot measure

Voters to see water-diverting ballot measure

Dean Cortopassi, a Stockton-based farmer and food processer, has collected at least 585,407 signatures for a ballot measure that would amend the California Constitution to require voters to approve ballot bonds that cost the taxpayer $2 billion or more. Cortopassi’s main target: Governor Jerry Brown’s proposed twin-tunnels that would divert …

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DWR releases guidelines for groundwater management

California Water Legislation Coming Soon

In 2014, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was established to help local agencies manage their groundwater supply. In September, Senate Bill 13 added amendments to SGMA that requires local water agencies to form groundwater sustainability agencies (GSA) and report that formation to the Department of Water Resources (DWR). As …

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Federal court rules against EPA

California Senators introduce drought legislation in Senate

On Friday, a federal court ruled against the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt at expanding the federal government’s control over waterways. The Obama Administration cites the Clean Water Act of 1972 as their legal grounds for this sweeping policy. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, located in Cincinnati, ruled in …

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Sen. Feinstein backs drought-relief bill

Sen. Feinstein backs drought-relief bill

On Thursday, Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) testified before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in support of the “California Emergency Drought Relief Act.” “This drought is worse than anything I have seen in my lifetime,” Feinstein told the committee. “And I’m very worried about what it means for the …

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Environmentalists propose new water bond

Environmentalists propose new water bond

As the California drought continues to be an issue across the western United States, everyone on both sides of the political aisle are wondering how to address the problem. Environmentalists in California believe they have the answer: a newly proposed water bond. The proposed bond doesn’t have an exact amount …

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California Legislature approves water bills

California Legislature approves water bills

The Legislature has passed two pills aimed at helping alleviate the impacts of the severe California drought. The bills – Senate Bill 555 and Assembly Bill 606 – have been sent to Governor Jerry Brown, where they await his signature. Both bills passed their respective chamber based on bipartisan support. …

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