The amendments to Section 13142 are designed to ensure that the established water quality principles align with California's goal of providing a decent home and suitable living environment for every resident. By maintaining a structured approach to water quality management, the bill supports ongoing efforts to address water resource challenges in the state, offering guidance for local and state resource management decisions.
Summary
Assembly Bill No. 1211, introduced by Assembly Member Dahle, aims to amend Section 13142 of the Water Code, specifically focusing on state policy for water quality control. The bill is centered around updating water quality principles and guidelines necessary for long-range resource planning and establishing water quality objectives. The changes proposed are technical and nonsubstantive, intending to clarify the existing legal framework without significantly altering the underlying policy or its impact.
Contention
While the bill does not introduce major changes to water quality legislation, the context within which it operates highlights the ongoing concerns about water quality management in California. The existing Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act is foundational to environmental governance in California, and even minor amendments can evoke discussions regarding the balance of state and local responsibilities in water management. Stakeholders often express differing views on state guidelines versus local control, particularly in specific water management strategies and the handling of varying regional environmental conditions.