California Assembly Bill AB2322

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/20

Caption

Small water suppliers and rural communities: drought and water shortage planning: repeal.

Impact

The repeal of these provisions could lead to a lack of structured planning and preparedness for drought situations in small water supplier regions, which traditionally faced challenges in accessing resources and support for drought resilience. Without the oversight and legislative framework that these sections provided, counties may struggle to fulfill their planning duties regarding water shortages, potentially resulting in increased vulnerability for communities reliant on these smaller water systems.

Summary

AB 2322, introduced by Assembly Member Friedman, seeks to repeal Sections 10609.40 and 10609.42 of the California Water Code. These sections had established the framework for drought planning for small water suppliers and rural communities, requiring the Department of Water Resources to identify such suppliers at risk of drought and to provide relevant guidance and recommendations for countywide drought and water shortage contingency plans. This repeal may significantly alter the existing expectations and responsibilities related to managing water resources in areas with limited water supply, particularly affecting vulnerable small suppliers and rural communities.

Contention

Debates surrounding AB 2322 may focus on whether the state should maintain oversight on drought planning or if local entities are better suited to manage water crises independently. Proponents of the repeal argue it could reduce bureaucratic processes that possibly hinder local action and flexibility. Conversely, opponents fear the lack of state guidance and support compromises the ability of small water systems to handle drought effectively, potentially exacerbating the existing disparities between larger urban water providers and smaller, more vulnerable suppliers.