Water resources: desalination.
By repealing these provisions, AB 2740 would have a significant impact on the state’s approach to water resources management, particularly in how California handles desalination technology. The bill would remove the structured effort of examining desalination's practicalities, its environmental consequences, and the state's active role in promoting this technology. This could impede any future developments in seawater and brackish water desalination, thus limiting potential sources of water for a state that often faces drought conditions.
Assembly Bill 2740, introduced by Assembly Member Megan Dahle on February 18, 2022, seeks to repeal Section 12949.6 of the Water Code, which addresses water desalination in California. The existing law mandated the Department of Water Resources to report on potential opportunities and challenges for seawater and brackish water desalination, as well as to convene a Water Desalination Task Force to make recommendations to the legislature. AB 2740 aims to eliminate these requirements, effectively halting the formal recognition of this desalination task force and associated studies.
The discussion surrounding AB 2740 is likely to encompass a variety of opinions regarding water resource management in California. Proponents for the repeal may argue that the existing framework for desalination is outdated or that current technological advancements render such tasks unnecessary. However, critics may contend that eliminating the provisions ignores the pressing need for alternative water sources in California, particularly given climate challenges. The debate appears to hinge on prioritizing immediate legislative simplification versus ensuring long-term water sustainability strategies.