Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.
The new provisions proposed by SB 1220 clarify that groundwater sustainability agencies with multiple plans may amend their coordination agreements after receiving an assessment from the department. This amendment aims to enhance flexibility and adaptability in groundwater management, allowing agencies to modify their approaches to meet changing conditions and emergent needs in their basins. The bill ensures that the submissions required for coordinated plans are correctly linked, which bolsters the overall efficacy of groundwater management strategies.
Senate Bill No. 1220, introduced by Senator Hurtado, amends Section 10733.4 of the California Water Code concerning groundwater management. Under the existing Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority require management under sustainable plans by specified deadlines. The act mandates that groundwater sustainability agencies submit these plans to the Department of Water Resources for evaluation and review, ensuring that efforts to manage groundwater are coordinated and effective.
One notable point of contention surrounding SB 1220 involves the balance between state oversight and local agency autonomy in managing water resources. Proponents argue that the improved coordination and flexibility will lead to better outcomes in areas facing groundwater overdraft conditions, thus protecting vital resources. Critics may raise concerns about the effectiveness of state mandates in addressing local concerns and the capacity of agencies to adapt plans, particularly in regions where water scarcity is exacerbated by environmental factors.