State Water Project: permit and license conditions.
The implications of AB 2000 may significantly affect state law as it reinforces the need for coordinated planning among the Department of Water Resources and the Secretary of the Interior. By requiring a structured plan to meet permit conditions and submitting this to relevant authorities, the bill holds the potential for increased transparency within state water management practices. Additionally, it ensures that the department remains accountable for its obligations in the context of environmental stewardship and sustainable water use, which is a critical issue in California given its water scarcity challenges.
Assembly Bill 2000, introduced by Assembly Member Mathis, seeks to amend Section 138.10 of the Water Code, which governs the State Water Project. The bill aims to refine existing requirements related to the operation and management of water resources, particularly concerning the conditions that must be met before increasing water diversion rates at the State Water Project’s Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant. While the language in the bill is mainly nonsubstantive, it is designed to clarify existing obligations for compliance with state water rights laws, promoting better coordination among various authorities involved in water resource management.
Despite its nonsubstantive character, AB 2000 may present contention relating to its enforcement and the interpretation of 'compliance' with permit conditions. Stakeholders, including environmental groups and agricultural representatives, may voice concerns about the adequacy of measures taken by the Department of Water Resources and the potential impacts on local ecosystems and water quality. Moreover, discussions surrounding water rights and resource allocation are likely to arise, given California's complex history of water management and competing interests.