Water diversion: groundwater recharge: permit.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Appropriations
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to streamline the process for diverting floodwaters for groundwater recharge in California. It modifies existing regulations to make it easier to obtain permits for this practice, particularly for diversions that began before January 1, 2034. The bill expands the definition of ‘floodflow’ to include flows downstream of dams and exempts these diversions from certain environmental reviews and lake/streambed alteration agreements, subject to tribal consultation. It also addresses water availability for diversions and temporary permits, aiming to balance water supply needs with environmental protection.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘floodflow’ to include flows downstream of dams releasing water for flood control.
- Applies existing regulations to diversions commenced before January 1, 2034.
- Exempts groundwater recharge diversions from certain environmental reviews (CEQA) and lake/streambed alteration agreements, subject to tribal consultation.
- Defines ‘urgent need’ to include groundwater recharge applications in basins with sustainability plans.
- Expands the definition of ‘minor application’ to include certain private entity applications under memorandums of understanding.
- Creates an exception to the field investigation requirement for minor applications involving previously authorized temporary permits.
- Modifies the requirements for temporary urgency permits, allowing for diversions to begin more than 180 days after permit issuance, with a maximum diversion period of 5 years.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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