Stakeholders Discuss Groundwater Legislation
Two Bills That Would Regulate Groundwater Pumping Moving Through the Process
The legislature may be out for the summer recess, but at least
one hot issue still has people meeting, talking and trying to
come to agreement. More than 70 stakeholders gathered at the CSAC
Conference Center this week to continue hashing out plans for
groundwater management in California.
The water pumped out of underground aquifers always plays an
important role in California, but in these days of severe
drought, when surface water is in short supply, groundwater is an
even more critical resource. But there currently is no
comprehensive statewide regulatory framework over groundwater and
too much pumping can lead to significant problems.
“This is a very complex issue,” said CSAC Lobbyist, Karen Keene.
“Counties already have permitting authority over drilling new
wells, but groundwater pumping is relatively unregulated unless
the courts have stepped in, which is the case in several
groundwater basins across the state. Too much pumping out of the
same aquifer can lead to “subsidence” when the surface of the
earth can actually fall. In some cases this has damaged
above-ground structures.”
There are currently two bills working their way through the
legislative process that would provide additional oversight for
groundwater: AB 1739 by Assemblyman Roger Dickinson (See
CSAC Letter here) and SB 1168 by Senator Fran Pavley.
(See
CSAC letter here) CSAC supports some parts of both bills, and
has concerns with others.
The stakeholders meeting in Sacramento this week are trying to
find the balance among sustainable groundwater practices, local
control for counties, and individual property rights for land
owners. In addition to the near overflow crowd in the room,
dozen’s more participated over the phone and via webinar.
“I thought it was a very productive meeting,” said CSAC lobbyist
Cara Martinson. “I think it’s really valuable to have an open and
frank discussion, where people can lay their positions and
concerns on the table, and find the points we agree on.”