Senator Anna Caballero Introduces Senate Bill 72, Would Secure Long-term Water Supply for California

Associated Press

27-01-2025

SACRAMENTO, CA, January 27, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- CA Water for All is excited to share that last week Senator Anna Caballero (D - Merced) introduced Senate Bill 72, which will establish statewide water supply targets while requiring the State, water community, and stakeholders come together to achieve comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions that will transform water management in California, ensuring adequate and reliable supplies across the State.
'CMUA is proud to co-sponsor this vital legislation with the California State Association of Counties and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance. Our state is long overdue for a new strategy on how to best manage our water supply and plan for the future,' said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Executive Director. 'With SB 72, California can finally begin to reverse the trend of overreliance on water cutbacks and rationing by working with the water community to rectify the decades-long, water supply threats that are impacting 40 million Californians and our communities statewide.'
SB 72 would secure California's future water supply by doing the following:
Establish necessary water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses.
Modernize the California Water Plan for a 21st-century climate.
Ensure accountability for state agencies on water management issues.
Complement and amplify Governor Newsom's Water Supply Strategy, ensuring water supply targets extend beyond any single Administration.
'By establishing a statewide water supply target and transforming the California Water Plan into a strategic action plan to implement the target, we can finally address critical water supply challenges that are a product of climate change, weather whiplash, and an antiquated system,' said Senator Anna Caballero, author of SB 72. 'We cannot afford to wait any longer to plan and implement solutions to address California's water supply needs. I'm proud to author this proposal and look forward to working with the Legislature and Governor Newsom on this critical bill.'
'Communities, residents, businesses, the economy, and jobs are threatened across the state as our water supply challenges continue to get worse,' said Craig Miller, General Manager, Western Water. 'By establishing water supply targets, SB 72 will give us a new path forward that will not only bolster the Governor's current Water Supply Plan, but will also create necessary accountability and a commitment from the State, the water community, and all stakeholders to establish necessary change.'
As a result of evolving and worsening climate conditions, an aging water infrastructure, a growing population, a global economy, and antiquated state policies, California will continue to face an ongoing water supply shortage of historic proportions. California's current water systems require extraordinary commitment and investment in new water supplies. We all have a responsibility to ensure the future of our water supplies. Policy solutions must be advanced to meet environmental, agricultural and urban uses.
Last year, Senator Caballero authored a similar bill that enjoyed unanimous support from the Legislature in both houses but was vetoed by Governor Newsom due to budget concerns and a budget deficit. SB 72 includes many of the same provisions and with a better budget year projected and increased pressure from climate driven wildfires, the coalition is optimistic that the bill can get a signature from Governor Newsom.
Co-sponsors of SB 72 include the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB).
To learn more about SB 72, visit the state's Legislative Bill Information portal.
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SOURCE: CA Water For All