Greetings,

ACWA Votes to Support Comprehensive Package

Senate Floor Vote Expected Later Today

Last night, the ACWA Board of Directors met in a special session via conference call to consider a position on the Delta legislative package as amended. The package had been substantially revised since it failed passage at the end of the regular legislative session on Sept. 11. On Oct. 29, the ACWA Board had directed staff to seek improvements to the proposed package in the areas of in-stream flow criteria, conservation and water rights enforcement.  Additional changes were made to the package late last week in response to these concerns, though not all requested amendments were incorporated.

In discussing an ACWA position on the package, the ACWA Board recognized the difficulty and the conflicts among the various regions within the membership. The Board also realized that California water is going through extraordinary times as we experience a profound shift from the extraction-based policies of the last century to sustainability-based policies in the 21st century. Despite legitimate concerns about specific elements of the package, the Board felt the overall package is consistent with ACWA Board policies and would advance the implementation of solutions that protect water supply reliability and promote environmental restoration.

The Board voted to support passage of a package that includes the Delta legislative policy bills and a bond consistent with Board policy. The vote fell along regional lines. If for any reason policy bills and the bond are separated and a bond appears at risk, the Board instructed staff to oppose the policy legislation. Also, if the bills are voted on separately, the Board instructed staff to support the individual bills with the exception of Sen. Pavley’s water rights enforcement bill.

After four years, the Legislature is looking to move an historic water package. ACWA has been a champion in calling for a comprehensive package starting with the development of its landmark water policy, “No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water,” back in 2005. Since that time, the Board has developed numerous policy principles to help guide specific legislative positions.

The Senate could vote as early as this afternoon on the package.

ACWA will continue to keep its members apprised as developments occur.