Wolk landmark bill to include climate change in water plans clears hurdle

Legislation builds climate change into state and local water plans

SACRAMENTO–The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources voted 6-1 Monday to approve landmark legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to integrate climate change in state and local water planning.

Wolk’s Assembly Bill 224, which is supported by a growing list of water agencies and environmentalists, requires the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to consider the anticipated effects of climate change in all state water plans, including the California Water Plan and State Plan of Flood Control.

“Numerous scientific studies and journals have highlighted the serious risks posed to water supply by climate change. Those risks include more frequent dry years, more persistent droughts, and reduced water storage in the state’s reservoirs,” said Wolk. “My legislation will help California begin to address those risks by responding to the growing scientific consensus on the connection between climate change and water resources.”

The bill also requires DWR to identify existing peer-reviewed climate change studies and develop its own climate change information to help local water suppliers identify potential impacts to water supply. Local water suppliers then incorporate that information into their own planning for future water supplies. At the same time, the State Water Resources Control Board will study the greenhouse emission benefits of water recycling and conservation.

“This bill is a prudent measure to ensure that water agencies in the state of California are able to adapt and provide the necessary water to meet our future needs,” said Mindy McIntyre with the Planning and Conservation League, one of the bill’s sponsors.

In recent weeks, water agency boards and environmental advocates across the state have weighed in with their support of AB 224. The bill’s sponsors include the Sonoma County Water Agency, Marin Municipal Water District, Planning and Conservation League, and Natural Resources Defense Council. The bill has also earned support from Association of California Water Agencies, Water ReUse Association, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Sierra Club California, and The Nature Conservancy.