Sen. Anna Caballero, author of SB 72, will host a press conference at the Capitol Cactus Garden on Monday, Sept. 8, at 10 a.m. to discuss the importance of passing and signing the landmark water legislation into law. Designed to address California’s water shortage, SB 72 has again passed the Assembly floor and is headed to the governor’s desk for signature.
“SB 72 offers the Assembly and the governor a clear opportunity to reaffirm California’s climate leadership and commitment. This bill is a critical next step toward securing our state’s water future in the face of escalating climate threats,” Caballero said. “This press conference is an opportunity to present a clear and compelling case for why this legislation matters — and why now is the time to act.”
The bill addresses the state's water supply challenges with multiple strategies to codify water supply targets, modernize the California Water Plan, and legislate reporting and collaboration among the water community — a novel approach to addressing the water threats in the state and the most significant legislation to improve statewide water planning and future water supply security for the fourth largest global economy in the last 10 years.
Backed by a broad coalition of water, environmental, business, public safety, and agricultural stakeholders, SB 72 is co-sponsored by the California Municipal Utilities Association, the California State Association of Counties, and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance, and would transform water management in California to:
- Establish necessary statewide water supply targets to capture and produce enough water for all uses.
- Require the state, water community, and stakeholders to work together to develop comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions.
- Enhance the California Water Plan to drought-proof the state.
- Complement Gov. Newsom’s water supply strategy to ensure water supply planning targets and action extend beyond any single administration.
The press conference will feature speakers and bill co-authors, co-sponsors, Craig Miller, general manager of Western Water and president of the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA); Joe Cruz, executive director of the California State Council of Laborers and member of the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB); and Graham Knaus, CEO of California State Association of Counties (CSAC).
Additional details about the press conference are available here.
About CA Water For All
CA Water for All is a statewide effort seeking to educate policymakers about the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. The effort is focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. For more information, visit www.cawaterforall.com.
Media Contact
Meagan Luevano
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