Legislative Committee/Advocates Quarterly Report
GRA Board Meeting – February 2011

Committee Members: Bob Bowcock, Carol Williams, Terry Foreman, Phil Rosentrater, Rob Roscoe, Bob Van Valer, Adeline Yooung, John Ayres, Al Vargas, Bill Pipes (GRA Prez), Tim Parker (Chair).
Legislative Advocates: Chris Frahm & Duncan McFetridge, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

2011 is shaping up to be an incredibly important year both politically and on the policy front. Governor Brown took office on January 3rd and immediately inherited a staggering $25.3 billion dollar budget deficit. In response, the Governor recently submitted a budget that cuts state spending by over $12.5 billion. His budget also relies on a 5 year extension of the 1 cent sales tax increase adopted by the Legislature two years ago to cover the rest of the deficit. The Governor largely spared K-12 education and corrections with his budget, but warned that if the people reject the sales tax extension, he will be forced to make painful cuts to education and possibly force the early release of low level offenders from the criminal justice system, among other things.

Although wrangling over the budget deficit will dominate the political landscape in Sacramento this year, the Governor and lawmakers have other critical issues to tackle. Water will continue to play a prominent role as the Bay Delta and Water Bond issue must be resolved. Governor Brown is intent on resolving these vexing and complicated political water issues. It is unclear, however, if there is political will among urban water users, California agriculture and the environmental community to find common ground on these issues critically important to the future of California.

In addition to the budget, other important issues to GRA members include the Governor's recent appointments; anticipated groundwater legislation in the upcoming session recent; and the recent announcement made by Delta Watermaster Craig Wilson.

Gubernatorial Appointments

Since being sworn into office, Governor Brown has made two important appointments which will have an impact on California water. The Governor appointed former Assembly Member John Laird as Secretary of Resources and Jerry Meral as Deputy Secretary for Delta Planning and Conversation.

Most recently, Secretary Laird taught in the Environmental Studies Department at UC Santa Cruz. He served six years in the State Assembly, from 2002 to 2008, and was the Assembly Budget Committee Chair from 2004 to 2008. GRA advocates have a solid working relationship with Secretary Laird and plan to meet with him and his staff to discuss groundwater policy and offer the collective expertise of GRA and its membership to the Secretary and his staff as they plot forward on important water related policy.

In addition to Secretary Laird, Governor Brown appointed long-time environmentalist Jerry Meral as the Deputy Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency in charge of the Bay Delta Conservation and Planning and Funding program. Meral served as deputy director at the California Department of Water Resources from 1975 to 1983. Meral is a long-time supporter of the peripheral canal/tunnel on the California Delta and his appointment provides some critical insight on how Governor Brown intends on tackling the stewardship of the Delta and the issue of conveyance.

Groundwater Legislation in 2011

Last year GRA partnered with the California Groundwater Coalition (CGC) to co-sponsor AB 2304 by Water Park and Wildlife Committee Chairman Jared Huffman that would have required the mapping and identification of recharge areas in groundwater management plans. Unfortunately, the bill was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. Chairman Huffman plans to reintroduce the bill again this session. GRA will work closely with Chairman Huffman and his staff to provide him guidance and professional expertise on the reintroduced legislation all groundwater related policy matters.

In addition, on February 1st the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee will hold a legislative hearing on California groundwater. GRA's own Thomas Harter will testify before the committee, providing the Committee an overview of California groundwater issues. With the a new crop of legislators in Capitol, educating and informing new legislators and their staff members on groundwater related issues is more important now than ever.

Delta Watermaster

Delta Watermaster Craig Wilson recently presented a report to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) suggesting it should flex its power to enforce California’s Reasonable Use Doctrine more broadly across the state. Wilson specifically referenced a clause in the doctrine which states, “the waste and unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water” is to be prevented. Wilson says the state must work to improve the efficiency of the agricultural sector’s delivery systems and water use. Agriculture is the single largest demand for water in the state, about 80% of Delta water consumption, and the most difficult to monitor for efficiency. If you would like a copy of the report, please email Duncan McFetridge at dmcfetridge@bhfs.com.

Looking Ahead

As the new Administration takes shape and the Legislature begins to deliberate, we will continue to keep GRA members apprised of the evolving political and policy landscape in Sacramento. Please mark your calendars for this year’s Legislative Symposium and Lobby Day which will be held on April 20, 2011 in Sacramento at the Citizen Hotel again. We plan on bringing to together leading water and groundwater experts in California government and providing GRA members with a comprehensive update on the latest in groundwater policy in California.