The GRA/CGC 2021 Groundwater Law and Legislation Forum will be an interactive virtual day of learning and discussions regarding the most current legal and legislative issues affecting California groundwater. You will learn from the leading practitioners in the field regarding the most pressing issues in California groundwater law and legislation, including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, recharge and imported water considerations, groundwater project funding issues, and groundwater quality and access. You will hear from California legislators regarding groundwater concerns on the horizon in the new California Legislative Session, and have the opportunity to interact with your peers in the California groundwater space.
Enter the Event
Pending Legislation Handout
AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS:
Secretary Wade Crowfoot was appointed California’s Natural Resources Secretary by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2019.
Secretary Crowfoot oversees an agency of 19,000 employees who protect and manage California’s natural resources. This includes the state’s forests and natural lands, rivers and waterways, coast and ocean, fish and wildlife, and energy development. As a member of the Governor’s cabinet, he advises the Governor on natural resources and environmental issues.
Secretary Crowfoot believes good natural resources management helps natural places thrive and allows communities and our economy to prosper. His key priorities include:
- Building California’s resilience to climate change-driven threats, including wildfire, drought, flooding and sea-level rise.
- Expanding access to parks, natural places and outdoor recreation for all Californians.
- Preserving California’s world-renowned biodiversity of plants and animals.
EVENT AGENDA
8:35 - 8:40 AM - Conference Welcome
GRA President, Abigail Madrone and CGC President, Ann DuBay
8:40 - 9:30 AM – Keynote Address
California’s Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot
9:30 – 10:00 AM - Pending/Anticipated Groundwater Legislation
Brad Herrema, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP
10:00 – 10:30 AM – SGMA Implementation Status Update
Steven Springhorn, Acting Deputy Director of State Groundwater Management, CA Department of Water Resources
10:30-10:40 AM BREAK
10:40 AM – 12:00 PM – Environmental Justice: A Panel Discussion
The panel will specifically consider the role legislation can/should play in solving environmental justice issues, especially as it relates to groundwater and the implications of SGMA. How can we bridge the gap between our intent when addressing environmental justice issues and the ultimate outcome? How do we get legislation to have real teeth and go far enough in implementing real strides toward environmental justice? What policy changes need to be made and where should we be careful about relying too heavily on legislative fixes?
- Anecita Agustinez, Tribal Policy Advisor for the California Department of Water Resources
- Kris May, Principal, Climate Adaptation and Engineering for Silvestrum Climate Associates
- Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, Small Farms Advisor for the UC Cooperative Extension
- Laurel Firestone, State Water Resources Control Board Member
12:00 – 12:30 – ACWA Bond Update
Adam Quiñonez, State Relations Director, Association of California Water Agencies
12:30 – 1:30 PM Discussions sessions with Legislators
- Robert Rivas, Assembly District 30
- Eduardo Garcia, Assembly District 56
- Dr. Bill Quirk, Assembly District 20
- Bill Dodd, Senate District 3
- Luz Rivas, Assembly District 39
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
To view sponsor benefits, please click HERE
Questions? Email Staff at staff@grac.org