Bigelow Touts Groundwater Bill

Sacramento, CA — Mother Lode Assemblyman Frank Bigelow has authored a bill that he says gives local water agencies increased flexibility during the drought.

Bigelow’s office reports that AB 453 would authorize local water agencies to amend their existing groundwater management plans, so that it may serve as an alternative plan, under the state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, approved last year. The package of bills signed by the Governor were designed to protect the state’s groundwater. Some have criticized the plan as it gives the state more authority and oversight on groundwater regulation, and requires many agencies to develop new groundwater management plans.

Bigelow says, “During this terrible drought, the best thing we can do for our local communities is provide them the tools they need to ensure water supplies can be carefully managed. The flexibility we are seeking to provide in AB 453 will ensure efficient management of California’s groundwater supply for future generations.”

Bigelow’s bill passed through the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee yesterday with bipartisan support.