01-09-2023 BPU RPT 08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: JANUARY 9, 2023 SUBJECT: 2022 STATE WATER LEGISLATIVE UPDATE ISSUE: Receive an update on 2022 State water legislation. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Public Utilities receive and file a 2022 State water legislative update. BACKGROUND: The Legislative Affairs Manager actively engages with state legislators, and stakeholder and community organizations on policy issues to advance and protect the interests of Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) and its customers as policy and budget bills progress through the legislative process. While several policy and budget bills passed this year that will affect RPU, this report will discuss key water legislation signed into law from the 2021-2022 legislative cycle. DISCUSSION: California is suffering from a cycle of repeated severe drought conditions brought on by climate conditions. While these conditions are estimated to be the worst dry period in 1,200 years, experts warn even more severe and frequent droughts are almost a guarantee. In order to address the emerging drought crisis, in his first months in office, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order, N-10-19, calling on state agencies to create a comprehensive Water Resilience Portfolio. On July 28, 2020, Governor Newsom released a final version of the Water extreme droughts and floods and rising temperatures, while addressing long-standing challenges that include declining fish populations, over-reliance on groundwater and lack of safe drinking water in disadvantaged communities. The portfolio prioritized four key goals and actions organized into four categories: Maintain and Diversify Water Supplies, Protect and Enhance Natural Ecosystems, Build Connections, and Be Prepared. In January 2022, the Administration released a progress report documenting its efforts