BILL NUMBER:  AB 2304
  VETOED	DATE: 09/30/2010




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2304 without my signature.

This bill requires local water agencies to map the recharge areas
that substantially contribute to the replenishment of a groundwater
basin.  The bill also requires the agencies to submit these maps to
local planning agencies and expand public notification when preparing
and approving groundwater plans.

I am concerned about the impact this bill could have on
privately-owned properties, both those currently used as recharge
areas and those that might be used in the future.  Once mapped and
those maps are provided to local governments, the bill intends that
these lands will be rezoned to restrict their use to being a
groundwater recharge area.

Property law in California already allows landowners and water
districts to work outside of the watchful eye of government and come
to a private agreement about how they can manage both their land and
water resources.

Although not perfect, maintaining this current system allows them to
work together to develop solutions.  An area that serves as a
recharge basin today probably isn't the only place that can be used
to recharge a groundwater basin.  And areas that are currently used
for this purpose might be better put to some other use in the future.
  Unfortunately, this bill would eliminate this type of flexibility
and negotiation between a landowner and a water district.

For this reason, I am unable sign this bill.

Sincerely,



Arnold Schwarzenegger