BILL ANALYSIS �
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 988|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 988
Author: Jackson (D), et al.
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE GOVERNANCE & FINANCE COMMITTEE : 5-2, 3/19/14
AYES: Wolk, Beall, DeSaulnier, Hernandez, Liu
NOES: Knight, Vidak
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE : Senate Rule 28.8
SUBJECT : Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency
SOURCE : Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency
DIGEST : This bill allows Fox Canyon Groundwater Management
Agency (FCGMA) to inspect any groundwater extraction facility
within the FCGMA's boundaries with the consent of the facility
operator or, if consent is refused, with an inspection warrant
duly issued pursuant to the specific statutes in the Code of
Civil Procedures.
ANALYSIS : The FCGMA Act created a special district in 1982 to
preserve and manage groundwater resources in the Fox Canyon
Aquifer. The FCGMA has management jurisdiction over 1,200 wells
in southern Ventura County. FCGMA requires all well owners with
extraction facilities within FCGMA's boundaries to register
their wells with FCGMA, self-report groundwater extraction to
FCGMA, and pay an extraction charge. FCGMA plans to implement a
well inspection program to verify the accuracy of information
CONTINUED
SB 988
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submitted through its self-reporting program for groundwater
extraction and meter calibration.
This bill allows the FCGMA to inspect any groundwater extraction
facility within FCGMA's boundaries with the consent of the
facility operator or, if consent is refused, with an inspection
warrant duly issued pursuant to the specific statutes in the
Code of Civil Procedures.
Comments
According to the author's office, the reporting of water usage
within the FCGMA is based on the honor system of self-reporting.
However, as more water is withdrawn from the aquifer, it is
becoming more important than ever to accurately monitor how much
water is being used. Without this bill, FCGMA will not have
sufficient authority to properly carry out inspections and will
be hindered in its ability to verify information necessary to
manage the groundwater resources under its jurisdiction.
This bill is particularly timely, given California's current
drought situation and the need to properly assess and monitor
groundwater supplies.
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes
Local: Yes
SUPPORT : (Verified 4/7/14)
Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency (source)
California Farm Bureau Federation
County of Ventura
AB:d 4/9/14 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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