The California Legislature has approved SB 72, a bill aimed at reshaping the state’s approach to water management. The measure, authored by Senator Anna Caballero, passed the Assembly and now awaits consideration by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The legislation seeks to address California’s long-term water supply challenges through several provisions. It would set statewide water supply targets, update the California Water Plan to account for regional needs, and require collaboration and reporting among state agencies, water managers, and other stakeholders.
“I’m proud of my colleagues' support on SB 72 in both houses. This bill represents a clear opportunity for the Governor to reaffirm his climate leadership and embrace new and bold strategies to address water supply challenges,” said Senator Caballero. “The Department of Water Resources’ new State Water Project Adaptation Strategy underscores the urgency of this bill, which is a necessary next step to secure California’s water future in the face of intensifying climate threats.”
The bill is supported by a coalition of water, environmental, business, agricultural, and public safety organizations. Co-sponsors include the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Council for Environmental and Economic Balance (CCEEB).
If enacted, SB 72 would:
- Establish statewide water supply targets to support all uses.
- Require collaboration among the state, water managers, and stakeholders to develop long-term solutions.
- Expand the California Water Plan to improve drought preparedness.
- Align with Governor Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy while ensuring planning efforts extend beyond one administration.
"Water managers across the state agree, SB 72 is the next step we need to turn a scarcity mindset into a coordinated, climate-resilient strategy,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Water. “It sets real goals and planning requirements to ensure water reliability for all - communities, farms, ecosystems - no matter what the climate throws at us.”
Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Executive Director of CMUA, said, “As a proud co-sponsor of SB 72, we are encouraged by the overwhelming legislative support of the bill and are hopeful that Governor Newsom will also recognize the critical value and sense of urgency of signing this bill into law. SB 72 will advance Governor Newsom’s climate and water resource objectives for California to deliver a drought-resilient, equitable water system. SB 72 codifies his vision into lasting law.”
Graham Knaus, CEO of CSAC, added, “Our counties are the first responders when our communities run out of water, and we can’t plan for housing growth without it. But the state's current strategy dates back to the 1960s and lacks any clear, measurable goals. It’s time for California’s water policy to join the 21st century. Sen. Caballero’s common-sense, bipartisan bill gets it done.”
“On behalf of our coalition of business, labor and public leaders statewide, CCEEB has been proud to co-sponsor and partner with Senator Caballero and many organizations statewide to pass such transformative water legislation,” said Tim Carmichael, President of CCEEB. “The passage of SB 72 is a critical step towards ensuring comprehensive, coordinated, and resilient water supply planning and development for California.”
