Hanson Bridgett LLP
  November 17, 2015 - United States of America

Drought State of Emergency: Mandatory Water Use Reduction Extended to October 2016
  by Samir Abdelnour

On November 13, 2015, the Governor issued Executive Order B-36-15, which authorizes California's State Water Resources Control Board ("Water Board") to extend the 25% mandatory statewide reduction in urban potable water usage previously set to expire on February 28, 2016. The mandatory 25% reduction will be continued to at least October 31, 2016, if drought conditions persist through January 2016.

Executive Order B-36-15 also instructs the Water Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards to use their water rights permitting and water quality certification functions to accelerate approvals for projects that capture high water flows from winter storms to recharge groundwater supplies. The Water Board is also authorized to spend up to $5 million on efforts to provide reliable clean drinking water to households served by domestic wells or small water systems.

Additionally, the Governor has instructed the Energy Commission to expedite the power plant certification process and authorize emergency construction activities to restore power plant operations damaged by wildfire.

The Governor's previous emergency drought response measures, which we wrote about here, remain in effect. We will continue to provide updates on the Governor's and Water Board's efforts to respond to drought conditions through executive orders and emergency rules and regulations. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions.





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