Meeting of the California Water Commission - September 14, 2021

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In accordance with Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-08-21, as well as recommendations from the California Department of Public Health, the September 14, 2021, California Water Commission meeting will not have a physical location. This will be a remote-only meeting, conducted via a web-based videoconferencing service called Zoom. The Commission remains committed to transparency. Members of the public will be able to listen to and watch the meeting and comment if desired.

Registration is not required to provide public comments. Members of the public who wish to comment during the meeting can do so by joining on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81785393489?pwd=L0gwNThVN1pMZE9lZEVnMGh2MktvQT09). More detailed instructions on how to use Zoom and participate in the meeting can be found on the public participation guide.

Alternatively, members of the public can offer verbal comments by telephone by calling one of the numbers below:

(408) 638-0968
(669) 900-6833
Meeting ID: 817 8539 3489
Passcode: 071873
 
The meeting will be webcast live at: https://www.water-ca.com/. Individuals who only want to watch or listen should use this option as it preserves interactive meeting resources for those who are commenting on items.

 

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call 

3. Closed Session

The Commission may hold a closed session, as authorized by Government Code §11126(e), to confer with and receive advice from its legal counsel regarding potential litigation, and as authorized by Government Code §11126(a).

4. Approval of August 18, 2021 Meeting Minutes

5. Executive Officer's Report

The Executive Officer will report on various matters addressed since the previous Commission meeting.

6. Commission Member Reports

This is an opportunity for members to disclose any meetings or conversations related to Commission business since the previous Commission meeting.

7. Public Testimony

Although no formal Commission action will be taken, the Commission offers an opportunity for the public to address the Commission on items of interest that are within the Commission’s jurisdiction, but that do not specifically appear on the agenda.

Documents Received Related to Public Comment from Dr. John Replogle:

8. Director Karla Nemeth, Department of Water Resources

The Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR), Karla Nemeth, will provide introductory remarks about how the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), the State Water Project (SWP), and DWR’s new Human Right to Water policy relate to agriculture and communities in the Central Valley.

9. State Water Project Briefings: The State Water Project and the San Joaquin Valley

The Commission will continue its 2021 SWP briefings by hosting presentations on the role of the SWP in the San Joaquin Valley. This year, the Commission is focusing on the theme of creating a resilient State Water Project by addressing climate change and aging infrastructure to provide multiple benefits for Californians. At this meeting, the Commission will receive briefings on DWR’s 2022 Drought Contingency Plan and subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley.

10. Panel Discussion on the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act

Representatives from several State agencies will provide updates on the current state of Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation, including the state of groundwater in California, an update on the SGMA process, an update on interagency efforts to support local SGMA implementation, and a discussion of land use issues.

11. Panel Discussion on San Joaquin Valley Water Issues

Representatives from San Joaquin Valley communities and the agricultural industry will share their perspectives on the region’s most pressing water issues, reflect on the previous presentations, and engage in a facilitated discussion with presenters.

12. Groundwater Trading: Small Group Discussion Synthesis

The Commission will hear a synthesis of feedback received during small group discussions on groundwater trading. This synthesis is part of the Commission’s consideration of well-managed groundwater trading programs to support Water Resilience Portfolio Action 3.6.

13. Groundwater Trading: Panel Discussion on the Future of Groundwater Trading

In support of Water Resilience Portfolio Action 3.6, a panel of academic experts and stakeholders will discuss the future of groundwater trading, including likely participants, beneficiaries and impacts, how to protect vulnerable stakeholders, and how to structure stakeholder inclusion, governance, and oversight.

14. Consideration of Items for Next California Water Commission Meeting

15. Adjourn

 

*The Commission may break for lunch as needed.*

Written comments regarding specific items on this agenda will be provided to the Commissioners as part of their meeting packets if they are received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10. Staff will make every effort to provide comments received after this deadline electronically, but we cannot make any guarantees.