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Bill

AB 2521

California Council on Science and Technology: water availability study: Central Valley.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Diane Papan

Establishes a CCST-led study to assess Central Valley water availability, reliability, and management under climate change to inform future policy, funding, and infrastructure acti

Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
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Bill Summary · AB 2521

Overview

AB 2521 (2025-2026) aims to establish or guide a study by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) focused on water availability in the Central Valley. The bill outlines the purpose, scope, deliverables, and potential triggers for action or implementation based on study findings. It is sponsored by a member of the Legislature with co-sponsorship from Diane Papan.

Purpose and Intent

  • To sponsor or commission a water availability study for the Central Valley, leveraging CCST’s role as a statewide scientific advisory body.
  • The study is intended to assess current and projected water resources, reliability, and management strategies to address water scarcity, variability, and demand in the Central Valley.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Authorizes or directs CCST to conduct a comprehensive assessment of water availability in the Central Valley.
  • Likely to cover issues such as:
    • Current water supply, demand, and reliability across urban, agricultural, and environmental uses.
    • Impacts of climate change on hydrology, flows, storage, and groundwater.
    • Infrastructure adequacy, water transfers, storage systems, groundwater sustainability, and conjunctive use.
    • Regional and statewide policy implications, governance structures, and funding needs.
  • May specify methodologies, data requirements, and stakeholder engagement processes for the study.
  • Could require a final report with findings, scenarios, and policy or management recommendations for state agencies, local governments, and stakeholders.
  • Possible timelines for completion, milestone reports, and ways the Legislature may receive updates.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Primary subject: Central Valley water resources and management within California.
  • Beneficiaries and stakeholders include:
    • State agencies responsible for water policy and regulation (e.g., Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board).
    • Central Valley water users: farms, municipalities, environmental groups, and industry.
    • Local and regional water districts and groundwater sustainability agencies.
    • Communities affected by water availability and drought resilience.
  • The study’s findings could influence future policy decisions, funding priorities, infrastructure investment, and water management strategies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill’s action history shows a multi-stage committee process typical of California legislation:
    • Initial referrals to committees (Water, Parks, and Wildlife; Appropriations) with amendments.
    • Progression through first and second readings, committee amendments, and suspense file considerations.
    • Movement toward third reading after passing through fiscal or policy committees.
  • Notable dates from the action history:
    • February–May 2026: Series of referrals, amendments, and committee votes.
    • May 14, 2026: Committee “Do pass” with a likely floor consideration to follow.
    • May 18, 2026: Ordered to third reading (progression toward final floor vote).
  • As a CCST-directed study, the bill may define reporting milestones, with a final report due to the Legislature and potential interim updates.

Potential Impacts and Implications

  • Provides a structured, science-based assessment of Central Valley water availability to inform policy decisions.
  • Could shape long-term water planning, drought resilience, and climate adaptation strategies.
  • May identify data gaps, research needs, and funding requirements for water infrastructure, conservation, and groundwater management.
  • Depending on findings, the Legislature could consider legislative or regulatory actions to implement recommended measures.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill’s provisions to existing Central Valley water policy or provide a plain-language executive summary once the final text is available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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