Water quality: state certification.
- Requires public hearings 21 days before the state board acts on water quality certification applications.
- Prohibits delegation of authority to issue hydroelectric facility operating licenses.
- Allows certification before environmental review if waiting risks federal authority waiver.
Assembly Member Soria's water quality certification measure establishes new public participation requirements and centralizes authority over hydroelectric facility approvals at the State Water Resources Control Board. The legislation requires the Board to conduct public hearings at least 21 days before acting on federal water quality certification applications, while explicitly prohibiting the delegation of certification authority for hydroelectric facility licenses.
The bill maintains the Board's ability to issue certifications before completing environmental reviews in cases where delay could risk waiving the state's certification authority under federal law. In such instances, the Board retains the power to reopen and modify certifications after public notice and comment to incorporate environmental protection measures based on subsequent review findings. The legislation preserves the Board's existing authority to implement federal water quality programs and issue certifications required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
These modifications to the state's water quality certification process affect multiple stakeholders. The State Board faces new administrative requirements around public hearings and centralized hydroelectric facility oversight. Facility operators must now obtain certifications directly from the Board rather than delegated authorities. Members of the public gain additional opportunities to provide input on certification decisions through the mandatory hearing process and comment periods for certification modifications.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Latest Voting History
 Rebecca Bauer-KahanD Assembly Member | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Alex LeeD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Tina McKinnorD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Damon ConnollyD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Diane PapanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |
- Requires public hearings 21 days before the state board acts on water quality certification applications.
- Prohibits delegation of authority to issue hydroelectric facility operating licenses.
- Allows certification before environmental review if waiting risks federal authority waiver.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Assembly Member Soria's water quality certification measure establishes new public participation requirements and centralizes authority over hydroelectric facility approvals at the State Water Resources Control Board. The legislation requires the Board to conduct public hearings at least 21 days before acting on federal water quality certification applications, while explicitly prohibiting the delegation of certification authority for hydroelectric facility licenses.
The bill maintains the Board's ability to issue certifications before completing environmental reviews in cases where delay could risk waiving the state's certification authority under federal law. In such instances, the Board retains the power to reopen and modify certifications after public notice and comment to incorporate environmental protection measures based on subsequent review findings. The legislation preserves the Board's existing authority to implement federal water quality programs and issue certifications required under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
These modifications to the state's water quality certification process affect multiple stakeholders. The State Board faces new administrative requirements around public hearings and centralized hydroelectric facility oversight. Facility operators must now obtain certifications directly from the Board rather than delegated authorities. Members of the public gain additional opportunities to provide input on certification decisions through the mandatory hearing process and comment periods for certification modifications.
Latest Voting History
Rebecca Bauer-KahanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Alex LeeD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Tina McKinnorD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Damon ConnollyD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Diane PapanD Assembly Member | Committee Member | Not Contacted |