Good news out of the state of California: Earlier this year, Senate Bill 72 passed through the legislature, and on Oct. 1, it was signed by the governor. The California Alliance for Golf (CAG) was happy to endorse this significant piece of legislation, which focuses on modernizing California's water management framework. Titled "The California Water Plan: Long-Term Supply Targets," it amends the state's long-standing California Water Plan, which has guided water resource management since the late 1800s. “With unpredictable winter precipitation and the rapidly deteriorating conditions on the Colorado River, CAG realizes the importance of a balanced approach to conservation, management and new water technologies,” said Jeff Jensen, Southwest field representative for GCSAA. 

SB 72 introduces several core requirements for the Department of Water Resources (DWR), including establishing enforceable long-term supply targets considering current and future needs for all beneficial uses, including urban, agricultural, tribal and environmental sectors. The bill also requires strategic planning for new water storage, conservation, recycling, desalination and groundwater management with an ambitious goal of developing an additional 9 million acre-feet of water supply by 2040. Prior to passage, most of the water related discussion in the state had fixated primarily on conservation measures focused solely on water savings, but the passage of this bill signals a shift in thinking and a realization that the state needs more water – and a way to store it – to reliably address all current and future needs.

The passage of SB 72 marks a proactive shift toward a more resilient and sustainable water future for the state, which faces chronic shortages and significant challenges such as extreme flooding in some areas and prolonged drought in others. In essence, the bill transforms reactive water policies into a forward-looking blueprint, ensuring long-term reliability for people, the economy and nature amid growing uncertainties. GCSAA applauds this progress and looks forward to implementation of new policies and programs to come.   

For more information, please contact GCSAA Senior Manager, Government Affairs Michael Lee.