Bill > AB263

This bill extends emergency regulations for the Scott River and Shasta River watersheds, allowing specific water management rules to remain in effect until January 1, 2031, or until permanent instream flow requirements are adopted, whichever comes first. The bill highlights the critical importance of these watersheds for salmon populations, noting that the Scott River is the largest producer of wild Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast coho salmon and the Shasta River is the biggest producer of wild Upper Klamath-Trinity Fall Chinook salmon. It acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change, frequent droughts, and historical water rights adjudications that excluded tribal participation. The State Water Resources Control Board will be required to provide annual public updates on its progress toward developing permanent flow rules for these rivers, with the goal of protecting salmon habitats and supporting the state's $1.4 billion salmon-related economic activity. The legislation recognizes the cultural significance of these rivers to California Indians and the ecological importance of maintaining healthy salmon populations in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB263