Bill > AB580

This bill extends the existing provisions for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) related to surface mining operations until January 1, 2041. Under the current law, MWD is authorized to prepare a master reclamation plan that identifies individual surface mining operations across six counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura). The State Mining and Geology Board acts as the lead agency for these operations and can inspect idle mining sites once every two calendar years. The bill maintains the existing requirements that MWD cannot sell materials produced from its mining operations and must be the lead agency for environmental reviews of its reclamation plan. The legislation includes specific provisions that exempt MWD from obtaining city or county approvals for its mining operations and requires detailed annual reporting. The bill also includes legislative findings emphasizing the unique nature of MWD's infrastructure and water service needs, arguing that a special statute is necessary due to the district's critical role in providing water to approximately 19 million people across southern California. Additionally, the bill stipulates that no reimbursement is required from the state for implementing these provisions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB580