Bill > SB599

This bill amends California's existing law to enhance research and forecasting capabilities for atmospheric rivers, which are long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that can cause significant precipitation and flooding. The bill requires the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to include experimental tools that produce seasonal (1-6 months) and subseasonal (2-6 weeks) atmospheric river forecasts as part of their research and development efforts. The legislation acknowledges the critical role atmospheric rivers play in California's water cycle, noting they can be responsible for up to half the state's annual precipitation and 94% of flood damages. The bill highlights the increasing intensity and frequency of atmospheric rivers due to climate change, emphasizing the potential for catastrophic flooding, with one in five Californians living in flood-prone areas and infrastructure at risk worth approximately $900 billion. By mandating the use of these advanced forecasting tools, the bill aims to improve flood protection, water supply management, and emergency preparedness, potentially saving billions of dollars in damages through better prediction and planning. The legislation also recognizes the disproportionate impact of flooding on low-income communities of color and seeks to enhance the state's resilience to extreme weather events.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB599