Bill > SB601

This bill addresses water discharge regulations in California, focusing on expanding protections for "nexus waters" - which are defined as waters of the state that are not navigable waters. The bill enables the State Water Resources Control Board and regional water quality control boards to include these nexus waters in all federal Clean Water Act processes, such as water quality reports and pollution load determinations. It requires discharge requirements for nexus waters to implement federal standards and be at least as stringent as existing federal permits. The bill also establishes a mechanism for annual adjustment of civil monetary penalties for water discharge violations, with collected funds to be used for cleaning up and addressing water pollution. Additionally, the bill authorizes various entities, including the Attorney General, state board, and regional boards, to bring enforcement actions related to nexus waters, with potential civil penalties up to $75,000 per day per violation. The legislation aims to restore and maintain water quality protections that may have been reduced by recent federal regulatory changes, ensuring that California continues to protect its water resources comprehensively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB601