On the last day of the 2019 Legislative Session, California legislators passed Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the California Environmental, Public Health, and Workers Defense Act authored by Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins.
Shortly thereafter, Governor Newsom indicated he will veto the measure, stating “I fully support the principles behind SB 1. It does not, however, provide the state with any new authority to push back against the Trump Administration’s environmental policies. And it limits the state’s ability to rely upon the best available science to protect our environment.”
As proposed, SB 1 would have devastating impacts on how water is managed in California between the State and Federal water projects by creating a roadblock to the adoption of the Voluntary Agreements currently being negotiated.
In response to Governor Newsom’s announcement that he will veto SB 1, California Citrus Mutual President Casey Creamer issued the following statement:
“On behalf of the state’s citrus growers, we commend Governor Newsom for his commitment to veto SB 1 and avoid unnecessary conflict. SB 1 would have undermined the positive work by his administration and water users to create a reliable water management system and environmental protections based on the best available science.”
“While SB 1 would have had sweeping impacts to all water users south of the Delta, rural communities and farmers would have been most impacted. By vetoing SB 1, the Governor is sending a clear message that the people in our rural agricultural communities matter and that status quo is unacceptable. “
“We look forward to working with the Governor and his administration to bring about meaningful, comprehensive solutions to our state’s water system.”
“California Citrus Mutual thanks the Governor and his Administration, members of the Assembly and Senate, and our Federal representatives who actively worked to amend SB 1 to address concerns with the ESA provisions of the bill.”
California Citrus Mutual would like to thank the five federal legislators who weighed in on SB 1 in a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom. The letter explains impact this legislation would have on California’s water users. Read the letter here.
