The state Senate approved legislation this asking local agencies to develop plans to manage groundwater, a supply that is largely unregulated throughout the state even amid a statewide drought. The bill is identified by the governor’s office as one of two to carry his newly released groundwater governance language.
Careful reporting and monitoring of groundwater levels is critical to ensuring the supply is not totally diminished, said Sen. Fran Pavley, who added that the intent of her bill, SB1168, is to allow local agencies to manage their own water.
But it also would allow a state agency to step in to implement a groundwater management plan “upon a finding of compelling state interest,” which prompted a spirited debate among lawmakers.
Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber, called it the “first step to dictatorial state control of our groundwater. The well police, they’re always going to find something wrong.”
http://www.sacbee.com/2014/05/27/6436725/bill-would-allow-local-groundwater.html