The Southern California Water Coalition is urging our members and broader network to support AB 2215 (Calderon), an important measure that addresses a critical statewide water policy issue tied to the long‑term reliability and affordability of the State Water Project (SWP).
AB 2215 would extend the timeline for the full development of the SWP’s existing water rights permits to December 31, 2085, aligning those permits with the term of the validated contracts between the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and SWP public water agencies. This extension is necessary due to longstanding delays outside of DWR’s control and will allow the state to better plan, modernize infrastructure, and respond to climate extremes such as droughts and floods.
Importantly, AB 2215 does not approve any new projects, facilities, or operational changes, nor does it bypass CEQA, NEPA, ESA, CESA, or any other environmental or public participation requirements. The bill also explicitly does not approve the Delta Conveyance Project or any other future modification of the SWP.
A broad and growing coalition of water agencies, business organizations, labor, agriculture, and community stakeholders has already gone on record in support of AB 2215. With the bill tentatively scheduled for an April 14 hearing in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee, it is critical to continue building momentum and expanding the coalition in the weeks ahead.
AB 2215 is about protecting prior investments, ensuring regulatory certainty, and safeguarding water reliability and affordability for 27 million Californians who depend on the State Water Project.
Read the letter HERE.