Blogs

Senate Bill 753 (Caballero) was heard on April 11 in the California State Senate Committee on Public Safety. CSDA testified in support and the measure was voted out of the committee on a unanimous vote.

SB 753 will provide the option for increased penalties for those who unlawfully divert or pump water for specified cannabis activities, as well as for specified water and environmental contamination. CSDA’s letter of support outlines the need for the legislation to protect our natural resources and communities served by special districts.

Unlawful groundwater pumping for cannabis activities is a major emerging concern for water districts and other special districts supplying water to millions of Californians. CSDA recently featured Phelan Piñon Hills Community Services District in its 2022 Special Districts Virtual Tour. A video describing the district’s struggles due to unlawful cannabis-related groundwater pumping and potential contamination in the Mojave Basin, which is also used to provide water to the residents of Phelan in San Bernardino County, can be viewed here. SB 753 would create a sensible option to help address such challenges.

SB 753 will be heard next on April 25 in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water. CSDA anticipates providing continued support for this measure.