Governor Announces Steps to Streamline Delivery of Infrastructure Projects by ACWA Staff May 19, 2023 Water News Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed an Executive Order and announced plans to release a package of budget trailer bills aimed at streamlining the delivery of critical projects throughout the state, including water infrastructure projects. According to a news release from the Governor’s Office, his actions aim to speed up construction; expedite court review; streamline permitting; address cumbersome California Environmental Quality Act processes; and maximize federal dollars. “The only way to achieve California’s world-leading climate goals is to build, build, build – faster,” Newsom stated during a press conference at the site of a future solar farm in Stanislaus County. This proposal is the most ambitious effort to cut red tape and streamline regulations in half a century. It’s time to make the most out of taxpayer dollars and deliver results while creating hundreds of thousands of good jobs. Not since the Pat Brown era have we had the opportunity to invest in and rebuild this state to create the clean future Californians deserve.” ACWA has made permit streamlining a priority issue to help member agencies ensure critical water infrastructure projects are built at the pace and scale needed to respond to the growing impacts of climate change. “ACWA applauds the Governor’s leadership today in announcing actions aimed at streamlining the delivery of infrastructure projects – actions which will help ensure critical water infrastructure projects are built at the pace and scale needed to respond to the growing impacts of climate change,” said ACWA Executive Director Dave Eggerton. “ACWA members have been on the front lines of preparing for a changing climate through continued investments in critical water infrastructure. That’s why ACWA has made permit streamlining a priority issue. Permit decisions can and must be made more efficiently, while protecting the environment.” This year, ACWA sponsored SB 23 (Caballero), which identified specific opportunities to improve and streamline the regulatory permitting process, while preserving established environmental protections. While the Senate Appropriations Committee held SB 23, and the bill will not be moving forward this year, ACWA supports the governor’s leadership in making this issue a priority for the state. ACWA staff is reviewing the Executive Order and will advocate for permit streamlining in the context of the Newsom Administration’s implementation of the Order. ACWA staff will also review and engage on the budget trailer bills as soon as they are released. In addition, ACWA last year launched Quench California, a statewide campaign to educate Californians about the importance and positive benefits of water infrastructure. Members can access communications toolkit items at www.acwa.com to promote the campaign and encourage residents to visit the website, www.QuenchCA.com, to learn more about this important topic.
