36 Almond Facts
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2015
Agricultural
Council of California
EMILY ROONEY,
President
Groundwater Forums Reveal Next Steps
With last year’s passage of the groundwater law, Ag Council
has been taking a leadership role in outreach to the agencies
writing the implementation rules. Our staff has now
shifted our priorities to help our members understand the
law and make improvements where possible in the actual
implementation process and remains engaged regarding
potential legislation to make changes to the law.
The legislation comprises historic changes to California
groundwater law. Ag Council held two Groundwater Forums
in December to help members connect with key offcials from
the California Department of Water Resources and the State
Water Resources Control Board to better understand the
law’s implications.
Ag Council member Campos Brothers Farms hosted the
frst forum, held on Dec. 4 in Caruthers. Over 100 guests
attended the forum to hear presentations by David Gutierrez,
program manager of the Groundwater Sustainability Program
at the Department of Water Resources (DWR) and DeeDee
D’Adamo, a member of the State Water Resources Control
Board. On Dec. 9, Ag Council held its second Groundwater
Forum in Sacramento. Steven Moore, member of the State
Water Resources Control Board (Board), presented and David
Gutierrez joined us once again.
Groundwater represents 40 percent of California’s
water supply. Citing issues such as wells going dry, lack
of groundwater recovery in some areas and subsidence
in other areas, Gutierrez said the new groundwater
measures “empower local agencies to manage groundwater
sustainably.” He added that, “DWR’s role is to make locals
successful.” Gutierrez said DWR efforts include the creation
Continued on page 38 »