State Water Resources Control Board discusses clean water solutions for small communities

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on Climate Crisis, Resources, Energy, and Transportation convened on April 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding water safety and environmental regulations in California. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure safe drinking water for communities and the implications of tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment on greenhouse gas reduction.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the SAFER program, which aims to provide clean drinking water to underserved communities. Joe Karkoskin, Deputy Director of the Division of Financial Assistance with the State Water Resources Control Board, reported that the program has successfully addressed many of the "low hanging fruit" issues, providing safe drinking water to approximately 900,000 residents. However, he noted that challenges remain, particularly in small communities where planning and infrastructure development are still needed. Karkoskin emphasized the importance of consolidating small water systems to prevent future failures, as many systems currently delivering safe water are at risk.

The meeting also addressed the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's role in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF). Brad Miller from the department explained that the expansion of sales tax exemptions for manufacturing equipment in 2018 has allowed companies to save on taxes while investing in equipment for agricultural and power production. However, he acknowledged that there is limited evidence of direct greenhouse gas reduction benefits from these exemptions.

In conclusion, the subcommittee's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to improve water safety in California while also examining the financial mechanisms that support environmental initiatives. The challenges of maintaining safe drinking water and the effectiveness of tax incentives in promoting climate-friendly practices remain key areas of focus for state officials.