Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Hydropower topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate panel advances permanent hydropower authority for Reclamation District 108
Summary
The Senate Committee on Local Government voted to advance AB 59, which would remove the sunset on Reclamation District 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects and require periodic reporting to the Legislature, giving the district longer-term certainty for financing and construction.
Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry introduced AB 59 before the Senate Committee on Local Government to give Reclamation District 108 permanent authority to participate in hydropower projects and require periodic legislative reporting. Supporters said the change is needed to secure long-term financing for small hydro projects and other energy investments.
Reclamation District 108 provides irrigation and drainage to nearly 48,000 acres of farmland in southern Colusa County and northern Yolo County. Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry told the committee that the district’s hydropower authority is scheduled to sunset on Jan. 1, 2026, and that the uncertainty has hindered long-term planning. “Without the authority, RD 108 will lack the certainty it needs to engage in long term infrastructure planning and projects,” she said.
Dorese Kausbeck Smith, Colusa County supervisor representing the district, said she strongly supports the bill and described RD 108 as an innovator in floodplain management, habitat improvement and water recharge. Louis Baer, general manager of RD 108, told the committee the district spends about $1 million a year on pumping and already operates a solar facility; he said AB 59 would let RD 108 pursue additional renewable projects, including small hydropower in existing canals. “We think it's a responsible way to proceed here in California where we value our environment,” Baer said.
Two organizational supporters — Michelle Ruelcava of Nielsen Merksamer and Ivy Britton of the Northern California Water Association — spoke in favor of the bill during the hearing; there was no recorded opposition. Committee members did not raise technical objections, and when quorum was established the committee voted to advance the bill.
What the measure would do: AB 59 removes the statutory sunset on RD 108’s authority to participate in hydropower projects and adds a reporting requirement to the Legislature so lawmakers can track project and financing plans. Proponents said the longer-term authorization (authors requested multi-decade certainty) will improve the district’s ability to obtain financing and lower long-term energy costs for irrigators.
Next steps: The committee passed AB 59 to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications. The committee roll call recorded the measure as passed out of the Local Government Committee.
