Assembly hearing draws sharp debate over Delta Conveyance trailer bills and proposed CEQA change

The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on the May Revision heard extensive testimony and public comment on two linked trailer‑bill proposals: a Department of Water Resources (DWR) package to streamline proceedings tied to the Delta Conveyance Project and a State Water Resources Control Board bill that would exempt water quality control plan amendments from the California Environmental Quality Act. The subcommittee did not take a vote on either measure and members and analysts recommended deferral to a policy process with more time for review.

The hearing opened with legislative analysts and budget staff framing the May Revision context: the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) estimated a $12–$14 billion shortfall and urged caution on fast‑tracked, high‑impact policy changes released close to the budget deadline. "Our overarching recommendation is to defer without prejudice these major policy changes," LAO analyst Rachel Ehlers told members, saying the proposals were "highly complex issues" and not necessary to enact the budget.

DWR Director Carla Namath described the Delta Conveyance proposal as a set of process changes intended to reduce delay. "We do anticipate additional protests coming in ... these proposals do not weaken the environmental protections that must be placed on these projects," Namath said, adding that the department has a CEQA…