Kern supervisors hear competing views on bills aimed at limiting groundwater litigation; support motion fails

The Kern County Board of Supervisors devoted the May 5 special meeting to two state bills — AB 1413 and AB 1466 — that would change how California courts treat locally adopted groundwater sustainability plans during adjudications.

Supervisor Pete Peters, who sponsored a referral for the discussion, said the measures “simply closed the loopholes on established process that makes SGMA and groundwater adjudications work together,” and moved that the board adopt a position of support for the bills. The motion received no second and therefore failed.

The bills, both described by county staff as seeking to clarify how courts should weigh Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) plans during adjudications, drew sharply divided public comment. Supporters from Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority said the measures would protect community plans and limit expensive, protracted lawsuits in which well‑funded parties can shift costs to local ratepayers.

Scott Heyman, Ridgecrest city council member and chair of the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, asked the board: “Do you want everyone in Kern County to go…