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Assembly committee advances bill to recognize tribal water uses as a statewide beneficial use
Summary
The Assembly committee advanced AB 362 after testimony from tribal leaders and environmental groups. The bill would add tribal uses to the list of beneficial uses state regulators consider when setting water quality and flow protections; opponents urged further changes and consultation with water agencies.
SACRAMENTO — The Assembly committee voted to advance AB 362, legislation that would explicitly recognize tribal uses of water as a statewide beneficial use and direct state agencies to give those uses equal consideration when setting water quality standards and approving water projects.
The bill’s author, Assemblymember Robert Ramos, and tribal leaders said the measure seeks to repair historic exclusions of California tribes from water planning and to ensure cultural, subsistence and ceremonial uses receive regulatory protection. “Tribal water uses be put on equal footing with other statewide beneficial uses of water,” testified Melissa Tayaba, vice chair of the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians and the bill’s…
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