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Board requests briefing on Delta conveyance trailer bills and CEQA changes; staff to arrange lobbyist briefing
Summary
Chair Mashburn asked staff to schedule a briefing with county lobbyists and federal partners on state budget trailer bills that board members say would affect CEQA and Delta conveyance projects; staff indicated the matter would be brought to the board at its next meeting.
Chair Mashburn told the board that recently circulated state budget trailer bills contain provisions the chair described as broad and potentially limiting litigation related to Delta conveyance and water‑project CEQA reviews. He urged an expedited briefing from county lobbyists and federal partners so the board can consider a formal position.
"By my understanding, it basically gives the governor carte blanche ... it literally guts CEQA, with regard to the tunnels and with regard to any water project," Chair Mashburn said, urging staff to bring county and federal lobbyists to brief the board as soon as possible. County staff confirmed they would try to place the briefing on the next meeting agenda (the 10th). Several supervisors expressed concern about potential impacts on the Delta, agriculture and local water rights and said they would consider issuing a letter of opposition if the board’s review recommends that step.
This was an instruction to staff rather than a formal board action; the board asked county lobbyists to brief the board and explore federal permit issues and scheduled the matter for the next meeting’s agenda.
