Update on related legislation in the state legislature.
Senate Passes Perata Bills to Coordinate State Research on Climate Change and Plan for Water Storage
California Political Desk
June 11, 2007
(SACRAMENTO) — Legislation to centralize research on climate change and its impacts, and separately, to boost flood protection and water storage – both by Senate President pro Tem Don Perata (D-Oakland) – passed the Senate Friday.
The two measures, SB 660 and SB 1002, respectively, anchor Senate Democrats’ sweeping bill packages on climate change and water planning.
SB 660 establishes the Strategic Clean Technology and Climate Change Research, Development and Demonstration Program in the Resources Agency to coordinate state spending on research and development. The measure also creates the Strategic Research Investment Council to set research priorities for climate-related activities.
SB 1002 expands water storage and supply by capturing more snow melt, rain and runoff and directs the state to evaluate surface storage proposals. It also aims to integrate the state’s flood protection efforts with water supply and conveyance planning.
“These bill packages show that the Senate is very serious about responding to the challenges of climate change and water planning,” Perata said. “California must turn to cleaner fuels, smarter planning and wiser water management.”
