Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under federal law, any applicant seeking a federal license or permit for an activity that may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the United States is required to first seek a state water quality certification, as specified. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authorizes the state board to certify or provide a statement to a federal agency, as required pursuant to federal law, that there is reasonable assurance that an activity of any person subject to the jurisdiction of the state board will not reduce water quality below applicable standards. The federal act provides that if a state fails or refuses to act on a request for this certification within a reasonable period of time, which shall not exceed one year after receipt of the request, then the state certification requirements are waived with respect to the federal application.
This bill would require the state board to hold a public hearing at least 21 days before taking action on an application for certification for a license to operate a hydroelectric facility. The bill would prohibit the authority to issue a certification for a license to operate a hydroelectric facility from being delegated.

Statutes affected:
03/24/25 - Amended Assembly: 13160 WAT, 13160 WAT
04/08/25 - Amended Assembly: 13160 WAT