California Sen. Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) introduced the Right to Clean Water Act, Senate Bill 601, to safeguard California’s water systems by enshrining into state law previous federal protections offered by the federal Clean Water Act.

“The challenges presented by ever-changing federal policy requires California to step up and fill the void that is left when priorities become misaligned,” Allen said. “The federal Clean Water Act, punched by the Supreme Court less than two years ago, provided important protections for many waters throughout California. Now more than ever, we must take action to protect vulnerable ecosystems so they may thrive long into the future.”

The 2023 United States Supreme Court Sackett v. EPA decision stripped away federal Clean Water Act protections that regulated discharge pollution and quality standards for many streams and wetlands. The delicate water systems serve a vital role in providing clean water to communities, fostering highly productive ecosystems and providing natural carbon sequestration benefits to aid in climate change mitigation efforts.

SB 601 will re-establish previous federal protections for California wetlands, streams and drinking water by establishing permitting requirements that defend against discharge pollutants from business operations and construction. Standards established by the permits will meet or exceed federal protections provided during the Biden administration.

“The persistent undermining of federal protections for clean water leaves California streams and wetlands vulnerable to pollution and mismanagement,” said Ashley Overhouse, water policy advisor for the conservation nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife.

SB 601 will be referred to a policy committee in the coming weeks.

For information, visit sd24.senate.ca.gov.