Assemblywoman Luz Rivas’ Statement on the Resources Budget Trailer Bill Signing

FOLSOM LAKE – Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources, has issued the following statement on Governor Newsom’s bill signing of AB 148, the Resources budget trailer bill:

“I am excited to have joined the Governor today for the signing of the Resources trailer bill as a part of California’s landmark 2021-2022 budget. With this trailer bill, California makes significant strides on protecting our most cherished natural resources, combatting wildfires and droughts, and delivering water debt relief to Californians in need. AB 148 ensures our state is prepared to meet future environmental and climate challenges head-on.

Pictured: Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth, Governor Gavin Newsom, Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, and State Water Resources Control Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel following the AB 148 bill signing at the Folsom Lake reservoir.

This year’s Resources trailer bill makes important investments to tackle critical issues:
•    Establishes the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program, which provides customers with water debt relief for any arrearages accrued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
•    Allows California agencies to implement drought relief through grants and direct expenditures when a drought emergency is declared. 
•    Creates the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety to better regulate energy companies and prevent utility-caused wildfires.
•    Expands the collections of the Oil Spill Prevention and Administration Fee to ensure the state can prevent and respond to oil spills.
•    Provides $3 million to the CalConserve Fund to provide loans for water conservation and water use efficiency projects.

This year’s budget is California’s chance to create a bold and sustainable future that gives everyone the opportunity to thrive in our great Golden State. I want to thank our Budget Chairs Phil Ting and Nancy Skinner, all of our Budget Subcommittee Chairs and staff, and the Governor for their incredible work in delivering this momentous budget and recognizing the need to prepare our state for the dramatic effects of climate change that are already wreaking havoc across the state. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the Governor to address extreme heat and ensure that we connect our residents with much needed financial assistance.”

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas proudly represents the 39th Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Sun Valley, Sunland-Tujunga, Sylmar, and the City of San Fernando.

###