AB 580: Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-10-03
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-10-03: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 270, Statutes of 2025.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
(1)The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to prepare a master reclamation plan, as provided, that identifies each individual surface mining operation in specified counties and satisfies all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site. Existing law requires the State Mining and Geology Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the MWD and authorizes the board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every 2 calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Existing law requires the MWD to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the master reclamation plan. Existing law repeals the provisions authorizing the preparation and approval of the master reclamation plan for the MWD on January 1, 2026.
This bill would extend the operation of those provisions until January 1, 2041. To the extent this bill would require a local government acting as a lead agency for environmental review of the master reclamation plan to perform those additional duties for a longer period of time, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(2)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(3)The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(1)The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to prepare a master reclamation plan, as provided, that identifies each individual surface mining operation in specified counties and satisfies all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site. Existing law requires the State Mining and Geology Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the MWD and authorizes the board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every 2 calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Existing law requires the MWD to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the master reclamation plan. Existing law repeals the provisions authorizing the preparation and approval of the master reclamation plan for the MWD on January 1, 2026.
This bill would extend the operation of those provisions until January 1, 2041. To the extent this bill would require a local government acting as a lead agency for environmental review of the master reclamation plan to perform those additional duties for a longer period of time, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(2)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(3)The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(1)The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to prepare a master reclamation plan, as provided, that identifies each individual surface mining operation in specified counties and satisfies all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site. Existing law requires the State Mining and Geology Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the MWD and authorizes the board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every 2 calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Existing law requires the MWD to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the master reclamation plan. Existing law repeals the provisions authorizing the preparation and approval of the master reclamation plan for the MWD on January 1, 2026.
This bill would extend the operation of those provisions until January 1, 2051. 2041. To the extent this bill would require a local government acting as a lead agency for environmental review of the master reclamation plan to perform those additional duties for a longer period of time, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(2)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(3)The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(1)The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to prepare a master reclamation plan, as provided, that identifies each individual surface mining operation in specified counties and satisfies all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site. Existing law requires the State Mining and Geology Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the MWD and authorizes the board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every 2 calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Existing law requires the MWD to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the master reclamation plan. Existing law repeals the provisions authorizing the preparation and approval of the master reclamation plan for the MWD on January 1, 2026.
This bill would make those provisions operative indefinitely. extend the operation of those provisions until January 1, 2051. To the extent this bill would require a local government acting as a lead agency for environmental review of the master reclamation plan to perform those additional duties indefinitely, for a longer period of time, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(2)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(3)The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(1)The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. Existing law authorizes the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to prepare a master reclamation plan, as provided, that identifies each individual surface mining operation in specified counties and satisfies all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site. Existing law requires the State Mining and Geology Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the MWD and authorizes the board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every 2 calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Existing law requires the MWD to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the master reclamation plan. Existing law repeals the provisions authorizing the preparation and approval of the master reclamation plan for the MWD on January 1, 2026.
This bill would make those provisions operative indefinitely. To the extent this bill would require a local government acting as a lead agency for environmental review of the master reclamation plan to perform those additional duties indefinitely, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
(2)This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(3)The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Metropolitan Water District means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(2)Metropolitan Reclamation Plan means a master reclamation plan that may be approved pursuant to this section for all surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The master reclamation plan shall identify each individual surface mining operation and satisfy all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site.
(b)Unless otherwise provided in this section, the requirements of this chapter, Section 2207, and Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply to surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.
(c)The board shall act as the lead agency pursuant to this chapter and Section 2207 for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District.
(d)In addition to any other requirements in statute or regulation, the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan shall include both of the following:
(1)A map that identifies the location of each individual surface mining operation conducted on lands Metropolitan Water District owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to the Metropolitan Water District.
(2)Maintenance measures that become effective when any individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Maintenance measures shall maintain the site in compliance with this chapter while the surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(e)The Metropolitan Reclamation Plan is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 2770, except that financial assurances required by Section 2773.1 shall remain in effect during any idle period.
(f)Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2774, the board may conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(g)(1)In the annual report required pursuant to Section 2207, the Metropolitan Water District shall provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides the information and documentation required in that section.
(2)The Metropolitan Water District shall pay an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207.
(3)The board, in its role as the lead agency, may collect reasonable inspection costs pursuant to subdivision (f) of this section, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2774 and, excluding Section 3696.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, may impose an administration fee pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2207 in an amount not to exceed the boards reasonable costs in carrying out this chapter.
(h)Notwithstanding any other law, the Metropolitan Water District shall not be required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(i)The Metropolitan Water District shall not sell or allow any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person.
(j)For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), the Metropolitan Water District shall be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(k)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2041, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because the service area of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California covers six counties, providing water to 26 member agencies that serve approximately 19,000,000 people across the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura; the districts Colorado River Aqueduct and other critical drinking water infrastructure are unique in that the district crosses multiple counties and it is essential to the districts mission to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way; it is necessary for the district to use stone, gravel, and sand to operate and maintain its critical infrastructure, including the use of materials to repair storm and flood damage, and repairs to the rights-of-way and appurtenant facilities necessary to ensure the safe operation of its critical drinking water infrastructure and, thus, ensure delivery of water to approximately 19,000,000 people in southern California; the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code) by multiple counties as to the district may lead to the conflicting application of the law to a single special district; and the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by the district with the oversight of the Department of Conservation will ensure more uniform and efficient application of the law.
SEC. 3.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Metropolitan Water District means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(2)Metropolitan Reclamation Plan means a master reclamation plan that may be approved pursuant to this section for all surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The master reclamation plan shall identify each individual surface mining operation and satisfy all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site.
(b)Unless otherwise provided in this section, the requirements of this chapter, Section 2207, and Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply to surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.
(c)The board shall act as the lead agency pursuant to this chapter and Section 2207 for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District.
(d)In addition to any other requirements in statute or regulation, the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan shall include both of the following:
(1)A map that identifies the location of each individual surface mining operation conducted on lands Metropolitan Water District owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to the Metropolitan Water District.
(2)Maintenance measures that become effective when any individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Maintenance measures shall maintain the site in compliance with this chapter while the surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(e)The Metropolitan Reclamation Plan is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 2770, except that financial assurances required by Section 2773.1 shall remain in effect during any idle period.
(f)Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2774, the board may conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(g)(1)In the annual report required pursuant to Section 2207, the Metropolitan Water District shall provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides the information and documentation required in that section.
(2)The Metropolitan Water District shall pay an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207.
(3)The board, in its role as the lead agency, may collect reasonable inspection costs pursuant to subdivision (f) of this section, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2774 and, excluding Section 3696.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, may impose an administration fee pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2207 in an amount not to exceed the boards reasonable costs in carrying out this chapter.
(h)Notwithstanding any other law, the Metropolitan Water District shall not be required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(i)The Metropolitan Water District shall not sell or allow any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person.
(j)For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), the Metropolitan Water District shall be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(k)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2041, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because the service area of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California covers six counties, providing water to 26 member agencies that serve approximately 19,000,000 people across the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura; the districts Colorado River Aqueduct and other critical drinking water infrastructure are unique in that the district crosses multiple counties and it is essential to the districts mission to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way; it is necessary for the district to use stone, gravel, and sand to operate and maintain its critical infrastructure, including the use of materials to repair storm and flood damage, and repairs to the rights-of-way and appurtenant facilities necessary to ensure the safe operation of its critical drinking water infrastructure and, thus, ensure delivery of water to approximately 19,000,000 people in southern California; the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code) by multiple counties as to the district may lead to the conflicting application of the law to a single special district; and the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by the district with the oversight of the Department of Conservation will ensure more uniform and efficient application of the law.
SEC. 3.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Metropolitan Water District means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(2)Metropolitan Reclamation Plan means a master reclamation plan that may be approved pursuant to this section for all surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The master reclamation plan shall identify each individual surface mining operation and satisfy all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site.
(b)Unless otherwise provided in this section, the requirements of this chapter, Section 2207, and Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply to surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.
(c)The board shall act as the lead agency pursuant to this chapter and Section 2207 for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District.
(d)In addition to any other requirements in statute or regulation, the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan shall include both of the following:
(1)A map that identifies the location of each individual surface mining operation conducted on lands Metropolitan Water District owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to the Metropolitan Water District.
(2)Maintenance measures that become effective when any individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Maintenance measures shall maintain the site in compliance with this chapter while the surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(e)The Metropolitan Reclamation Plan is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 2770, except that financial assurances required by Section 2773.1 shall remain in effect during any idle period.
(f)Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2774, the board may conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(g)(1)In the annual report required pursuant to Section 2207, the Metropolitan Water District shall provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides the information and documentation required in that section.
(2)The Metropolitan Water District shall pay an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207.
(3)The board, in its role as the lead agency, may collect reasonable inspection costs pursuant to subdivision (f) of this section, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2774 and, excluding Section 3696.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, may impose an administration fee pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2207 in an amount not to exceed the boards reasonable costs in carrying out this chapter.
(h)Notwithstanding any other law, the Metropolitan Water District shall not be required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(i)The Metropolitan Water District shall not sell or allow any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person.
(j)For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), the Metropolitan Water District shall be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(k)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2051, 2041, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because the service area of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California covers six counties, providing water to 26 member agencies that serve approximately 19,000,000 people across the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura; the districts Colorado River Aqueduct and other critical drinking water infrastructure are unique in that the district crosses multiple counties and it is essential to the districts mission to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way; it is necessary for the district to use stone, gravel, and sand to operate and maintain its critical infrastructure, including the use of materials to repair storm and flood damage, and repairs to the rights-of-way and appurtenant facilities necessary to ensure the safe operation of its critical drinking water infrastructure and, thus, ensure delivery of water to approximately 19,000,000 people in southern California; the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code) by multiple counties as to the district may lead to the conflicting application of the law to a single special district; and the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by the district with the oversight of the Department of Conservation will ensure more uniform and efficient application of the law.
SEC. 3.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Metropolitan Water District means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(2)Metropolitan Reclamation Plan means a master reclamation plan that may be approved pursuant to this section for all surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The master reclamation plan shall identify each individual surface mining operation and satisfy all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site.
(b)Unless otherwise provided in this section, the requirements of this chapter, Section 2207, and Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply to surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.
(c)The board shall act as the lead agency pursuant to this chapter and Section 2207 for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District.
(d)In addition to any other requirements in statute or regulation, the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan shall include both of the following:
(1)A map that identifies the location of each individual surface mining operation conducted on lands Metropolitan Water District owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to the Metropolitan Water District.
(2)Maintenance measures that become effective when any individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Maintenance measures shall maintain the site in compliance with this chapter while the surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(e)The Metropolitan Reclamation Plan is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 2770, except that financial assurances required by Section 2773.1 shall remain in effect during any idle period.
(f)Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2774, the board may conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(g)(1)In the annual report required pursuant to Section 2207, the Metropolitan Water District shall provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides the information and documentation required in that section.
(2)The Metropolitan Water District shall pay an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207.
(3)The board, in its role as the lead agency, may collect reasonable inspection costs pursuant to subdivision (f) of this section, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2774 and, excluding Section 3696.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, may impose an administration fee pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2207 in an amount not to exceed the boards reasonable costs in carrying out this chapter.
(h)Notwithstanding any other law, the Metropolitan Water District shall not be required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(i)The Metropolitan Water District shall not sell or allow any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person.
(j)For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), the Metropolitan Water District shall be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(k)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2051, and as of that date is repealed.
SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because the service area of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California covers six counties, providing water to 26 member agencies that serve approximately 19,000,000 people across the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura; the districts Colorado River Aqueduct and other critical drinking water infrastructure are unique in that the district crosses multiple counties and it is essential to the districts mission to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way; it is necessary for the district to use stone, gravel, and sand to operate and maintain its critical infrastructure, including the use of materials to repair storm and flood damage, and repairs to the rights-of-way and appurtenant facilities necessary to ensure the safe operation of its critical drinking water infrastructure and, thus, ensure delivery of water to approximately 19,000,000 people in southern California; the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code) by multiple counties as to the district may lead to the conflicting application of the law to a single special district; and the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by the district with the oversight of the Department of Conservation will ensure more uniform and efficient application of the law.
SEC. 3.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
(a)For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1)Metropolitan Water District means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
(2)Metropolitan Reclamation Plan means a master reclamation plan that may be approved pursuant to this section for all surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, or and Ventura. The master reclamation plan shall identify each individual surface mining operation and satisfy all reclamation plan requirements for each individual surface mining site.
(b)Unless otherwise provided in this section, the requirements of this chapter, Section 2207, and Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 3500) of Division 2 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations shall apply to surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura.
(c)The board shall act as the lead agency pursuant to this chapter and Section 2207 for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan Water District.
(d)In addition to any other requirements in statute or regulation, the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan shall include both of the following:
(1)A map that identifies the location of each individual surface mining operation conducted on lands Metropolitan Water District owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to the Metropolitan Water District.
(2)Maintenance measures that become effective when any individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production. Maintenance measures shall maintain the site in compliance with this chapter while the surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(e)The Metropolitan Reclamation Plan is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 2770, except that financial assurances required by Section 2773.1 shall remain in effect during any idle period.
(f)Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 2774, the board may conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production.
(g)(1)In the annual report required pursuant to Section 2207, the Metropolitan Water District shall provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides the information and documentation required in that section.
(2)The Metropolitan Water District shall pay an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207.
(3)The board, in its role as the lead agency, may collect reasonable inspection costs pursuant to subdivision (f) of this section, and paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 2774 and, excluding Section 3696.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, may impose an administration fee pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 2207 in an amount not to exceed the boards reasonable costs in carrying out this chapter.
(h)Notwithstanding any other law, the Metropolitan Water District shall not be required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(i)The Metropolitan Water District shall not sell or allow any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person.
(j)For purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000)), the Metropolitan Water District shall be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan.
(k)This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.SEC. 2.The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because the service area of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California covers six counties, providing water to 26 member agencies that serve approximately 19,000,000 people across the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura; the districts Colorado River Aqueduct and other critical drinking water infrastructure are unique in that the district crosses multiple counties and it is essential to the districts mission to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way; it is necessary for the district to use stone, gravel, and sand to operate and maintain its critical infrastructure, including the use of materials to repair storm and flood damage, and repairs to the rights-of-way and appurtenant facilities necessary to ensure the safe operation of its critical drinking water infrastructure and, thus, ensure delivery of water to approximately 19,000,000 people in southern California; the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 2710) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code) by multiple counties as to the district may lead to the conflicting application of the law to a single special district; and the implementation of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 by the district with the oversight of the Department of Conservation will ensure more uniform and efficient application of the law.
SEC. 3.No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIIIB of the California Constitution because a local agency or school district has the authority to levy service charges, fees, or assessments sufficient to pay for the program or level of service mandated by this act, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code.
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Date
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Status
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| Oct 3, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 270, Statutes of 2025. |
| Oct 3, 2025 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Sep 4, 2025 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m. |
| Aug 28, 2025 | Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 75. Noes 0. Page 2760.). |
| Aug 26, 2025 | In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 2251.). |
| Aug 20, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Aug 19, 2025 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jul 17, 2025 | Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jul 17, 2025 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (July 16). |
| Jun 4, 2025 | Referred to Com. on N.R. & W. |
| May 23, 2025 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 23, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 71. Noes 0. Page 1662.) |
| May 15, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 14, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (April 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | Re-referred to Com. on W. P., & W. |
| Mar 26, 2025 | Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 25, 2025 | From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on W. P., & W. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (March 24). |
| Mar 3, 2025 | Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and W. P., & W. |
| Feb 13, 2025 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 15. |
| Feb 12, 2025 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 28, 2025 | AB 580 Wallis Concurrence in Senate Amendments | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 25, 2025 | Consent Calendar 2nd AB580 Wallis | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jul 16, 2025 | Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Water |
Passed |
|
| May 23, 2025 | AB 580 Wallis Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 14, 2025 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 29, 2025 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Water, Parks, and Wildlife |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2025 | Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Water, Parks, and Wildlife] | Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resources |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Association of California Cities - Orange County | ** Support | |
| Association Of California Water Agencies | ** Support | |
| California Council For Environmental & Economic Balance | ** Support | |
| California Municipal Utilities Association | ** Support | |
| California Special Districts Association | ** Support | |
| Calleguas Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Central Basin Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Desert Water Agency | ** Support | |
| Eastern Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| El Segundo Chamber of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Foothill Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Garden Grove Chamber Of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Gateway Chambers Alliance | ** Support | |
| Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce | ** Support | |
| Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce | ** Support | |
| Inland Empire Utilities Agency | ** Support | |
| Las Virgenes Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Los Angeles Area Chamber Of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Los Angeles County Business Federation | ** Support | |
| Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (referred to in the analysis as "Metropolitan") | ** Support | |
| Municipal Water District Of Orange County | ** Support | |
| Orange County Business Council | ** Support | |
| Orange County Taxpayers Association | ** Support | |
| Rancho Water | ** Support | |
| Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce | ** Support | |
| San Diego County Water Authority | ** Support | |
| South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce | ** Support | |
| Southern California Contractors Association | ** Support | |
| Southwest California Legislative Council | ** Support | |
| the greater coachella valley chamber of commerce | ** Support | |
| Three Valleys Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce | ** Support | |
| West Basin Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| West Ventura County Business Alliance | ** Support | |
| Western Municipal Water District | ** Support | |
| Western Riverside Council Of Governments | ** Support |
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
CSA1 Bill Id:AB 580
Author:(Wallis)
As Amended Ver:July 17, 2025
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Extends the sunset date to January 1, 2041, on the statute authorizing the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to prepare a single master reclamation plan, known as the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan (Plan), for its earth moving operations conducted on lands it owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of way were granted to Metropolitan.
Senate Amendments
Reduce the extended sunset date from January 1, 2051, to January 1, 2041.
COMMENTS
Metropolitan has ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA), including the excess stone, gravel, and sand used to construct the project. Metropolitan uses those materials to restore, repair, protect, and maintain berms, and access roads, and pipelines. Metropolitan currently maintains 19 borrow pit sites that supply aggregate materials for repairs and maintenance of the CRA and other infrastructure.
In 2017, San Bernardino and Riverside counties informed Metropolitan it had to comply with the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) because some sites involved the removal of native soils, which constitutes a mining activity under SMARA. In response to the notice provided by the counties, Metropolitan has worked with both counties to identify sites that are subject to SMARA and in 2020, began preparation of a reclamation plan for each county. AB 442 (Mayes), Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021, authorized Metropolitan, until January 1, 2026, to prepare a single master reclamation plan. The Board conducted an annual inspection in April 2024 and submitted its report that all aspects of Metropolitan's surface mining operation is compliant with SMARA, and that all financial assurance cost estimates were also approved by the Board in April.
AB 580 extends the sunset date to 2041.
According to the Author
AB 580 ensures the Metropolitan Water District can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA)—a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians—without unnecessary red tape. This bill removes the sunset date on a proven process that's worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs. The Aqueduct's maintenance shouldn't be bogged down by inconsistent county regulations when we've already seen the state-level plan succeed. AB 580 keeps our water flowing safely and efficiently for the long haul.
Arguments in Support
Metropolitan writes, "Since AB 442 was enacted, Metropolitan has worked diligently with the Mining Board to comply with SMARA. The Mining Board has conducted the required inspections of Metropolitan's reclamation sites and Metropolitan has submitted an annual report on our operations. AB 580 will extend the sunset to January 1, 2051, which will allow Metropolitan to continue to comply with SMARA directly with the Mining Board."
Arguments in Opposition
None on file
FISCAL COMMENTS
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved this bill pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 in reference to negligible state costs.
VOTES:
ASM NATURAL RESOURCES: 13-0-1
YES: Bryan, Alanis, Connolly, Davies, Flora, Garcia, Haney, Sanchez, Kalra, Muratsuchi, Pellerin, Schultz, Zbur
ABS, ABST OR NV: Wicks
ASM WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE: 13-0-0
YES: Papan, Jeff Gonzalez, Alvarez, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bennett, Boerner, Caloza, Hart, Macedo, Celeste Rodriguez, Rogers, Tangipa
ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0
YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Hart, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0-8
YES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer- Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Schiavo, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
ABS, ABST OR NV: Bryan, Chen, Ellis, Nguyen, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Wicks
SENATE FLOOR: 37-0-3
YES: Allen, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Jones, Laird, Limón, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Reyes, Richardson, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener
ABS, ABST OR NV: Alvarado-Gil, Hurtado, Rubio
UPDATED
VERSION: July 17, 2025
CONSULTANT: Paige Brokaw / NAT. RES. / (916) 319-2092 FN: 0001261
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 580 |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 580
Author: Wallis (R)
Amended: 7/17/25 in Senate
Vote: 21
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-0, 7/16/25
AYES: Limón, Seyarto, Allen, Grove, Hurtado, Laird, Stern
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/23/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
SOURCE: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
DIGEST:
This bill extends by fifteen years, until January 1, 2041, the authorization for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to develop a single master reclamation plan (Metropolitan Reclamation Plan) to comply with its obligations under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA).
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Establishes within the Department of Conservation (DOC) the Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR), led by the Supervisor of Mine Reclamation and the State Mining Governing Board (SMGB).
- Establishes SMARA to create a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy to prevent or minimize adverse environmental effects, reclaim mined lands to a usable condition, encourage production and conservation of minerals, and eliminate hazards to public health and safety, as specified: (Public Resources Code (PRC) §§2710 et seq.)
- Under SMARA, prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless a permit is obtained from, a reclamation plan has been submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by the lead agency for the operation, as specified: (PRC §2770)
- Under SMARA, prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless a permit is obtained from, a reclamation plan has been submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by the lead agency for the operation, as specified: (PRC §2770)
- Exempts from SMARA, until January 1, 2026, Metropolitan for emergency excavations or grading conducted by Metropolitan for its own operation and infrastructure for the purpose of averting, alleviating, repairing, or restoring damage to property due to imminent or recent floods, disasters, or other emergencies: (PRC §2714(j))
- Creates, until January 1, 2026, special provisions under SMARA for Metropolitan’s operations within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, or Ventura, including to, amongst others, authorize Metropolitan to prepare a master reclamation plan for its operations. (PRC §2715.6)
This bill extends, until January 1, 2041, the authorization for Metropolitan to develop a multi-county Metropolitan Reclamation Plan to comply with its obligations under SMARA.
Background
SMARA. Administered by the DOC, SMARA provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a useable condition (PRC §§2710 et seq.).
AB 442 (Mayes, Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021). When Metropolitan completed construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) and began operation in 1941, it retained ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the CRA, including the excess stone, gravel, and sand used to construct the project. Metropolitan uses those materials to restore, repair, protect, and maintain berms, access roads, and pipelines. The desert is an area subject to heavy rains and flash floods. Maintaining berms and siphons to redirect water laden with sediment around the aqueduct is essential to maintain water quality. In addition, heavy rains and localized flooding in 2018, for example, caused erosion damage to 35 sites and exposed parts of the CRA pipeline in 26 places over nine miles. Metropolitan used the sand and gravel materials from its existing borrow sites adjacent to the CRA to make repairs to the exposed pipeline and washed out roads.
Metropolitan currently maintains 19 borrow pit sites that supply aggregate materials for repairs and maintenance of the CRA and other infrastructure. Most of the material at these sites are spoils from tunnel construction of the CRA. However, in 2017, San Bernardino and Riverside counties informed Metropolitan it had to comply with SMARA because some sites involved the removal of native soils, which constitutes a mining activity under SMARA.
Instead of requiring Metropolitan to prepare a reclamation plan for each county, the Legislature passed AB 422 (Mayes, Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021), which allows Metropolitan to use a master reclamation plan for all 19 borrow pit sites across the various counties until January 1, 2026. According to information provided by the author, the master reclamation plan was approved by the SMGB in April 2023. In addition to the annual report required by SMARA, Metropolitan is also required to provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides information for the annual report. In its 2024 annual inspection, SMGB found all aspects of Metropolitan’s surface mining operation were compliant with SMARA.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: Yes
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/19/25)
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (source)
Association of California Cities - Orange County
Association of California Water Agencies
California Council for Environmental & Economic Balance
California Municipal Utilities Association
California Special Districts Association
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Central Basin Municipal Water District
Desert Water Agency
Eastern Municipal Water District
El Segundo Chamber of Commerce
Foothill Municipal Water District
Gateway Chambers Alliance
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles County Business Federation
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Orange County Business Council
Orange County Taxpayers Association
Rancho Water
San Diego County Water Authority
Southern California Contractors Association
Southwest California Legislative Council
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
Three Valleys Municipal Water District
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
West Basin Municipal Water District
West Ventura County Business Alliance
Western Municipal Water District
Western Riverside Council of Governments
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/19/25)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author’s office, “AB 580 is a common-sense solution that ensures the Metropolitan Water District can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct—a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians—without unnecessary red tape. This bill removes the sunset date on a proven process that’s worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs. The Aqueduct’s maintenance shouldn’t be bogged down by inconsistent county regulations when we’ve already seen the state-level plan succeed. AB 580 keeps our water flowing safely and efficiently for the long haul.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 71-0, 5/23/25
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKinnor, Muratsuchi, Ortega, Pacheco, Papan, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Schiavo, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Bryan, Chen, Ellis, Nguyen, Sanchez, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Wicks
Prepared by: Genevieve Wong / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116
8/21/25 16:45:29
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER
Senator Monique Limón, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: AB Hearing Date: July 16, 2025
Author: | Wallis | ||
Version: | March 26, 2025 Amended | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Genevieve Wong | ||
Subject: Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
SUMMARY
This bill would extend by twenty-five years, until January 1, 2051, the authorization for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to develop a single master reclamation plan (Metropolitan Reclamation Plan) to comply with its obligations under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 (SMARA).
BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW
SMARA. Administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC), SMARA provides a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy with the regulation of surface mining operations to assure that adverse environmental impacts are minimized and mined lands are reclaimed to a useable condition (Public Resources Code (PRC) §§2710 et seq.).
AB 442 (Mayes, Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021). When Metropolitan completed construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) and began operation in 1941, it retained ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the CRA, including the excess stone, gravel, and sand used to construct the project. Metropolitan uses those materials to restore, repair, protect, and maintain berms, access roads, and pipelines. The desert is an area subject to heavy rains and flash floods. Maintaining berms and siphons to redirect water laden with sediment around the aqueduct is essential to maintain water quality. In addition, heavy rains and localized flooding in 2018, for example, caused erosion damage to 35 sites and exposed parts of the CRA pipeline in 26 places over nine miles. Metropolitan used the sand and gravel materials from its existing borrow sites adjacent to the CRA to make repairs to the exposed pipeline and washed out roads.
Metropolitan currently maintains 19 borrow pit sites that supply aggregate materials for repairs and maintenance of the CRA and other infrastructure. Most of the material at these sites are spoils from tunnel construction of the CRA. However, in 2017, San Bernardino and Riverside counties informed Metropolitan it had to comply with SMARA because some sites involved the removal of native soils, which constitutes a mining activity under SMARA.
Instead of requiring Metropolitan to prepare a reclamation plan for each county, the Legislature passed AB 422 (Mayes, Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021), which allows Metropolitan to use a master reclamation plan for all 19 borrow pit sites across the various counties until January 1, 2026. According to information provided by the author, the master reclamation plan was approved by the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) in April 2023. In addition to the annual report required by SMARA, Metropolitan is also required to provide a separate subreport for each individual surface mining operation that provides information for the annual report. In its 2024 annual inspection, SMGB found all aspects of Metropolitan’s surface mining operation were compliant with SMARA.
Existing law:
- Establishes within the DOC the Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR), led by the Supervisor of Mine Reclamation and the SMGB.
- Establishes SMARA to create a comprehensive surface mining and reclamation policy to prevent or minimize adverse environmental effects, reclaim mined lands to a usable condition, encourage production and conservation of minerals, and eliminate hazards to public health and safety, as specified. (PRC §§2710 et seq.)
- Under SMARA, prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless a permit is obtained from, a reclamation plan has been submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by the lead agency for the operation, as specified. (PRC §2770)
- Under SMARA, prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless a permit is obtained from, a reclamation plan has been submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by the lead agency for the operation, as specified. (PRC §2770)
- Exempts from SMARA, until January 1, 2026, Metropolitan for emergency excavations or grading conducted by Metropolitan for its own operation and infrastructure for the purpose of averting, alleviating, repairing, or restoring damage to property due to imminent or recent floods, disasters, or other emergencies. (PRC §2714(j))
- Creates, until January 1, 2026, special provisions under SMARA for Metropolitan’s operations within the Counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, or Ventura, including to, amongst others, authorize Metropolitan to prepare a master reclamation plan for its operations. (PRC §2715.6)
PROPOSED LAW
This bill would extend, until January 1, 2051, the authorization for Metropolitan to develop a multi-county Metropolitan Reclamation Plan to comply with its obligations under SMARA.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT
According to the author’s office, “AB 580 is a common-sense solution that ensures the Metropolitan Water District can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct—a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians—without unnecessary red tape. This bill removes the sunset date on a proven process that’s worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs. The Aqueduct’s maintenance shouldn’t be bogged down by inconsistent county regulations when we’ve already seen the state-level plan succeed. AB 580 keeps our water flowing safely and efficiently for the long haul.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION
None received
COMMENTS
Early implementation successes. When AB 442 was enacted in 2021, it contained a sunset authorizing the use of a multi-county master reclamation plan until January 1, 2026. However, the master reclamation plan was not approved until 2023, and the actual plan itself has only been in effect for 2 years. Although Metropolitan’s surface mining is in compliance with SMARA and in good standing, including submitting annual reports on time and passing annual site inspections, the program is still in its beginning states of implementation.
See you later. This bill proposes to extend the sunset on the use of the multi-county master reclamation plan for 25 years. According to the sponsors, the master reclamation plan is based on a 100-year schedule. However, it might be more prudent to apply a shorter sunset in order to provide the Legislature with a closer opportunity for oversight and check-in during these beginning stages. The committee may wish to amend the sunset date from 25 years to 15 years, balancing between providing assurances for related projects that rely on the master reclamation plan and providing timely Legislative management. See Amendment 1.
SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS
AMENDMENT 1
Amend Public Resources Code §2715.6(k) to read:
(k) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2051, 2041, and as of that date is repealed.
SUPPORT
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (sponsor)
Association of California Cities - Orange County
Association of California Water Agencies
California Council for Environmental & Economic Balance (CCEEB)
California Municipal Utilities Association
California Special Districts Association
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Central Basin Municipal Water District
Desert Water Agency
Eastern Municipal Water District
El Segundo Chamber of Commerce
Foothill Municipal Water District
Gateway Chambers Alliance
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce (HAIC)
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles County Business Federation
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Orange County Business Council
Orange County Taxpayers Association
Rancho Water
San Diego County Water Authority
Southern California Contractors Association
Southwest California Legislative Council
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce
Three Valleys Municipal Water District
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
West Basin Municipal Water District
West Ventura County Business Alliance
Western Municipal Water District
Western Riverside Council of Governments
OPPOSITION
None Received
-- END --
Date of Hearing: May 14, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 580
Author:(Wallis) – As Amended Ver:March 26, 2025
Policy Committee: | Natural Resources | Vote: | 13 - 0 |
Water, Parks and Wildlife | 13 - 0 | ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill extends, from January 1, 2026, until January 1, 2051, the sunset date on the authority for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to develop a single Master Reclamation Plan to comply with its obligations under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).
FISCAL EFFECT:
The Department of Conservation (DOC) reports the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) anticipates minor and absorbable costs as a result of this bill.
Metropolitan is required to pay SMGB an annual reporting fee pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 2207 of the Public Resources Code, which requires SMGB to impose an annual reporting fee on each active or idle surface mining operation in the state. SMGB is also authorized to collect reasonable inspection costs and impose an administrative fee on Metropolitan in an amount not to exceed the board’s implementation costs.
SMGB, as the SMARA lead agency, recoups administrative and inspection costs from Metropolitan on a “time and expense” basis that covers SMGB’s oversight. For example, Metropolitan paid SMGB approximately $14,000 in administrative fees from 2021 to 2023. Metropolitan has yet to be billed for SMGB inspection fees for 2024 but fees are estimated at approximately $8,000.
COMMENTS:
1) Purpose. According to the author, this bill “is a common-sense solution that ensures [Metropolitan] can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) – a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians – without unnecessary red tape.” The author asserts the existing authority granted to Metropolitan to streamline its compliance with SMARA has “worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs.”
2) Background. Metropolitan – the sponsor of this bill – is a regional water wholesaler that works in partnership with 26 member agencies to provide drinking water to approximately 19 million residents across six counties in Southern California. The CRA, which is owned and operated by Metropolitan, represents a core source of supply in Metropolitan’s water supply portfolio.
Writing in support of this bill, Metropolitan notes that when it completed construction of the CRA in 1941, it retained ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the CRA, including excess stone, gravel, and sand used for the construction of the CRA. Metropolitan uses these raw materials to restore CRA facilities from storm and flood damage, and for other necessary repairs. As a result of these activities, Metropolitan is subject to SMARA, which requires a county to approve a reclamation plan within its respective jurisdiction. SMARA provides that no person shall conduct a surface mining operation unless a permit is obtained from, a reclamation plan has been submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by, the lead agency for the operation. However, the CRA spans across multiple counties, which results in varied compliance and reporting processes.
To streamline this process, Metropolitan sponsored AB 442 (Mayes), Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021, to allow it to work under a single Master Reclamation Plan approved by SMGB, in addition to requiring annual inspections and reporting. Metropolitan writes: “AB 442 centralizes compliance at the state level to ensure Metropolitan can properly maintain the CRA for water supply reliability throughout Southern California.” SMGB conducted an annual inspection in April 2024 and found that all aspects of Metropolitan’s surface mining operation were compliant with SMARA, including Metropolitan’s financial assurance cost estimates.
This bill extends the sunset on existing law and allows Metropolitan to continue to operate under a single Master Reclamation Plan for SMARA compliance.
Analysis Prepared by: Nikita Koraddi / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 29, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE
Diane Papan, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 580 (
Author:Wallis) – As Amended Ver:March 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
SUMMARY: Extends, until January 1, 2051, the sunset date on the authority for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to develop a single master reclamation plan (Metropolitan Reclamation Plan) to comply with its obligations under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA).
EXISTING LAW:
- Provides that the Director of the Department of Conservation (DOC) shall be responsible for carrying out the state’s mining and minerals policy: to foster and encourage private enterprise in the orderly development and wise and efficient use of the state’s natural and reclaimable mineral resources [Public Resources Code (PRC) § 2650].
- Establishes the State Mining and Geology Board (SMGB) within DOC to represent the state’s interest in the development, utilization, and conservation of the state’s mineral resources and the reclamation of mined lands (PRC § 660 et seq.).
- Prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless the lead agency for the operation issues a surface mining permit and approves a reclamation plan and financial assurances for reclamation. Provides that a lead agency can be a city, county, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, or SMGB (PRC § 2770).
- Requires SMGB to adopt regulations that establish state policy for the reclamation of mined lands in accordance with the intent of SMARA (PRC § 2755).
- Requires a lead agency that owns or operates a borrow pit for its own use to include maintenance measures in its reclamation plan that become effective when borrow pit operations are idle. Exempts such a lead agency from specified requirements under SMARA (PRC § 2770.1).
- Establishes the Cache Creek Resources Management Plan (CCRMP), in conjunction with a site specific plan deemed consistent by the lead agency with the CCRMP, which is considered the functional equivalent of a reclamation plan for the purposes of SMARA (PRC § 2715.5).
- Authorizes Metropolitan to develop the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan to cover SMARA compliance requirements for its surface mining operations within the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura. The State Mining and Geology Board serves as lead agency with respect to surface mining operations conducted by Metropolitan. Sunsets this authority on January 1, 2026 (PRC § 2715.6).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown. This bill is keyed fiscal.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose of this bill. According to the author, this bill “is a common-sense solution that ensures [Metropolitan] can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA)—a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians—without unnecessary red tape.” The author asserts the existing authority granted to Metropolitan to streamline its compliance with SMARA has “worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs.” As a result, the author maintains this bill keeps our water flowing safely and efficiently for the ‘long haul.’”
- Background. When Metropolitan completed construction of the CRA and began operation in 1941, it retained ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the aqueduct, including the excess stone, gravel, and sand used to construct the project. Metropolitan uses those materials to restore, repair, protect, and maintain berms, access roads, and pipelines. The CRA is located in a desert area that is subject to heavy rains and flash floods. Maintaining berms and siphons to redirect water that is laden with sediment around the aqueduct is essential to maintain water quality. In addition, heavy rains and localized flooding in 2018, for example, caused erosion damage to 35 sites and exposed parts of the CRA pipeline in 26 places over nine miles. Metropolitan used the sand and gravel materials from its existing borrow sites adjacent to the CRA to make repairs to the exposed pipeline and washed out roads.
Metropolitan currently maintains 19 borrow pit sites that supply aggregate materials for repairs and maintenance of the CRA and other infrastructure. Most of the materials at these sites are spoils from tunnel construction of the CRA. However, in 2017, San Bernardino and Riverside counties informed Metropolitan it had to comply with SMARA because some sites involved the removal of native soils, which constitutes a mining activity under SMARA.
In response to the notice provided by the counties, Metropolitan worked with both counties to identify sites that are subject to SMARA and, in 2020, began preparation of a reclamation plan for each county. AB 442 (see below) authorized Metropolitan to meet its SMARA requirements by preparing a single master reclamation plan until January 1, 2026. SMGB conducted an annual inspection in April 2024 and found that all aspects of Metropolitan’s surface mining operation were compliant with SMARA.
- Arguments in support. Metropolitan is the sponsor of this bill and asserts it has worked diligently with the State Mining Board to develop the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan permitted by AB 442 (Mayes) and that Metropolitan has complied with inspection and reporting requirements. Metropolitan asserts this bill will allow it to continue to take advantage of the streamlining that AB 442 allows: “this important proposal that will ensure Metropolitan is able to carry out its repair and maintenance of the CRA in a timely and efficient manner.”
- Double referral. This bill passed the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources by a vote of 13-0 on March 24, 2025.
- Related legislation. AB 442 (Mayes), Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021, authorizes, until January 1, 2026, Metropolitan to prepare a single master reclamation plan to meet SMARA requirements for its mining operations related to CRA (see Existing Law #6, above).
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (sponsor)
Association of California Cities - Orange County
Association of California Water Agencies
California Council for Environmental & Economic Balance
California Municipal Utilities Association
California Special Districts Association
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Central Basin Municipal Water District
Desert Water Agency
Eastern Municipal Water District
El Segundo Chamber of Commerce
Foothill Municipal Water District
Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce
Gateway Chambers Alliance
Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce
Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce
Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce
Inland Empire Utilities Agency
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District
Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce
Los Angeles County Business Federation
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Orange County Business Council
Orange County Taxpayers Association
Rancho Water
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce
South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce
Southern California Contractors Association
Southwest California Legislative Council
Three Valleys Municipal Water District
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
West Basin Municipal Water District
West Ventura County Business Alliance
Western Municipal Water District
Western Riverside Council of Governments
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Pablo Garza / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096
Date of Hearing: March 24, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Isaac G. Bryan, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 580 (
Author:Wallis) – As Introduced Ver:February 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
SUMMARY: Eliminates the January 1, 2026, sunset date on the statute authorizing the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) to prepare a single master reclamation plan, known as the Metropolitan Reclamation Plan (Plan), for its earth moving operations conducted on lands it owns or leases, or upon which easements or rights-of way were granted to Metropolitan.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the Division of Mine Reclamation (DMR) within the Department of Conservation (DOC), led by the Supervisor of Mine Reclamation (supervisor).
- Pursuant to the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA) of 1975:
- Prohibits a person from conducting surface mining operations unless the lead agency for the operation issues a surface mining permit and approves a reclamation plan and financial assurances for reclamation;
- Specifies, depending on the circumstances, a lead agency can be a city, county, the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, or the California State Mining and Geology Board (Board);
- Requires reclamation plans and financial assurances must be submitted to the director of the DOC for review;
- Provides a mechanism by which the Board can strip a local agency of its lead agency status for failure to implement state law; the Board then serves as the lead agency;
- Requires lead agencies that own or operate a borrow pit to include an interim management plan in their reclamation plan. Authorizes the interim management, which will cover the borrow pit when it is idle plan, to remain in effect until reclamation is complete instead of the current five-year limit;
- Requires the Board to act as the lead agency for surface mining operations conducted by the Metropolitan;
- Exempts the Plan from the required interim management plan for idle mines;
- Authorizes the Board to conduct an inspection of an individual surface mining operation once every two calendar years during a period when that individual surface mining operation is idle or the site has no mineral production;
- Requires Metropolitan to pay an annual reporting fee;
- Prohibits, notwithstanding any other law, Metropolitan from being required to secure approval of a reclamation plan from any city or county or obtain a use permit from any city or county under this chapter to conduct the operations under the approved Plan;
- Prohibits Metropolitan from selling or allowing any materials produced by its surface mining operations from lands it owns, leases, or upon which easements or rights-of-way have been granted to be sold or used for the benefit of any other person; and,
- Designates Metropolitan, for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act to be the lead agency for any environmental review of the Plan.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
- Author’s statement:
AB 580 ensures the Metropolitan Water District can maintain the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA)—a vital lifeline for 19 million Southern Californians—without unnecessary red tape. This bill removes the sunset date on a proven process that’s worked since 2022, allowing faster repairs, consistent environmental oversight, and lower costs. The Aqueduct’s maintenance shouldn’t be bogged down by inconsistent county regulations when we’ve already seen the state-level plan succeed. AB 580 keeps our water flowing safely and efficiently for the long haul.
- Background. When Metropolitan completed construction of the CRA and began operation in 1941, it retained ownership of the land beneath and adjacent to the Aqueduct, including the excess stone, gravel, and sand used to construct the project. Metropolitan uses those materials to restore, repair, protect, and maintain berms, and access roads, and pipelines. The CRA is located in a desert area that is subject to heavy rains and flash floods. Maintaining berms and siphons to redirect water laden with sediment around the aqueduct is essential to maintain water quality. In addition, heavy rains and localized flooding in 2018, for example, caused erosion damage to 35 sites and exposed parts of the CRA pipeline in 26 places over nine miles. Metropolitan used the sand and gravel materials from its existing borrow sites adjacent to the CRA to make repairs to the exposed pipeline and washed out roads.
Metropolitan currently maintains 19 borrow pit sites that supply aggregate materials for repairs and maintenance of the CRA and other infrastructure. Most of the material at these sites are spoils from tunnel construction of the CRA. However, in 2017, San Bernardino and Riverside counties informed Metropolitan it had to comply with SMARA because some sites involved the removal of native soils, which constitutes a mining activity under SMARA.
In response to the notice provided by the counties, Metropolitan has worked with both counties to identify sites that are subject to SMARA and in 2020, began preparation of a reclamation plan for each county. AB 442 (Mayes), Chapter 166, Statutes of 2021, authorized Metropolitan, until January 1, 2026, to prepare a single master reclamation plan. The Board conducted an annual inspection in April 2024 and submitted its report that all aspects of Metropolitan’s surface mining operation is compliant with SMARA, and that all financial assurance cost estimates were also approved by the Board in April.
- This bill. AB 442 was initially drafted with a sunset date to ensure that Metropolitan would actually use the authorization, and provide opportunity for legislative oversight. The author is concerned that the sunset date creates unnecessary uncertainty and that without action, Metropolitan will be forced back into a patchwork of local regulations that could slow critical repairs and increase compliance costs. AB 580 eliminates the sunset date, entirely, allowing Metropolitan’s authorization to be maintained in perpetuity.
- Double referral. This bill is also referred to the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
- Committee amendments. While Metropolitan’s surface mining is in compliance with SMARA and in good standing, to go from a 4-year authorization to permanent is a big leap. To maintain the Legislature’s ability for continued oversight, the committee may wish to consider amending the bill to extend the sunset for 25-years in lieu of deleting it.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Desert Water Agency
Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce
Harbor Association of Industry & Commerce
Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce
South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce
Southern California Contractors Association
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Paige Brokaw / NAT. RES. /
Discussed in Hearing
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Bill Author
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