BILL TO IMPROVE SAFE DRINKING WATER PROGRAMS STALLS IN STATE SENATE

A bill aimed at speeding up funding for California’s clean drinking water program has been stalled in the State Senate. Assembly Bill 145 was placed in the suspense file by the Senate Appropriations Committee this week after it had been approved in the Assembly and by several Senate committees. The bill could still be taken up in amended form, or die if it remains suspended in the current legislative session. AB 145 would transfer jurisdiction of the California Safe Drinking Water Act and the State’s Revolving Fund for clean water from the Department of Public Health to the State Water Resources Control Board. The measure is supported by environmental groups but opposed by organizations representing municipal water agencies. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.