Western Water Law & Policy Reporter
December 2023
Volume 28, Number 2
December 2023
WESTERN WATER NEWS
Congressional Members, Including Those from Idaho, Seek Clarification of Apparent Columbia River System Operations Settlement Terms25
California Governor Newsom Signs Major Climate Change Disclosure Laws for Corporate Accountability26
Beneath the Surface: A Look into California’s High Desert Water Bank28
Conservation Groups, Government Entities Explore Options for Protecting Western Colorado’s Crystal River29
LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS
California Senate Bill 659 Aims to Improve Groundwater Recharge
Efforts32
REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
EPA Publishes Final Rule—Requires PFAS Reporting under TSCA34
California Department of Water Resources Releases SGMA Guidance Document for Groundwater Sustainability Plans35
Petition Before the Washington Department of Ecology for Declaratory
Order to Reconsider the Development and Use of a Water Bank
Denied37
PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS
Recent Investigations, Settlements, Penalties, and Sanctions39
LAWSUITS FILED OR PENDING
Environmental Groups Challenge California State Water Resources Control Board’s Order Modifying Irrigated Lands Program Order for Central Coast Region42
JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Federal:
District Court Holds Subject Matter Jurisdiction Under the Clean Water Act Is Independent of the Merits of the Claim44
Inland Empire Waterkeeper v. Corona Clay Company, ___F.Supp.4th___, Case No 10-26-2023 (C.D. Cal 2023).
District Court Allows Claims to Proceed Against Wisconsin Prison for Eighth Amendment and Safe Drinking Water Act Violation46
Trais Fernandez Haire v. Warden Randall Hepp, et al., ___F.Supp.4th___, Case No. 23-C-1073 (E.D. Wis. Oct. 26, 2023).
