A Comprehensive Update on SGMA's Current Phase: Groundwater Sustainability Implementation in California

This year's installment in their continuing series on sustainability plan development starts with an update from DWR and SWRCB on plan adequacy reviews from agency perspectives including tips for addressing agency comments.

Attendees also will hear about NGO concerns that the state may not adequately address but that need to be addressed to avoid litigation over plan provisions. This year's Tribal Consultation panel will focus on GSP implementation phase requirements, including consultation for CEQA project review. Water rights transfers are likely to be a part of many GSP implementation plans. Attendees will hear expert advice on how to navigate transfer processes and address common issues, such as those arising from changes in the use of water (e.g., agricultural to municipal).

The second day starts with a litigation panel that includes the legal structure for resolving disputes, lessons from past basin adjudications, and a neutral's perspective on the difficulties in settling complex water rights cases. This year's modeling panel will focus on new issues that arise as the objective shifts from plan development to plan implementation.

This program will cover:

• Update on Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) adequacy reviews
• Tips for addressing Department of Water Resources (DWR) & State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) comments
• Public Interest areas of concern about GSP implementation
• Tribal consultation during the implementation phase for GSPs
• Water rights Transfers as part of GSP implementation
• Groundwater litigation implications for GSP implementation
• New developments in water infrastructure development funding
• New modeling issues as the objective shifts to supporting GSP implementation
• Lessons for water masters from implementation of adjudications

Featured JAMS Session: 

SGMA and Groundwater Litigation: Implications for GSP Implementation

Friday, July 29, 2022 | 9:00 AM PST

• Derek R. Hoffman, Esq. | Fennemore Dowling Aaron
• Hon. Jack Komar (Ret.) | JAMS 
• Robert G. Kuhs, Esq. | LeBeau Thelen 
• Wendy Y. Wang, Esq. | Best Best & Krieger