Fee Increases Oct 22

For California AG today, I'm Mike Stephens. Recently, the State Water Resources Control Board voted to increase all their water quality and water rights fees for the coming year. The state water board directors increase the fees across all water quality and rights fees in one program, the waste discharge requirement fees that already increased by one hundred and twelve percent from 2011 to 2020. The State Water Resources Control Board voted to increase those fees. Another sixteen point eight percent despite industry pleas, testimony from AG Associations pointed out that the state Water Resources Control Board fees far outweighed other environmental fees altogether and called for an outside look into the State Water Resources Control Board's financial situation and the setting of fees. In addition, the huge increase on waste discharge requirement fees which impact food processors and packing houses fees for the Irrigated Lands Regulation program will increase fifteen point six percent, and fees for confined animal feed operations will increase fifteen point four percent. Ag associations are currently considering their next options, which may include a call for an audit of the program. The California State Water Resources Control Board's mission is to preserve, enhance and restore the quality of California's water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use for the benefit of present and future generations.