Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update - June 2025
Policy never takes a summer break.
While summer vacations may be approaching, the pace of policy, permitting, and legislation in California's water quality world remains in full swing.
👷♂️ To our construction industry partners across the state, here's what you need to know this month:
🧰 Training Now Available for the Construction General Permit (CGP)
The California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), in partnership with the State Water Resources Control Board and the CGP Training Team, has released updated training tools to support job site compliance. These resources are essential for both current and aspiring Trainers of Record and Qualified SWPPP Developers and Practitioners.
📅 Mark your calendar: The 2022 CGP renewal requirements take full effect on September 1, 2025.
Here’s the revised version with the new AB 1313 development reflected clearly and professionally:
⚠️ Legislative Alert: SB 601 Advances, AB 1313 Pulled
There’s an important update on two high-impact water quality bills in Sacramento:
AB 1313 (Papan): This bill is officially dead for 2025. It was moved to the inactive file after failing to secure enough votes on the Assembly floor. Originally aimed at requiring runoff permits for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, the bill will not move forward this session.
SB 601 (Allen): Still active, this bill proposes sweeping statewide water quality mandates that lack clear scientific justification and could increase litigation and regulatory costs without meaningful environmental gains.
CICWQ continues to advocate for practical, science-based solutions and will closely monitor SB 601 as it progresses.
🌊 Governor Newsom Pushes Forward the Delta Conveyance Project
As part of his May Revise, Governor Newsom has announced steps to accelerate the Delta Conveyance Project—a critical initiative to modernize the State Water Project and improve long-term water management and climate resilience across California.
👇Scroll down to stay informed!
JUNE NEWSWORTHY ITEMS
Construction General Permit for Stormwater – Training Resources from CASQA Now Available from CASQA for Job Site Compliance
Effective on June 5th, Construction General Permit (CGP) Trainers of Record (and Industrial General Permit TORs) can now access updated qualification renewal information from the CASQA website. The new and updated materials are now accessed through an online training webinar (rather than in-person meetings).
Additionally, CASQA has published a new CGP Training Program Update Flow Chart, which provides step-by-step instructions for new and existing QSDs/QSPs to obtain the necessary credentials required to meet the 2022 CGP renewal education standards, effective September 1, 2025.
Legislative Update: AB 1313 Pulled, SB 601 Still Moving Forward
AB 1313 (Papan) is officially dead for 2025. The bill, which sought to impose a new stormwater permit structure on commercial, institutional, and industrial properties throughout California, was a reintroduction of AB 2106 (Rivas) from 2022. It would have meant additional fees, increased red tape, and higher compliance costs—along with heightened legal exposure from third-party lawsuits. However, the bill failed to secure enough votes on the Assembly floor and has been moved to the inactive file.
SB 601 (Allen) remains a serious concern. If enacted, it would significantly expand permitting requirements for wetlands and water quality regulation across municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits and the Construction General Permit for stormwater. SB 601 has passed out of the first House policy and appropriations committees and will be considered by the Senate in June.
🔔 Action Requested: Please alert your legislative advocates to continue opposing SB 601 and remain engaged as CICWQ monitors further developments.
Governor Newsom Proposes Legislation to Advance Construction of Delta Conveyance Project
Several key voices in California's water resources spoke out in May in support of Governor Newsom's proposal to streamline the construction of the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). The DCP is a crucial component of California's plan to strengthen the State Water Project (SWP) in preparation for the effects of extreme weather and climate change.
The SWP delivers water to more than 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland, serving as the engine of California's economic success. The system needs to be modernized and updated now, a challenge the construction industry is ready to accept. Learn more about the Governor's proposal and the reactions from the water industry and community-based thought leaders, including our partners at Rebuild SoCal Partnership.
