(Sacramento) – To help California achieve groundwater sustainability Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula (D-Fresno) presented his Assembly Bill 2649 to the California State Assembly. The legislation directs the State Water Board to prioritize temporary water right permits that help capture high runoff for groundwater recharge. “We will need every tool in order for critically over-drafted basins to become compliant to the upcoming implementation deadlines of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA),” Assemblymember Arambula said. “Although AB 2649 will demonstrate our statewide commitment to meeting sustainability under SGMA, it will also help those who are suffering the most, like many who live in the small towns in the Central Valley and disadvantaged communities in my district.” Watch this Assembly Access video to learn more about groundwater management.