A bill aimed at preserving flows for fish on two Klamath tributaries passed through both chambers of the state legislature last week and awaits signature by Governor Gavin Newsom. Assembly Bill 263, authored by North Coast Assemblymember Chris Rogers (D-Santa Rosa), would maintain existing minimum flows for the Shasta and Scott rivers. The flow regulations were established as part of an emergency drought declaration four years ago. If enacted, the regulations would be kept until 2031 or whenever the State Water Board sets permanent rules that are currently in the works. 

Other California water and environmental policy news:

• Politico: California lawmakers OK bill to ban ‘forever chemicals’ in nonstick cookware
• Packaging Dive: California lawmakers ban PFAS in food packaging, limit microbeads
• Contractor: California legislature sends landmark water bill to governor’s desk
• The Hill: Sweeping California climate bills heading to Newsom’s desk
• The New York Times: California’s environmental past confronts economic worries of the present