Protecting California’s Rivers When Federal Rules Won’t
California’s rivers are under growing pressure, and one of the most effective tools for protecting them remains little known: Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRW) status. This…
Clean Water Act
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As California’s Gubernatorial Race Takes Shape, SYRCL Calls on Candidates to Commit to a Clean Water Future
With California’s gubernatorial race taking shape, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) and water advocates across the state are drawing…
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Your Water. Your Vote.
With the 2026 gubernatorial election on the horizon, Californians have the opportunity to forefront the conversation about water. Elections are one of those rare moments when a new vision for large, entrenched systems can be put forward. When voters can ask not only what is broken, but what kind of future we want to build. Few issues touch every Californian as directly as water, and few offer as much potential for a shared conversation about values, fairness, and durable solutions.
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The PERMIT Act: A Direct Threat to Clean Water and State Authority
Congress is considering legislation that could dramatically weaken one of the most important tools we have to protect water quality: the…
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Protecting our Lifeline: Why the Clean Water Act is Essential for the Yuba River
The Yuba River is an iconic California landscape, providing vital clean water, supporting salmon populations, and offering unparalleled recreation opportunities. Its…
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Analysis of the new Clean Water Act Section 401 Rule
On September 5, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an Order that reaffirms the California State Water Board’s authority to enforce a “water quality certification” for new hydropower licenses granted to projects such as the Upper Drum-Spaulding, Lower Drum, and Deer Creek hydroelectric projects.
