EXECUTIVE ORDER B-28-14
WHEREAS on January 17, 2014, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist throughout the State of California due to severe drought conditions; and
WHEREAS on April 25, 2014, I proclaimed a Continued State of Emergency to exist throughout the State of California due to the ongoing drought; and
WHEREAS the rainfall the State has recently experienced, while significant, is insufficient to end the historic drought that continues to impact the State, and it is unknown how much rain will fall over the next few months; and
WHEREAS additional expedited actions are needed to reduce the harmful impacts from water shortages and other impacts of the drought; and
WHEREAS the magnitude of the severe drought conditions continues to present threats beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of any single local government and require the combined forces of a mutual aid region or regions to combat; and
WHEREAS under the provisions of section 8571 of the California Government Code, I find that strict compliance with various statutes and regulations specified in this order would prevent, hinder, or delay the mitigation of the effects of the drought.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the State of California, in particular Government Code sections 8567 and 8571 of the California Government Code, do hereby issue this Executive Order, effective immediately.
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
The waiver of the California Environmental Quality Act and Water Code section 13247 in paragraph 9 of the January 17, 2014 Proclamation, and paragraph 19 of the April 25, 2014 Proclamation, is extended through May 31, 2016. This waiver shall also apply to the adoption of water reclamation requirements by the State Water Board that serve the purpose of paragraph 10 of the April 25, 2014 Proclamation. Drought relief actions taken pursuant to these paragraphs that are started prior to May 31, 2016, but not completed, shall not be subject to Division 13 (commencing with section 21000) of the Public Resources Code or Water Code section 13247 for the time required to complete them.
This Executive Order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity, against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or any other person.
I FURTHER DIRECT that as soon as hereafter possible, this Order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given to this Order.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 22nd day of December 2014.
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EDMUND G. BROWN JR.
Governor of California
ATTEST:
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DEBRA BOWEN
Secretary of State