SECTIONS 85020-85023 - California Statutes

WATER CODE

SECTION 85020-85023

85020. The policy of the State of California is to achieve the
following objectives that the Legislature declares are inherent in
the coequal goals for management of the Delta:
(a) Manage the Delta's water and environmental resources and the
water resources of the state over the long term.
(b) Protect and enhance the unique cultural, recreational, and
agricultural values of the California Delta as an evolving place.
(c) Restore the Delta ecosystem, including its fisheries and
wildlife, as the heart of a healthy estuary and wetland ecosystem.
(d) Promote statewide water conservation, water use efficiency,
and sustainable water use.
(e) Improve water quality to protect human health and the
environment consistent with achieving water quality objectives in the
Delta.
(f) Improve the water conveyance system and expand statewide water
storage.
(g) Reduce risks to people, property, and state interests in the
Delta by effective emergency preparedness, appropriate land uses, and
investments in flood protection.
(h) Establish a new governance structure with the authority,
responsibility, accountability, scientific support, and adequate and
secure funding to achieve these objectives.

85021. The policy of the State of California is to reduce reliance
on the Delta in meeting California's future water supply needs
through a statewide strategy of investing in improved regional
supplies, conservation, and water use efficiency. Each region that
depends on water from the Delta watershed shall improve its regional
self-reliance for water through investment in water use efficiency,
water recycling, advanced water technologies, local and regional
water supply projects, and improved regional coordination of local
and regional water supply efforts.

85022. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that state and local
land use actions identified as "covered actions" pursuant to Section
85057.5 be consistent with the Delta Plan. This section's findings,
policies, and goals apply to Delta land use planning and development.
(b) The actions of the council shall be guided by the findings,
policies, and goals expressed in this section when reviewing
decisions of the commission pursuant to Division 19.5 (commencing
with Section 29700) of the Public Resources Code.
(c) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1) The Delta is a distinct and valuable natural resource of vital
and enduring interest to all the people and exists as a delicately
balanced estuary and wetland ecosystem of hemispheric importance.
(2) The permanent protection of the Delta's natural and scenic
resources is the paramount concern to present and future residents of
the state and nation.
(3) To promote the public safety, health, and welfare, and to
protect public and private property, wildlife, fisheries, and the
natural environment, it is necessary to protect and enhance the
ecosystem of the Delta and prevent its further deterioration and
destruction.
(4) Existing developed uses, and future developments that are
carefully planned and developed consistent with the policies of this
division, are essential to the economic and social well-being of the
people of this state and especially to persons living and working in
the Delta.
(d) The fundamental goals for managing land use in the Delta are
to do all of the following:
(1) Protect, maintain, enhance, and, where feasible, restore the
overall quality of the Delta environment and its natural and
artificial resources.
(2) Ensure the utilization and conservation of Delta resources,
taking into account the social and economic needs of the people of
the state.
(3) Maximize public access to Delta resources and maximize public
recreational opportunities in the Delta consistent with sound
resources conservation principles and constitutionally protected
rights of private property owners.
(4) Encourage state and local initiatives and cooperation in
preparing procedures to implement coordinated planning and
development for mutually beneficial uses, including educational uses,
in the Delta.
(5) Develop new or improved aquatic and terrestrial habitat and
protect existing habitats to advance the goal of restoring and
enhancing the Delta ecosystem.
(6) Improve water quality to protect human health and the
environment consistent with achieving water quality objectives in the
Delta.

85023. The longstanding constitutional principle of reasonable use
and the public trust doctrine shall be the foundation of state water
management policy and are particularly important and applicable to
the Delta.