Water Quality Monthly Update - June 2026
June 2026:
AB 2447 Bill Update
If you haven't heard about AB 2447, it is a bill, if passed, requires the State Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water Quality Control Boards to establish enforceable limits on nitrogen discharges from agricultural lands. The bill would require regional boards adopt revised orders with waste discharge requirements on or before January 1, 2028, that are sufficient to meet certain reductions in nitrogen waste discharges. The bill would require the state board to, on or before July 1, 2027, publish both a list of standardized crop names and categories, and a statewide methodology for calculating, and field-level reporting of, nitrogen balances for croplands, including nitrogen fertilizer applications and nitrogen discharges, that account for available soil nitrogen, to be used by the regional boards and incorporated into the revised orders. The bill would require the state board, on or before January 1, 2031, and in coordination with the regional boards, to submit a report to the relevant policy committees of the Legislature on progress achieved in implementing these requirements, including data on the extent of progress made toward reducing nitrogen waste discharges, as provided.
The coalition has been closely watching this and wrote a letter of opposition to the assembly in April. Good news is that AB 2447 was supended by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 14, 2026, eliminating the chances of passing this year.
Below is a copy of the letter written by California’s farmers, ranchers, processors, and allied agricultural businesses from all over California.
AB 2447 Oppose Letter to Asm. Approps (1).pdfThe Coaltion will continue to stay involved and keep members updated as we learn more.
Soil Health Matters
Some information and resources about cover crops and regenerative farming.
- Six Principles of Regenitive Farming
https://regenerative-agriculture.generalmills.com/what-is-regenerative-agriculture
- Sustainable Conservation - Cover crop credits in Eastern Turlock Subbassin GSA
https://suscon.org/blog/2025/07/etsgsa-cover-crop-credit/
- Farmer Ag Network - Regenerative Farming
The Farmer Ag Network is a farmer‑led collaborative that empowers farmers through meaningful connection, shared learning, and the application of regenerative principles in agriculture.
