Status:
No progress. Last legislative action: Held under submission in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on May 14, 2026.
Date of Status:
Last Verified July 14, 2026.
Purpose:
AB 2447 amends the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act to strengthen regulation of nitrogen discharges from irrigated agriculture. It requires the SWRCB to direct regional boards to update the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program to reduce nitrogen waste. The bill also mandates a standardized crop classification system and a statewide nitrogen balance reporting methodology, to be published by July 1, 2027 and incorporated into revised orders by January 1, 2028. A legislative report is required by January 1, 2031, and a Safer Fertilizer Task Force may be convened upon appropriation.
Impact on Water Industry:
The bill would standardize how nitrogen data is measured and reported across agricultural regions, improving consistency for regulators and water managers. It may increase monitoring and reporting requirements for growers and irrigation districts under revised discharge orders. Over time, the changes could influence agricultural nutrient management practices and regulatory enforcement approaches.
Funding:
No dedicated funding is provided. The Safer Fertilizer Task Force and related implementation activities are subject to future legislative appropriation.
