Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency for El Niño Preparedness
Early this week, Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency to bolster California’s preparedness for a potentially significant El Niño season. The proclamation directs state agencies to support flood protection, coastal resilience, erosion control and other preparedness efforts, including expediting permits for certain projects.

For local wastewater agencies, the action could provide opportunities to accelerate projects addressing flood risk, coastal erosion and other storm-related threats to critical infrastructure. The specific scope of permitting relief will depend on implementation by state agencies, including CalEPA and its boards and departments.

CASA will continue monitoring state guidance and will share information as additional details become available. The full emergency proclamation is available from the Governor’s Office: Read the full proclamation here.