California Drought Emergency Declared by Governor Jerry Brown

With California facing water shortfalls in the driest year in recorded state history, Governor Brown today proclaimed a State of Emergency and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for these drought conditions. The Governor’s drought State of Emergency follows a series of actions the administration has taken to ensure that California is prepared for record dry conditions. In May 2013, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order to direct state water officials to expedite the review and processing of voluntary transfers of water and water rights. In December, the Governor formed a Drought Task Force to review expected water allocations, California’s preparedness for water scarcity and whether conditions merit a drought declaration. Earlier this week, the Governor toured the Central Valley and spoke with growers and others impacted by California’s record dry conditions.