FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 9, 2026

Contact: Elisa Rivera at Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov or (559) 264-3070

Senator Caballero to Highlight Implementation of SB 72 at San Luis Reservoir Press Conference

San Luis Reservoir, CA – Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced), author of Senate Bill 72 SB 72, will hold a press conference on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Romero Visitor Center at San Luis Reservoir to highlight the successful implementation of her landmark water modernization legislation.

SB 72, signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, mandates modernization of the California Water Plan and establishes for the first time in state history a statewide interim water supply target of 9-million-acre feet by 2040. The law creates measurable benchmarks, strengthens data collection, and aligns state, regional, and local water planning to address the growing challenges posed by climate change.

The press conference will take place along the side of the Visitor Center building with the San Luis Dam serving as the backdrop.

SB 72 is now being implemented through the launch of the California Water Plan 2028 process, led by the Department of Water Resources, marking a major step toward securing California’s long term water reliability amid increasing droughts, floods, and hydrological volatility.

Event Details:

What: Press Conference on Implementation of SB 72, The California Water Plan
When: Friday, March 13, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. (1 hr.)
Where: San Luis Reservoir, Romero Visitor Center at State Highway 152 in Los Banos, CA, 93635
Location note: Conference will be held along the side of the building with dam backdrop. MAP

Scheduled Participants:

Senator Anna M. Caballero, Author of SB 72
Karla Nemeth, Director, California Department of Water Resources, Remarks

Fern Steiner, Chair, California Water Commission
Craig Miller, President, California Municipal Utilities Association, General Manager, Western Municipal Water District

SB 72 establishes a coordinated and transparent planning framework designed to protect water supplies for families, farmers, businesses, and the environment. The law aligns with the Governor’s broader water strategy and supports California’s commitment to capturing, storing, conserving, and managing water to meet future demand.

Media are encouraged to arrive early for setup.

Learn About California Water for All Plan
Understand how SB 72 (Caballero) advances coordinated, forward-looking statewide water planning.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070

About Senator Anna M. Caballero
Senator Anna M. Caballero represents California’s 14th Senate District, which includes much of Merced, Fresno, and Madera Counties. She is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and a member of several other committees. Senator Caballero continues to work tirelessly on behalf of her district for policies that strengthen California’s agricultural industry, protect working families, supports affordable, accessible healthcare for all and fosters economic development across the state.

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