Water and Climate Science Advisory Board.

Existing law establishes the Department of Water Resources within the Natural Resources Agency and prescribes the jurisdiction and various general administrative authorities and duties of the department regarding, among other things, matters pertaining to water resources and dams in the state. This bill would require the department to convene a Water and Climate Science Advisory Board to consist of 5 members with certain qualifications appointed by the department, the agency, and the State Water Resources Control Board, as provided. The bill would require board members to serve 3-year terms. The bill would require the department to consult with the board when initiating, reviewing, or expanding policies or guidelines regarding impacts of climate change on water resources. The bill would require the department to establish an internal process for department review of and comment on the work of the board, which shall be made publicly available.