Water Rights, Policy, Regulation, and the Future under the New Administration

April 19 & 21, 2021

Argent Communications 35th Annual California Water Law & Policy Virtual Conference


Downey Brand is pleased to sponsor the 35th Annual California Water Law & Policy Virtual Conference on April 19 & 21, 2021. Downey Brand water law attorneys Meredith Nikkel (Conference Co-Chair), Scott Shapiro, and Nicole Granquist are presenting.

Conference Overview

California’s water law and policy remain moving targets covering ever-changing issues. This year, many topics—long-standing and new—have garnered attention. Drought has returned to California. January rain seemed promising but since then Mother Nature’s bounty has largely subsided. This brings up several issues: Concerns about water rights, water-rights reporting; and planning for future water supply via more and better water storage. And since California’s precipitation arrives in spurts, flood control planning and the anticipated effects of climate change remain top of mind.

Other significant topics include the federal Clean Water Act, ongoing SGMA compliance, CEQA case law analysis, tribal water rights, the Water Quality Control Plan Update for the Delta, and the regulation of PFAS and other constituents in drinking water sources.

Participants will hear from leading representatives from state regulatory agencies, the academic community, and top water attorneys from throughout the state—including two Keynote Presentations. On day one, Alf Brandt, General Counsel to the Assembly Speaker, California Assembly, will discuss “Building Water Law’s Profile in the California Legislature.” Then on day two, long-time water lawyer, Robert B. Maddow, Esq., Bold, Polisner, Maddow, Nelson & Judson, will address “Reflections on Life in Water.”

Check out the full agenda and conference highlights on the event website.

Downey Brand Presentations

  • Meredith Nikkel will start things off with introductions on both days at 8:30 a.m.
  • Nicole Granquist will lead a discussion on “The Clean Water Act—Recent Law and Regulation”on April 19 at 11:15 a.m.
  • Scott Shapiro will address “Flood Control as a (Minor) Project Purpose” on April 21 at 10:15 a.m.

Registration

Visit the event website to view the full agenda and to register. When registering, use promo code “Friends of Downey Brand” and receive a $100 discount.