MCWRA Board of Directors Adopts 2026 Legislative Platform
MOUNTAIN COUNTIES, Calif. April 16, 2026 - The Mountain Counties Water Resources Association (MCWRA) Board of Directors has officially adopted its 2026 Legislative Platform, advancing a comprehensive policy framework focused on protecting California's headwaters, strengthening water infrastructure, and accelerating science-based forest management.
The platform, developed and recommended by the MCWRA Legislative Committee under the leadership of Michael Saunders, outlines the Association's positions on key state legislation and reinforces MCWRA's long-standing policy principles related to water supply reliability, forest health, and rural resilience.
"The adoption of our 2026 Legislative Platform reflects MCWRA's continued commitment to advocating for the Sierra Nevada headwaters and the communities across the entire state that depend on them," said Scott Ratterman, President of MCWRA. "Our member agencies are on the front lines of water supply, wildfire risk, and infrastructure challenges. This platform ensures that our collective voice is clear, consistent, and focused on practical solutions that protect public health, safety, and California's water future."
The 2026 Legislative Platform includes full engagement on priority legislation addressing:
Water supply reliability and infrastructure investment
Wildfire preparedness and forest resilience
Groundwater recharge and storage expansion
Water affordability and system stabilization
Regulatory reform to support local agencies and rural communities
In addition, the platform reflects MCWRA's support for increasing the pace and scale of forest management activities-including prescribed fire-and advancing policies that reduce barriers to critical fuels reduction and watershed protection efforts.
"The Legislative Platform is grounded in the real-world challenges our members face every day," said Michael Saunders. "From wildfire risk to water affordability, we are advocating for policies that recognize the unique needs of headwaters communities and support local agencies in delivering reliable, safe water to all of California. This is about ensuring that California's water system remains strong from the source."
The platform also includes positions of support, opposition, and monitoring on a wide range of bills, ensuring MCWRA remains actively engaged throughout the legislative process while protecting the interests of its members and the regions they serve.
MCWRA will continue to work closely with state and federal partners, as well as allied organizations, to advance its legislative priorities and ensure that policies reflect the realities of California's diverse geography and water systems.
Detailed information on MCWRA's 2026 Legislative Platform can be accessed here
Mountain Counties Water Resources Association Mission is to promote the statewide importance of Sierra Nevada water resources through advocacy and collaboration. Our vision is to be the premiere advocate to influence water policy and protection of the Sierra Nevada watershed. This Mission is realized through strengthening Members’ regional leadership, collaboration, information sharing, issue awareness, education, advocacy, and potential legislative action or legal support.
-###-
