Imperial, California - In mid-May, the state’s Assembly Appropriations Committee acted to hold Assembly Bill 854, which is good news for Imperial Irrigation District and its customers.

For the remainder of 2019, the bill will not continue moving through the legislative process.

“The action taken by the Assembly Appropriations Committee is welcomed news for IID and for our customers,” said Erik Ortega, IID Board president. “As IID has said all along, this is a serious issue that requires comprehensive analysis and thorough deliberation at the local level.”

Enactment of AB 854 would create a bifurcated board of directors and lead to competing interests between the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. It also threatens longstanding water and energy service area rights the district holds in trust and is duty-bound to protect.

This recent action provides an opportunity for the district, the IID Board of Directors and stakeholders to discuss the broader issues associated with the 1934 Compromise Agreement with the Coachella Valley Water District.

Sitting down to talk about the district’s continued electrical service in the Coachella Valley with state representatives, customers and stakeholders is something that IID not only supports, but has committed to doing and can be more productive without the threat of legislative action. To that end, a process is underway to schedule meetings with stakeholders and open the lines of communications between parties.

As things develop, updates will be provided.

More than 35 entities, including local governments, statewide associations, unions, chambers of commerce and agriculture interests all oppose AB 854.