AB 59 Becomes Law, Boosts Clean Energy for Sacramento Valley Farms

(SACRAMENTO, CA) — On Wednesday, October 1, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 59 (AB 59) into law, securing a stronger clean energy future for family farmers in the Sacramento Valley. Authored by Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), AB 59 makes permanent the authority of Reclamation District 108 (RD 108) to develop hydropower.

“This is a win for California’s farmers and for our state’s climate goals,” said Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. “Reclamation District 108 can now move forward to invest in local clean energy projects that will reduce their costs to make farming more sustainable for our kids and grandkids.”

AB 59 eliminates the 2026 sunset date on RD 108’s hydropower authority, ensuring the district can pursue renewable energy investments such as small canal-based hydropower facilities. RD 108 serves nearly 48,000 acres in Colusa and Yolo counties, providing vital water and energy resources to support the region’s agricultural economy. The bill was sponsored by the Northern California Water Association and received strong support from Colusa County, Yolo County, and the California Central Valley Flood Control Association.

“Now that this authority is permanent, we’re giving farmers the tools they need to reduce their costs, protect their land and water, all to make our rural communities stronger and our energy future cleaner,” concluded Aguiar-Curry.

###