Surface mining: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Assembly Member Wallis's legislation extends specialized surface mining provisions for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) through January 1, 2041, maintaining the district's authority to operate under a master reclamation plan across six Southern California counties. The current framework, set to expire in 2026, allows MWD to conduct mining operations for infrastructure maintenance while following state environmental and reclamation requirements.

Under the extended provisions, the State Mining and Geology Board continues as lead agency for MWD's mining operations, with authority to inspect idle sites every two years and collect associated fees. The master reclamation plan must map all mining locations on MWD-controlled lands and specify maintenance measures for idle periods. While MWD remains exempt from local permitting requirements, it must submit detailed annual reports for each mining site and maintain financial assurances during non-operational phases.

The bill's findings cite MWD's unique multi-county service area and role in providing water to 19 million residents as justification for these special provisions. Materials extracted through these operations are restricted to MWD's infrastructure needs and cannot be sold to other parties. Local agencies retain authority to levy fees covering any mandated program costs, with no state reimbursement required under the legislation.