On June 21, 2017, the Commission adopted an ex parte communications policy, which applies to implementation of the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The policy is intended to protect the integrity and fairness of the WSIP decision-making process as specified in the Commission’s regulations (Title 23, California Code of Regulations, Sections 6000-6015), and to ensure that all Commissioners may fully participate in funding decisions. The policy can be found at https://cwc.ca.gov/Pages/ExParte.aspx.
The policy relies on four principles to ensure a fair and transparent decision-making process: treat all applicants equally, disclose all ex parte communications, act as a body of State government, and conduct any site visits as public meetings.
The ex parte communication policy applies to applications for WSIP funding submitted to the Commission by August 14, 2017. It does not apply to the program as a whole or the general business of the Commission. The Commission remains available to discuss the WSIP and other issues that may come before the Commission, subject to the Commission’s existing practice of disclosing all ex parte communications. The Commission’s staff will continue to be available to discuss WSIP applications with applicants, stakeholders, and the public.
The Commission will decide at a future public meeting whether to visit any or all project sites. There will be opportunities for interested parties to comment on the site visit decision.
For questions or clarification on the ex parte policy please contact, Jennifer Ruffolo at Jennifer.Ruffolo@water.ca.gov.
