By Jane Sooby
After convening for two additional working group meetings in May to respond to public comments, the Second Agricultural Expert Panel will meet for the last time this Friday, June 5, 10 am – 4 pm to discuss their final report to the California State Water Board and hold a vote on approving it.
The latest version of the report is dated May 29, 2026, and can be accessed through the panel FTP site using the username agpaneldocs-ftp and password AgriculturalExpertPanel2!.
The expert panel was assembled in August 2025 to advise the State Water Board on reducing nitrogen contamination of groundwater through California’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP). Specifically, the State Water Board declared its intent to convene the expert panel in its remand order rejecting elements of the Central Coast Regional Water Board’s 2021 Ag Order 4.0.
The expert panel’s final plenary meeting will be held in person at the Cal EPA Building in Sacramento and online. Pre-registration is required to participate virtually. Comments may also be given in person. View the meeting agenda for details on location and how to register to participate and comment by clicking here.
Also related to ILRP, the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued a revised agricultural order to comply with the state’s remand order. The revised ag order is open for public comment through July 10, 2026. Also, a public workshop to discuss the revised order will be held Thursday, June 18, beginning 9 am at the City of Goleta City Hall. Click here for notice of the revised order and the public workshop. The notice includes links to the revised order.
