CA SB651

Requires the Judicial Council to adopt a rule of court establishing procedures for legal challenges to environmental impact report certifications or project approvals for groundwater recharge projects to be resolved within 270 days of filing.

Defines "groundwater recharge projects" as projects implementing groundwater sustainability plans compliant with Water Code sections 10727.2 and 10727.4, or interim groundwater sustainability plans under Water Code section 10735.6.

Excludes projects from streamlined judicial review if water is diverted to areas with animal waste application, identified agricultural outliers for nitrogen use, recently pesticide-treated fields, critical infrastructure zones, or non-cultivated lands.

Expresses legislative intent that the State Water Resources Control Board and regional water quality control boards prioritize permits and certifications to accelerate approvals for groundwater recharge projects that capture high precipitation events while protecting water rights and fish and wildlife.