Public forum: commenter accuses board counsel of misrepresenting law; river alliance praises staff science

During the State Water Resources Control Board's public forum, Ray Tahir made detailed allegations about prior board statements concerning "general orders" and disclosure provisions, disputing staff characterizations and asking for documentary confirmation.

"Just because mister Laufer answered my questions on several occasions does not mean that his responses were accurate or truthful," Tahir said and challenged the board to confirm statutory language and posting that he said contradicted staff statements.

Chief Counsel Michael Laufer responded that the board's positions are based on the language adopted by the legislature in Water Code section 13287 and that staff had been consistent in their responses. "The language adopted by the legislature that's spelled out in water code section 13 2 87," Laufer said, and invited a sit‑down review with interested parties.

Separately, Peter Dreckmeier, policy director for Yosemite Rivers Alliance, thanked staff for a Nov. 5 workshop on the Tuolumne River voluntary agreement and commended the scientific basis report. He urged continued engagement and offered to brief board members on longstanding data he has compiled showing how unimpaired‑flow objectives might be met without major economic impacts.

Chair Joaquin Esquivel acknowledged both commenters, encouraged further civil dialogue and said staff remains open to meeting with requestors to walk through statutory language and evidence.