Thursday, April 16, 2009

Californians--support AB 1242, the Human Right to Water Bill

Californians, letters are due by Tuesday, April 21 to support your state's bill, AB 1242 the "Human Right to Water" bill.

The Alliance for Democracy has signed-on as a co-sponsor of AB 1242 to amend the State Water Code to read: "every human being has the right to clean and accessible water on an equitable basis…."

AB 1242 also requires that state agencies conform their policies and practices to do so. In practical terms, this bill will ensure that agencies prioritize the provision of potable water in their grant programs and regulations.

AB 1242 will not only affect Californians, but will also build the movement for the human right to water in the United States and internationally.

Please, to show your support of AfD as co-sponsor, consider sending without delay - a letter of support for AB 1242 (Ruskin-Jones) the "Human Right to Water" bill. Please add your local California address along with your signature, and fax your letter to the following numbers:

  • Chairman Jared Huffman, Water, Parks and Wildlife: (916) 319-2196. The bill will be heard in this committee on April 28.
  • Assembly Member Ruskin: (916) 319-2121, so that, as author of the bill, he knows how much support this bill is receiving.
Please also email a copy to Nancy Price at nancytprice@juno.com. If you have questions, call Nancy at: 530-758-0726.

And don't forget to look at our new website: www.defendingwaterincalifornia.org

Amended bill text:

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION. 1. Section 106.3 is added to the Water Code, to read:
106.3. (a) It is hereby declared to be the established policy of the state that every human being has the right to clean and accessible water on an equitable basis, that is adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family, and that no one shall be deprived of that access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstances.
(b) Relevant state agencies, including the department, the state board, and the State Department of Public Health, shall employ all feasible means to implement this state policy. Those state agencies shall revise, adopt, or establish policies, regulations, and grant criteria to further this state policy.
(c) This section shall apply to water supplies for individuals and not for new development.
(d) The implementation of this section shall not infringe on the rights or responsibilities of any local or regional water agency or municipality.

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