ACWA Members Urged to Contact Their Representatives and Ask Them to Co-Sponsor HR 2969

U.S. Rep. Lois Capps (D-23) has introduced HR 2969, the Water Systems Adaptation Partnerships Act of 2009. California Reps. Jim Costa (D-20), Doris Matsui (D-5), George Miller (D-7), and Grace Napolitano (D-38) joined Capps in introducing the bill.

In order to elevate the visibility of this bill and increase its chance of being considered during the upcoming floor debate on climate change issues, ACWA urges you to contact your congressional representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the bill. 

HR 2969 would establish a grant program at EPA to help water agencies plan for and adapt to climate change by offering competitive grants for water conservation and efficiency efforts, water recycling projects, and other initiatives designed to improve water system resiliency to climate change. Additionally, the bill recognizes the link between water and energy use and promotes energy efficiency measures and the use and generation of renewable energy in the water treatment and distribution systems.

The floor debate on climate issues could happen at the end of the week so we ask that your letter be sent by close of business Thursday, June 25.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The [name of water agency] supports HR 2969, the Water System Adaptation Partnerships Act of 2009, and urges you to sign on as a co-sponsor to this legislation.

Our agency is concerned about the potential impact of climate change on California's water delivery system. Mountain snowpack serves as a natural reservoir and is particularly sensitive to climate variability. Additionally, rising sea levels will increase saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and estuaries. Higher salinity will degrade water quality and threaten fragile ecosystems, such as the Bay-Delta.

This bill will help water agencies plan for and adapt to climate change by offering competitive grants for water conservation and efficiency efforts, water recycling projects, and other initiatives designed to improve water system resiliency to climate change. Additionally, the bill recognizes the link between water and energy use and promotes energy efficiency measures and the use and generation of renewable energy in the water treatment and distribution systems.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 23, 2009