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Support Requested for Comprehensive Water Package
Support Requested for Comprehensive Water Package Letters Needed to Urge Legislators to Take Action This Session With less than a month to go in the legislative session, lawmakers are turning their focus to water and its many challenging issues. The Senate and Assembly water committees began a series of informational hearings this week on a package of five pre-print bills aimed at addressing the Delta, water conservation and water use. Governor Schwarzenegger sent a letter to Democratic legislative leaders yesterday expressing concern with the pre-print package and its ability to meet its stated goals. He made it clear he will not sign any package that does not implement a comprehensive solution. The governor’s criteria for a comprehensive solution are consistent with policies adopted by ACWA’s Board of Directors. ACWA believes the pre-print package being discussed DOES NOT constitute a comprehensive package that the water community can support. ACWA is urging its members to contact their legislators NOW and ask them to work with ACWA and the water community to develop a truly comprehensive package that can achieve the goals of a more reliable water supply and healthy Delta ecosystem. Action to Take Write a letter to your Assembly and Senate members underscoring the urgent need for action this session. The letter should make it clear that the pre-print package is not a comprehensive package the water community can support, and ask that the Legislature work with ACWA and the water community to develop a truly comprehensive package. Key message points are below. For questions regarding this ACWA’s position on a comprehensive water package, please contact Ron Davis, ACWA’s state legislative director, at rdavis@acwa.com, or Jennifer Persike, ACWA’s director of strategic coordination and public affairs, at jpersike@acwa.com, or call 916-441-4545.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , (Your agency's name here) is writing to convey our strong support for action this year on a comprehensive water package to address the Delta and improve the sustainability of California's water system. As you know, the Delta and our water supply system are in a crisis that requires action. Every day that goes by without a solution is another day of lost water supply and further deterioration of the Delta ecosystem. We can't afford further delays in addressing this crisis, which threatens not only the environment but the water supplies so critical to our economy. The pre-print package discussion in informational hearings and a potential conference committee does not constitute a comprehensive package that the water community can support. It is vital that members of the Legislature work with the Association of California Water Agencies and the water community to develop and advance a truly comprehensive water package that includes the following elements: A commitment to the co-equal goals of improved water supply reliability and ecosystem health A conveyance solution in the Delta Investments in additional water storage (both surface and groundwater) to be operated for the co-equal values Substantial investments in local resources development, including conservation, water recycling and groundwater management Delta governance mechanisms that solve rather than create problems A financing element that provides funding to pay for the public share of infrastructure costs and other programs consistent with the beneficiaries pay principle (Your water district's name here) respectfully urges you to continue working on this issue. A comprehensive water package that meets the co-equal goals of a reliable water supply and a healthy Delta ecosystem is in the best interest of all Californians. The time for action is now. Sincerely,
Sincerely, |
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