PRESS RELEASE: C-WIN Supports November Water Bond – With Reservations
Californians Should Vote for Upcoming Bond, but Track Key Elements
In November, Californians will vote on the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, which was approved in July by the California legislature. The California Water Impact Network (C-WIN) supports voter approval of this $10 billion bond, but advises rigorous oversight of its implementation.
“First, our state legislators should be commended for supporting a bond that funds the climate change responses needed for an equitable society and sustainable environment,” said Max Gomberg, a water policy expert and C-WIN board member.
Gomberg cited the $610 million earmarked for safe drinking water as a particularly important component of the bond.
“Safe drinking water is a basic human right and foundational to good public health, but there are many disadvantaged communities in California that don’t have access to it,” Gomberg observed. “This bond is a good step toward correcting these inequalities.”
Gomberg also observed the bond addresses a wide range of climate change and conservation challenges, including sustainable energy, wildfire, drought preparedness, and sea level rise.
“There is also significant funding for other programs beneficial to all Californians, including habitat preservation and restoration, park creation, and sustainable farming initiatives,” Gomberg said.
But Gomberg also said public oversight is essential for some elements of the bond.
“We’re especially concerned about groundwater storage,” he said. “Storing and equitably managing groundwater is central to any fair and rational California water policy. Abundant groundwater reserves can improve water security, prevent land subsidence, and take some of the pressure off surface sources. This bond provides a lot of money toward that end – $310 million.”
But groundwater storage must be approached carefully to ensure its distribution is fair and broadly beneficial, Gomberg stated.
“The big problem is that powerful contractors and water districts often argue they have legal control over a groundwater basin if they contribute to its recharge,” Gomberg said. “That clearly works against the public interest. We have to ensure that the extremely large distribution of public funds that will result from this bond doesn’t further empower the few, the rich and the politically connected over millions of struggling California ratepayers and taxpayers, tribal communities, and the environment.”
CONTACT
Max Gomberg
(415) 310-703
maxgombergca@gmail.com
Christina Speed
Communications Director
(805) 259-7983
info.cwin@gmail.com