The health of Californians and their right to safe water took a major step forward yesterday when AB 685 (Eng), the Human Right to Water Act, was successfully sent to Governor Brown for consideration. In simple, straight forward language, the bill clarifies that California prioritizes water usage for basic human needs.
“There are still steps to take in making AB 685 law, but yesterday&rsquo ;s decisive Assembly vote sent an important message of solidarity to California communities struggling to address their toxic tap water,” said Alecia Sanchez, Policy Director for the California Center for Public Health Advocacy. “It says you are not forgotten. You are not invisible. No one should be without water. AB 685 affirms that California agrees.”The SWA is also pleased that AB 1830 (Perez, V.M.) passed out of the Assembly to the Governor. Part of the Human Right to Water bill package, AB 1830 ensures that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is authorized to provide mobile home park residents with meaningful protections against unreasonable and unjust rates for water services.
The Safe Water Alliance is a dynamic group of faith-based, environmental justice, tribal, consumer, and public health advocates working across the state to realize the human right to water in California. The goal is to ensure all residents have reliable access to safe, affordable and sufficient water for a dignified human existence. – Press Report Alecia Sanchez
