Tell Your Legislators: Don't Be Bullied into a Bad Water Deal

When my five year olds don't get what they want, they stomp their feet and threaten to throw their toys. Why am I telling you this? Because Governor Schwarznegger is apparently doing the same thing, except instead of talking about toys, he's playing games that will impact the lives of Californians.

Please tell your legislator to not be bullied into supporting a deeply flawed approach to our water challenges.

California has serious water issues that must be addressed, but it has to be done the right way. Governor Schwarznegger wants to push through a package that would include dams and lead to the construction of a massive canal. These projects will cost billions of taxpayer dollars and not address California's long term water needs. They are a bad deal for consumers and the environment.

Last month, the legislature stood up to the Governor and refused to pass a flawed water package. Now Governor Schwarzenegger is threatening to veto 700 bills - every bill passed by the legislature on issues ranging from education to the environment - if he doesn't get his way.

Please take a minute to urge your legislators to not be pressured into supporting a water package that could cost billions of dollars and harm our already fragile environment. 

Your letter is important. Senate President Pro Tem Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Bass have said that a deal could be reached by Friday.

We need legislative action to ensure that the future water needs of ALL Californians are met, but water is too serious an issue to be playing games over. Legislators should   insist on a package that is cost-effective, equitable, and environmentally sound.

We can meet the needs of California's water demands by increasing conservation and conservation incentives, fixing leaking infrastructure pipes, increasing water recycling, cleaning polluted groundwater, and promoting greater water efficiency in agriculture.  We do not need a rush job on a costly water package. Please tell your legislator to not be bullied into supporting a deeply flawed approach to our water challenges.

Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer organization based in Washington, D.C., works to ensure clean water and safe food in the United States and around the world.  We challenge the corporate control and abuse of our food and water resources by empowering people to take action and transforming the public consciousness about what we eat and drink.  For more information, visit www.foodandwaterwatch.org.

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