Issue Position: Clean Water

Issue Position

Clean air and clean water are the most important legacy we can leave the next generation and energy and water are closely tied. In an era of more demand for clean water we need to ensure that water conservation is practiced in all sectors and that we protect clean water from contamination by toxic chemicals. Preventing intrusion of toxics will always be easier, cheaper and less impactful on our other needs than expensive and difficult clean-ups later.

The coming impacts of global warming demand that we focus on protection and restoration of wetlands. The San Francisco Bay and the wildlife habitat that it provides, is critical to our economy and to the health of our communities. Allowing construction of new communities on restorable Bay wetlands, such as has been proposed at Redwood City, is the wrong thing to do. Bay wetlands are the best protection against the future impacts of climate change and rising sea levels ad must be preserved and enhanced.

Our ocean and Bay coastlines should be protected through comprehensive regulation of toxic chemicals, their shipment and shipment of petroleum. Adequate safeguards, particularly for chemical shipments are not in place.

Better solutions to California's water needs are available than what is represented in the statewide water bond proposed for the November 2012 ballot. We need comprehensive solutions that are openly negotiated, provide environmental protections and protect the public against significant public safety challenges and financial hardships that could occur in the event there is a major earthquake before adequate protections are in place.

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