WILPF Supports California Water Legislation

 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom

United States Section

11 Arlington St. Boston, MA 02116

Tel: 617-266-0999 Email: web(at)wilpf.org

Website: www.wilpf.org

The Honorable Jared Huffman                           

Chair, Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife
State Capitol
Sacramento, CA 95814

April 21, 2009

RE: Support AB 1242 (Ruskin-Jones)

Dear Assemblymember Huffman:

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section, wholeheartedly supports AB 1242 that would amend the California State Water Code to read that "every human being has the right to clean and accessible water on an equitable basis".

Access to clean, safe and affordable water is a fundamental human right essential to our personal, family and community health.  Clean water is essential for healthy ecosystems on which we all depend for life and livelihood and for a robust economy.

AB 1242 establishes a right to water for basic human needs as a policy of the state of California. By doing so, and requiring that State Agencies comply, AB 1242 will ensure that future regulations, grant programs, and agency practices are designed to move California forward towards a day when everyone in California can safely fill a glass of water from their tap and drink it without fear of becoming sick.

AB 1242 will not only affect Californians, but will also set an important precedent for the human right to water in the United States and internationally, and we urge you to pass this legislation.

Thank you,

Nancy Munger

Co-President, WILPF, US Section