Firefighters Join Utilities, Cities, Businesses and NGOs in Supporting Water Efficiency Standards for California.
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — California Professional Firefighters (CPF), the state council of the International Association of Firefighters, has expressed their support for Senate Bill 606 (Skinner/Hertzberg) and Assembly Bill 1668 (Friedman) over concerns about availability of water supplies during wildfire emergencies.
Natural Resources Defense Council announced today that CPF is joining Metropolitan Water District, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, the cities of Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Roseville–and dozens of businesses and nonprofit environmental and equity groups–in supporting the legislation.
The bills would scale up water efficiency, curb water waste and improve drought planning for vulnerable communities.
Efficiency is the most cost-effective way to meet water needs, and this legislation will ensure future water supply projects are sized to maximize value and maintain water affordability for all Californians.
"We made tremendous progress in water efficiency measures during the drought, and we’re guaranteed to face another one in the future.
This legislation will set California up for a more secure water future as climate change brings more hot and dry periods.
Climate change will also bring more severe wildfires, and that is why CPF is supporting SB 606 and AB 1668.
"Extreme heat waves and fires in California; extreme rain in Texas; extreme drought in the Dakotas; massive hurricane damage in Florida," said Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve.
Smart water efficiency measures and better water shortage planning, promoted in SB 606 and AB 1668, are key elements of preparing for climate change."