EXETER, CA – California Citrus Mutual announced in a press release that it applauds Governor Brown’s funding for safe and clean drinking water, which he included in his 2018-2019 budget proposal, on behalf of California’s citrus industry.
The proposition, known as the California Safe Drinking Water Act or SB 623, Monning, has received broad support from health and environmental groups, according to a press release, as well as from agricultural groups. This bill looks to allow the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund to establish a special fund within the State Water Board which would provide grants, loans, and support to communities and households working to secure affordable drinking water.
“We commend the Governor for his commitment to creating a long-term solution that ensures all Californians have access to safe and clean drinking water," California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelsen said in the release. "For decades, farmers have worked side-by-side with the University of California to improve farming practices and eliminate the potential for nitrates to reach the groundwater."
Nelsen continued, "Unfortunately, due to the wide array of naturally occurring contaminants present in the groundwater, up to one million Californians throughout the State are without clean drinking water. Together with our partners in the health, environmental, and agricultural industries we applaud Governor Brown for his leadership and urge the legislature to join together in solving this issue once and for all.”
This bill proposes $4.7 million for the State Water Board and Department of Food and Agriculture for implementation, development, and assessment in 2018 and 2019.
