Human Right to Water Act Passed by California State Assembly, on to Senate

In another legislative victory for water access in California, the State Assembly voted on May 28, 2009, to approve AB 1242, the Human Right to Water Act of 2009. The vote is a major step toward ensuring the right to water in a state where over 150,000 lack access to safe and affordable water. It now goes to the California State Senate — and we need your help to move it!

Among the 54 members voting in favor (with just 24 against) was Assemblymember Ira Ruskin, the bill's author.

Co-sponsored by the UU Legislative Ministry Action Network , UUSC, and other grassroots groups, this piece of state legislation is the first of its kind in the United States. AB 1242 would amend the California Water Code with a clear guarantee:

Every human being has the right to clean, affordable, and accessible water on an equitable basis, that is adequate for the health and wellbeing of the individual and family.

In the coming months, AB 1242 will be heard before the Senate Natural Resources Committee, where Senator Fran Pavley, known for authoring ground-breaking climate change legislation, is chair.

If passed by the Senate, this legislation would represent a big step toward eventually establishing the human right to water for all Americans, tipping the scale in favor of a guaranteed human right to water.

The legislation is supported by many of UUSC's partners and allies, including the Alliance for Democracy, Community Water Center, Environmental Justice Coalition on Water, Food & Water Watch, and Urban Semillas. Since the bill's introduction, additional organizations have signed on as supporters, including the California Teachers Association, California Nurses Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club California. The current list of supporters is provided in a fact sheet about the legislation [PDF].

Visit Right-to-Water Legislation Advances in California to learn more about the bill, including information about steps that supporters can take to ensure its passage. If you have contacts, friends, or family in California, ask them to write a letter!

How to Write a Letter in Support of AB 1242 Human Right to Water

Use our sample letter [PDF] or draft your own letter to show your support for AB 1242! Fax a copy of your letter to the UULM office at (916) 441-0015.